The Family Engagement & Outreach Specialist

Position Overview

The Family Engagement & Outreach Specialist supports Zone 126’s mission by serving as a consistent point of contact between families and the school community. This role focuses on parent outreach, communication, and engagement, ensuring families are aware of and connected to available supports including food pantry services, after school programming, and family engagement events. The Specialist plays a key role in strengthening trust with families and increasing participation in school and community programming.

Essential Responsibilities

Family Outreach and Communication

• Conduct weekly outreach to parents and caregivers via phone calls, text, WhatsApp, and in person conversations to share information about upcoming programs, resources, and events
• Support translation and bilingual communication to ensure families receive information in accessible ways
• Maintain updated contact lists and assist with outreach tracking and follow ups
• Serve as a friendly and trusted point of contact for families seeking support or information

Family Engagement and Event Support

• Support weekly food pantry distributions by greeting families, assisting with sign in, and sharing information about additional resources
• Promote and support family engagement activities such as workshops, family nights, and 21st Century events
• Assist with event preparation including flyers, sign in sheets, reminders, and day of support
• Help create a welcoming and respectful environment where families feel comfortable engaging with the school

Program Coordination Support

• Support the Community School Director with family engagement logistics for CARE and 21st Century programming
• Share family feedback, needs, and trends with the school team to inform programming
• Assist with basic data collection including attendance, sign in forms, and outreach logs

Community Relationship Building

• Build positive relationships with families through consistent presence and follow up
• Support referrals to internal services or partner organizations as needed
• Represent Zone 126 with professionalism and warmth during family facing activities

Administrative Support

• Complete weekly outreach logs and submit required documentation on time
• Assist with updating flyers, schedules, and communication materials
• Perform other family engagement related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma required, some college preferred
• Experience working with families, schools, or community-based organizations preferred
• Bilingual Spanish strongly preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• The ideal candidate is personable and has an aptitude for motivating people.
• Ability to speak professionally to staff members, parents, students, and various community partners.
• Ability to plan and carry out assignments independently.
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds when supporting events or food pantry setup

Pre-Employment Requirements

As a condition of employment, candidates receiving a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, clearances, and documentation prior to their start date. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• NYC Public Schools Personnel Eligibility Tracking System (PETS) clearance, as applicable.
• NYC DOHMH IdentoGO fingerprinting for School-Age Child Care (SACC).
• New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Statewide Central Register (SCR) clearance.
• Completion of all required New York State Education Department (NYSED) and OCFS forms and documentation.
• A current medical examination, including required tuberculosis (TB) screening.
• Verification of work authorization and any additional clearances required by FCNY, Zone 126, NYC Public Schools, NYC DOHMH, NYSED, OCFS, DYCD, or other applicable regulatory agencies.

Work Location and Schedule

• School-based role based at Long Island City High School.
• Part time; 7 hours per week
• Some before and after-school hours, weekends, and special event support may be needed with advance notice.

Salary and Benefits

• Hourly Rate $25.00 without room for negotiation.

About Zone 126

Zone 126’s mission is to combat chronic absenteeism by connecting students to youth development programming that builds pathways to college, the workforce, and promising futures.

Zone 126 envisions a community in which all students have the support needed to participate in their education and pursue successful futures that break generational cycles of poverty.

For additional information on our sites and programs, visit www.zone126.org.