McKinney Vento Liaison

NATURE OF WORK

The McKinney-Vento Liaison is a professional position responsible for supporting the needs of students and families eligible under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The Liaison serves as a critical connection between home, school, and community to identify, address, and reduce barriers that impede the educational progress of McKinney-Vento students. This position requires a high level of confidentiality, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate professionally with co-workers, students, families, and community partners.

• Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters involving students and families.

• Use technology effectively to complete required tasks and documentation.

• Report to work as scheduled and exhibit reliable attendance.

• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate tasks to meet deadlines and program needs.

• Work independently with limited direction and follow complex written and oral instructions.

• Communicate clearly, courteously, and tactfully—both orally and in writing—with staff, students, families, and community members.

• Demonstrate strong time-management skills, initiative, sound judgment, and flexibility.

• Possess familiarity with St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) programs, policies, and procedures.

• Understand post-secondary education systems and the college admissions process.

• Apply project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills to lead and support initiatives.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as an advocate for McKinney-Vento students and families by working collaboratively with community organizations and regional partners to coordinate support services.

• Work with Pupil Personnel Workers to maintain the homeless student database and document services provided.

• Collect, track, and analyze data for assessment, reporting, and monitoring purposes.

• Maintain accurate casework documentation for use by school staff and external agencies.

• Provide clear communication to district residents regarding services and resources available to families experiencing homelessness.

• Ensure immediate enrollment of students identified as homeless and mediate enrollment disputes according to the McKinney-Vento Act.

• Monitor the academic progress of homeless students throughout the school year to ensure full and equitable access to educational opportunities.

• Coordinate and secure eligible educational services, including tutoring and academic support.

• Inform families of available educational and related services and support their meaningful participation in their child’s education.

• Assist families in accessing transportation services and ensure they are aware of available options.

• Disseminate required public notices of educational rights to locations serving homeless students.

• Identify students experiencing homelessness through communication with school staff, home visits, phone calls, and coordination with community providers.

• Maintain detailed records of interactions, living arrangement changes, and transportation needs for homeless students and families.

• Provide training and professional development on McKinney-Vento requirements to district staff and affiliated personnel.

• Order, distribute, and monitor the use of posters, brochures, and materials related to homelessness across district buildings.

• Communicate identified needs of homeless students and families to school administrators.

• Support the development and maintenance of the transitional resources website for homeless students and families.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, public administration, or a related field; or

• Four (4) years of experience in education, community development, or program management.