Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.

Job Title: Student Enrollment & Retention Specialist-Spanish  and Requisition ID number: 102486

Close Date:  No established closing date;  open until filled

Organizational Unit:  Student Placement Services (10000981) 

Site:  Davis Center (0001) 

FTE:  1.0; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  AFSCME(29) 

Functional Area:  Clerical 

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

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Bilingual Spanish 

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, creates and implements new recruitment and retention strategies to assist in the continued growth of enrollment at MPS. Serves as a resource for families in the selection of a school that will maximize their students’ potential and meet their multi-lingual and multi-cultural needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Counsels students and families on school choice options that best meet student’s academic needs and adheres to MPS policies and procedures; provides culturally competent counsel in home language to students and families.
• Supports and initiates best practices to recruit, support, and retain students by using feedback from surveys, phone calls, and other tools to monitor and improve systems that promote student retention and academic success.
• Prepares and implements recruitment activities for assigned areas; works with students, parents, and alumni of MPS to assist with the recruitment of students/families.
• Improves student retention rate by tracking progress of students through their program and counsels students regarding personal and/or academic issues; refers to other sources of counseling as needed.
• Coordinates evaluation and testing of EL students; assigns EL students to appropriate school; coordinates efforts with Multilingual Department in regard to student services.
• Organizes and presents school choice materials at various outreach meetings and events to include cultural/language specific events.
• Assists with special events, public programs and community meetings.
• Responds to email and telephone inquiries from parents and district employees.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment 
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.); AND four (4) years of experience in customer service, communications, public relations or public education programs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.    

Knowledge of:

• Rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and other governing agencies.
• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Principles and practices of public relations, marketing and public communications.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Local and regional geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks and buildings.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.

Skill in:

• Providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Gathering and compiling data, and reporting findings.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable policies and procedures.
• Conflict-resolution for reaching best outcomes in sensitive situations.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required. 

Some positions may require demonstrated fluency (read, write, speak and comprehend) in either Spanish, Hmong, Somali.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee.  Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.
 
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
 
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | [No Established Closing Date]  | Student Placement Services (10000981)  | Davis Center (0001)  | Clerical