Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers.  CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.  Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Students in Temporary Living Situations Department advocates for students in temporary living situations. We address barriers to enrollment, transportation, attendance, and retention, and provide students and families with information about available resources. 

We protect the rights of and provide services to pre-kindergarten through 12th grade children and their families who are experiencing homelessness.

Job Summary: This role aligns with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and operates under the supervision of the school principal. The primary duty is to serve as a liaison between the school and the community, performing related tasks as necessary.

The Job Title will be held accountable for the following responsibilities: 

• Identification and Enrollment:
  • Identify students in temporary living situations (STLS) with sensitivity and proactivity.
  • Execute enrollment procedures for STLS students, ensuring immediate enrollment without documentation concerns.
• Transportation Facilitation:
  • Determine transportation eligibility for each STLS student.
  • Implement STLS transportation processes for CTA and hardship transportation.
  • Manage CTA card distribution and inventory.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure compliance with STLS program requirements.
  • Complete all STLS accountability reports accurately and on time.
  • Manage STLS student records in the Aspen Student Information System, ensuring timely and accurate updates.
• Academic Support:
  • Develop student action plans to address underlying issues and barriers to academic success.
  • Monitor attendance and academic performance, utilizing data for informed decision-making.
• Community Engagement:
  • Connect with community-based organizations and local homeless services.
  • Maintain relationships with local shelter providers, housing service providers, and other community-based organizations.
• Collaboration and Dispute Resolution:
  • Collaborate with school and district staff, participating in dispute resolution.
  • Refer and connect students to school-based programs and resources.
• Communication and Evaluation:
  • Maintain ongoing communication with STLS students and parents.
  • Document interventions and evaluate program success.
• Legislation and Policy Adherence:
  • Stay informed about applicable legislation and policies, including the McKinney Vento Act and Every Student Succeeds Acts.
• Student Transitions and Post-Secondary Assistance:
  • Assist with student transitions and matriculation.
  • Provide support for navigating post-secondary options and resources.
• Record Management:
  • Administer tasks to evaluate STLS student, parent, and program success and feedback.
  • Ensure accuracy and compliance with enrollment protocols in STLS student records. 
• Other duties as assigned by Principals and/or other school leaders that are not specific to support for STLS students should not exceed 10% of an STLS Advocate’s time. 

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Job Title must possess the following qualifications: Strong roots in the community and experience supporting students and caregivers struggling with housing instability. Good  knowledge of community organizations and social service agencies, knowledge of CPS and Federal regulations. Ability  to develop strong working relationships with students and caregivers. Empathy for the struggles and needs of our  students. Ability to work with various and diverse community organizations and members; ability to prepare routine  written reports; ability to recognize and respond to community and parents’ concerns and educational interests. Good  human relations skills; excellent oral communication skills; good writing skills. 

Education Required:

• Graduation from an accredited educational institution with a Bachelor's degree required.  

Experience Required:

• Engaging collaboratively with communities and families who are experiencing vulnerability, and providing tailored support and resources to address their unique challenges and foster resilience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of community organizations and social service agencies, along with a solid understanding of CPS and Federal regulations.
• Proven ability to cultivate strong working relationships with both students and caregivers.
• Demonstrated empathy for the struggles and needs of students experiencing housing instability.
• Proficiency in collaborating with diverse community organizations and members.
• Skill in preparing routine written reports to effectively communicate information.
• Ability to recognize and respond to community and parents' concerns and educational interests.
• Strong human relations skills, fostering positive interactions.
• Excellent oral communication skills for effective engagement.
• Competence in written communication, ensuring clear and concise expression of ideas.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.