We’re looking for a Family Connections Specialist to join our team!

Help break the cycle of poverty for low-income students with disabilities. Join The Shadow Project, the nation’s only nonprofit that teams up with educators to advance educational equity for students with disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism. Our mission is to make school accessible and engaging for students who learn differently, so they can reach their full potential—in and out of the classroom.

JOB SUMMARY

The AmeriCorps Connect 2 Complete Family Connections Specialist will support implementation of The Shadow Project’s Reading Mentor program in a portfolio of 4-5 partner schools in our third year of programming in 8 Centennial School District elementary and middle schools, supporting increased engagement and academic growth for children with learning challenges. The member will support culturally-responsive programming through family and community outreach, and will work directly with students who struggle with reading, school attendance and engagement, and social emotional skills. The member will have an opportunity to create new community connections and establish new systems to grow our impact in the Portland, and further our goal to serve children across the state. This position will work approximately 50% on-site in schools, 20% in The Shadow Project office in NE Portland, and up to 30% remote (if desired).

This is a full-time position, serving 1,700 hours over a 10.5-month term.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate Reading Mentoring for a portfolio of 4-5 partner schools in East Multnomah County
• Represent The Shadow Project at school events such as Back-to-School Night, Literacy Night, and reading celebrations
• Develop family engagement strategies for parents of kids with learning challenges and disabilities
• Help teachers use Shadow Project resources in their classrooms
• Support participant data collection and analysis
• Build volunteer engagement in Shadow Project programs
• Participate in AmeriCorps trainings with the Center for Racial and Educational Justice
• Collect and report data in a timely and accurate fashion;
• Support the Operations and Volunteer Coordinator in expanding volunteer program capacity;
• Build relationships with local businesses to obtain in-kind donations of student supplies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years and older
• Demonstrate a commitment to or willingness to explore issues of racial justice and equity
• A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Ability to work independently and be a strong team player 
• Comfortable speaking in public
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to a growing organization
• A sense of service and commitment to The Shadow Project’s mission
• Able to serve 1700 hours September 2024-August 2025
• Ability to pass a criminal history background check
• Valid US driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and access to a car for travel to Shadow’s school sites in Portland and East Multnomah County, or other ability to get to and between portfolio sites
• Proficient in G-Suite applications

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with children grades K-8
• Experience working in collaboration with community members impacted by systemic racism and poverty
• Lived experience in the communities that The Shadow Project serves

BENEFITS

• AmeriCorps Benefits:
  • $30,500 Base living allowance paid twice monthly.
  • $7,395 Education Award upon completion of service term.
  • Loan Forbearance and payment on interest accrued from qualified student loans.
  • Access to AmeriCorps health insurance
• The Shadow Project Benefits:
  • $400/month living allowances subsidy or reimbursement for living expenses. Can include rental assistance, utilities, grocery allowance, or other living expenses.
  • $150 professional development fund.
  • Reimbursement for work-related travel and meals.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and a cover letter to info@shadow-project.org with the subject line “AmeriCorps”. Position will be open until filled.