Program Specialist Jobs in Utah

Category:

Licensed

Department: Federal and State Programs

Location: Canyons Administrative Bldg. (300 E)
9361 South 300 East
Sandy, Utah 84070

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay Rate: Salary Schedules

Job Title: Federal & State Programs Specialist: Student and Family Support

Supervisor: Federal & State Programs Administrator

Lane Placement: Licensed Salary Schedule

Schedule: 8 hr/242 days

Evaluation Group: CTESS

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Elementary or Secondary License acceptable.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Federal & State Programs’ (FSP) Specialist: Student and Family Support plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, welcoming school environment for multilingual and Native American students and their families. This position coordinates comprehensive support services including student onboarding and family engagement initiatives that foster meaningful connections between school and home. The specialist develops and delivers professional learning to staff on culturally responsive practices, Title program compliance, and trauma-informed support strategies. Another key responsibility will be maintaining accessible resources and information for educators, students, and families. Working collaboratively with school and community stakeholders, this role ensures students and families receive equitable access to services, feel valued and supported, and successfully integrate into the school community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Student Onboarding & Support:

• Manage and support activities for registration events involving multiple languages
• Coordinate and oversee the onboarding procedures for newcomer students and their families
• Create materials and systems to orient new multilingual families and students to available support services, resources, and the school system.
• Analyze FSP student mentor documentation to identify trends and develop essential resources that facilitate effective transitions into college and career pathways.
• Collaborate with the data specialist and FSP student mentors to manage the creation and implementation of protocols that assist schools and students during intra-district transitions.
• Serve as an advocate for students from underrepresented backgrounds to increase awareness and bolster participation in the CSD Innovation Center and CTE pathway programs
• Partner with the CSD Innovation Center and the CTE Department to pinpoint and address barriers to student involvement, while developing resources that facilitate student success across programs

Language Support & Translation Services:

• Collaborate with Title III staff to evaluate and implement new translation technologies, determining appropriate applications for the district and individual schools.
• Provide basic technical support to schools using translation technology and tools (TimeKettle, Microsoft Translate iPad, Linguistica, etc.)
• Oversee the FSP ML/Newcomer Dashboard as a central hub for district guidelines and support; perform annual content reviews and quarterly link maintenance to ensure reliability for school staff.
• Partner with the Assistant Director in the creation and execution of training programs and protocols for interpreters

Family Engagement & Communication:

• Provide families and students with access to information in their preferred languages
• Implement multiple family outreach strategies: ParentSquare messaging, phone calls, parent focus groups, and workshops at community school sites and Family Learning Centers, etc. to maintain open communication, gather family input, and foster engagement
• Create resources and host culturally relevant programming (such as the LIA Banquet, field trips, and Winter/Spring Gatherings) tailored to the needs of Native American and multilingual families and students
• Work in partnership with fellow FSP specialists to create and disseminate educational materials and training opportunities for families and parents

Resource & Professional Development:

• Collaborate with the FSP department to create and provide professional learning opportunities for school personnel focused on cultural competence, supporting multilingual students, trauma-informed strategies, and Title program compliance.
• Design and deliver both in-person and asynchronous training sessions for educators, interpreters, office personnel, and parents to support schools with Title regulations and programmatic requirements.
• Maintain and modernize department web pages to ensure training resources remain current while improving user navigation and visual appeal.
• Partner with the department's grant writer to seek out and apply for state, federal, and private grant funding that advances newcomer assistance and Title VI programs.
• Manage financial resources allocated for wrap-around services and the education of Title VI and multilingual learners.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Other duties as assigned.

This description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an employee assigned to this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge and experience requirements; the machines, tools and equipment used; background; and any licenses or certifications required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Background/experience in education roles, such as teaching, counseling, or coaching
• Experience working with and/or supporting learners from diverse backgrounds or communities
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Understanding of federal and state education laws, regulations, and grant programs with specific expertise in Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title VI requirements and compliance
• Experience applying evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions to support at-risk student populations
• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, including data analysis, dashboard management, and resource creation
• Experience facilitating adult learning
• Exceptional skills in problem-solving, analysis, and organization
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the capacity to engage effectively with individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds

Personal Qualities:

• Capable of taking initiative and performing duties independently or as part of a team effectively with minimal oversight
• Ability to build authentic, trusting partnerships with families and local communities
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the experiences and needs of multilingual families and students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Commitment to protecting the privacy of sensitive, restricted, and/or confidential information
• Must be fingerprinted and clear a criminal background check

NOTE: The Administration reserves the right to require specific training for this position. However, depending upon the type and quality of prior work experience and availability of formal training programs, some exchanges can be made between training and experience.

Physical Requirements

Possesses the physical, mental, and emotional stability to work under stressful conditions, including but not limited to: deadlines, contract requirements, inspection requirements, interaction with critical personnel, interaction with parents and community members, and consistent changes in the educational profession.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions listed above with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requires the ability to lift a minimum of ten (10) pounds.

Possess the physical, mental, and emotional stability to work under stressful conditions, including but not limited to: deadlines, contract requirements, inspection requirements, and interaction with critical personnel.

Note: This list of essential and marginal functions and of physical requirements is not exhaustive and may be supplemented in accordance with the requirements of the job.

All employees are required to participate in the District evaluation process. It is the employee’s responsibility to review and adhere to all district policies and procedures. This information may be reviewed at www.canyonsdistrict.org

Americans with Disability Act: If reasonable accommodations are needed to assist you with the application or hiring process please contact the Canyons School District office of Legal Services at 801-826-5061, Fax 801-826-5098 or mailing address 9361 S. 300 E., Sandy, UT 84070.

CANYONS SCHOOL DISTRICT is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of employment qualifications without regard to race, color, political affiliation, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition or handicap. Inquiries regarding Canyons School District’s hiring practices may be addressed to: Director of Human Resources, Canyons School District, 9361 South 300 East, Sandy, UT 84070.