Anticipated STLS Advocate

Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

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.

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.

• 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.

To be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the position requires:

• Strong roots in the community and experience supporting students and caregivers struggling with housing instability.
• Good knowledge of community organizations and social service agencies, and familiarity with 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.
• Capability to prepare routine…