Family Engagement Learning Specialist

Overview

Join Community and Family Services as a Family Engagement Learning Specialist and strengthen family-school partnerships across South Dakota by providing high-quality training, technical assistance, and support to state, local, tribal, and community education partners. This role plays a key part in advancing parent, family, and community engagement initiatives statewide. The Family Engagement Learning Specialist helps build capacity, elevate evidence-based practices, and empower schools and organizations to better serve students and families.

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) is a public entity that is an educational cooperative under the State of South Dakota. BHSSC is comprised of five divisions dedicated to aiding school districts, individuals, and the communities.

Priority will be given to candidates with experience in elementary education, a background in literacy, demonstrated knowledge of the Science of Reading, and experience or knowledge in school counseling and/or mental health.

Applicants must also provide evidence of successful management of multiple projects.

Wage

$60,000-$65,000 annual salary based on experience

Job Type

Full-Time Exempt

Job Location

Candidates must live in western South Dakota and can work on-site or remotely or a combination thereof. This position does offer flexibility of scheduling dependent upon the contract specifications. This position will require extensive, independent overnight travel across the region and some assignments may require air travel across the country. Some assignments and timelines may require evening and weekend work or travel.

• Provide training, professional development, and technical assistance to schools, educators, families, and community partners to support evidence-based engagement strategies.
• Develop, distribute, and maintain educational materials, digital resources, and program-related communications (e.g., reports, newsletters, assessments).
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with schools, agencies, and community organizations to strengthen family and community engagement efforts.
• Partner with the CFS Division and other BHSSC divisions to design and support programs that promote student success through family and community partnerships.
• Monitor program implementation, review outcomes, and support compliance with performance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Recommend instructional materials, engagement approaches, and community-based activities that support educators and families.
• Increase public awareness of family and community engagement services through outreach, presentations, and collaboration with community groups.
• Maintain accurate documentation, uphold confidentiality standards, and ensure proper use of office technology and tools.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development, and adhere to organizational safety and policy guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support program objectives and organizational goals.

• Deep content knowledge within the field of special education, as well as also being well versed across other content areas.
• Expertise in the area of special education due process compliance, paperwork and law.
• Understanding of statistics, data analysis and application of state and federally collected special education data.
• Self-discipline and the ability to self-start with and without imposed timelines for completion.
• Effective communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to be friendly and empathetic when responding to a wide variety of learning situations.
• Experience with public speaking and a desire to design, build and deliver effective learning experiences for adults.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in an educational setting (preferred).
• Four years of proven experience in education and two years in a leadership role (preferred).
• South Dakota Retirement System

Company Website- Black Hills Special Services Cooperative

• Health, Dental, Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account available with eligible health plans
• South Dakota Retirement System
• Sick Leave

Because BHSSC is an educational cooperative under the State of South Dakota, all employees are required to undergo a criminal background investigation.