BSAP Community Liaison

DESCRIPTION 

The Student Access and Achievement Program supports various school-based acceleration and enrichment programs offered during the school day, after school hours, and beyond the school year. The goal of Student Access and Achievement is to provide support for our school system’s efforts to accelerate the academic achievement of all students, especially Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and multilingual learners.  

The Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Community Liaison is employed through the Howard County Public School System and is assigned to one or more specific schools. Working under the supervision of the BSAP Supervisor and the direction of the school principal, this position collaborates with students, staff, families, and community members to accelerate the academic achievement of all Black/African American students. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education: 

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. (must scan and upload to the online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here.   

Experience: 

• Experience working with Black/African American school-aged children and their families.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Education: 

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, social sciences, or related field. 

Experience: 

• Experience in a PreK-12 public school system 

• Experience analyzing data related to educational outcomes 

• Experience working on equity, advocacy, or related projects. 

• Experience working with community organizations or government agencies. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Collaborate with school staff to implement the school system vision and mission by serving as a communication link between school staff, Black/African American students, and their families.  

• Educate the school community towards a deeper understanding of Black/African American students and their families. 

• Monitor the academic progress of all Black/African American students to ensure appropriate placement in academic program, as well as growth and acceleration of academic achievement.  

• Monitor the behavioral data of all Black/African American students to increase positive learning behaviors that set a foundation for student achievement. 

• Serve as a communication link between school staff and Black/African American students and their families. 

• Engage and facilitate the involvement of Black/African American families in the educational process. 

• Establish relationships with administrators, colleagues, students, and parents that reflect recognition and respect for every individual.  

• Collaborate with non-profits and government agencies to support Black/African American students and their families. 

• Participate in curricular program meetings (such as Gifted and Talented Education, Special Education, and other Student Services) to provide information, support, and feedback to families. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

KNOWLEDGE:  

• Educational Equity & Culturally Responsive Practices: Understanding of systemic educational equity, culturally responsive pedagogy, and research-based strategies designed to accelerate academic achievement and support the social-emotional well-being of Black/African American students.  

• Data Analysis: Understanding data-driven decision-making frameworks and data reporting to measure intervention efficacy and student progress.  

• Community & Family Engagement: Knowledge of best practices for authentically engaging Black/African American families, community stakeholders, and grassroots organizations in the educational process. 

SKILLS: 

• Strategic & Operational Planning: Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously (e.g., Individual case management  

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, families, internal district offices, school-based administrators, and external community partners.  

• Event Planning & Coordination: Skill in organizing, coordinating, and executing small to medium-scale community recognition events and student achievement celebrations. 

• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills.  

• Technology: Proficiency with web-based productivity and collaboration tools (Google Suite preferred or Microsoft Office Suite). 

ABILITIES:   

• Equity-Driven Advocacy: Ability to champion educational equity and serve as a strategic voice for Black/African American students and families within a school building.  

• Cultural Humility & Relationship Building: Ability to establish trust, rapport, and meaningful partnerships with families, community members, and personnel from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.  

• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Ability to navigate complex institutional structures, resolve conflicts, and pivot program strategies to meet the evolving needs of students and the school community.