Job Description

Position: Eye to Eye Student Affinity Group Advisor ;Temporary

Work Site: Ashland Middle School

Salary: $1,036 - $2,072

JOB SUMMARY

An Affinity Group is made up of a) people who share a common identifier, ie: race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc., and b) peer allies. Affinity members can speak from the "I" perspective about being a participant in that group which allows for an exploration of one's own identity, a celebration of shared identity, and a place to discuss, and address some of the common challenges faced by members of the group. Allies stand in support and solidarity with the people who share the common identifier and follow the community agreements created by the group. Affinity groups are open to all students. The Affinity Group Advisor coordinates and facilitates group meetings that are safe and fun space for students. Each affinity group is expected to meet for a minimum of 150 minutes per month.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

Professional Development

• In District:
• Attend affinity group advisor orientation
• Quarterly collaboration meetings with other affinity group advisors
• Annually pass the District's required online training by the assigned due date.
• Regional:
• Attend monthly affinity group advisors PLC hosted by the SOESD

Coordination

• Attend work regularly and be punctual.
• While working collaboratively with others, implement decisions within ASD-established policies and procedures.
• Schedule meeting times and locations with site administrator approval
• If meetings occur outside of school hours, be sure to have contact information for the administrator on campus in case you need assistance
• If virtual location, set up calendar invites with Zoom link
• Coordinate participant invitations
• Identify potential student participants using available student data and working with office manager as needed
• Draft and send email and hard copy invites to potential student participants, always using BCC and envelopes to ensure confidentiality
• Utilize the school's established means of inviting students to participate in activities of interest: lunch table sign-ups, school newsletters, hallway posters, etc
• Invite new members via the networks of current group members
• Be mindful of group membership and redefine who the group is for, if necessary
• Keep confidential records of meeting attendance and activities for each meeting
• Manage materials
• Each affinity group under this job description and accompanying stipend will receive funds to pay for snacks, materials, and activities. It is the advisor's responsibility to plan for the year and stay within the allotted budget
• Arrange the details for purchases and orders, complete reimbursement paperwork, and submit to site office manager
• With Administrator oversight, review and vet any reading materials, video clips, etc before sharing with groups.

Communication

• Without breaking confidentiality, work with the school administrator, and SOESD SOBASS/Indian Ed. specialists, and Equity & Learning Administrator if needed, to communicate:
• Building or district-level issues
• Updates about the group
• Need for support in facilitating group
• Need for support in the group's collective action plans
• Advocacy for the group in school and community settings
• Provide photos, updates, news of the existence, purpose, and accomplishments of the group to the Site Administrator for inclusion in school newsletters and website news.
• Share information with students about upcoming regional events hosted by SOESD, SOU, and other community groups geared to each affinity group
• Professionally represent the school and District in interactions with parents, community members, staff, and students, and resolve conflict professionally.

Facilitation

• In the initial meeting, lay out the purpose of the group, and create community agreements with participant input
• Structure the meeting as appropriate for grade level, time allotted, and expressed needs of the group
• Facilitate community-building and social-emotional well-being of the group
• Facilitate sharing of lived experience, invite group celebration and support
• Assist students in processing difficult topics, issues, and discussions
• Plan for collective action, utilizing district policy and practices, such as:
• Hold an event for student participation within the larger school community
• Share salient themes with a school administrator (without breaking confidentiality)
• Other leadership projects as determined by the group
• Solicit feedback from group members via the SOESD satisfaction survey, and adjust accordingly. Submit survey results to the District and SOESD as part of ongoing applications to funding sources
• Work with site administrator to coordinate guest speakers at affinity group meetings
• Ensure non-staff guest speakers complete the volunteer approval process prior to meeting with students
• Coordinate student participation in regional events hosted by the SOESD, SOU, and community groups
• All secondary affinity groups can meet as often as desired but must meet for 150 minutes each month as a minimum

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We believe that every individual makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited to assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to define primary duties, qualifications and job scope but should not limit the incumbent nor the organization to the work identified. It is our expectation that every employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the District's goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

All school employees have some responsibility for supervising students and assisting in maintaining a safe environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Current employees of the Ashland School District are strongly preferred. If no current employee is able to lead an affinity group, a community member can be hired as an employee to fill this role
• Personally identify with the same affinity as students in the affinity group, or demonstrate a strong allyship for the particular affinity group.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others including understanding and being understood. While much of the work will be completed in an office environment, the employee will need to move between buildings, visiting sites throughout the district. This position requires use of a variety of digital systems, software, and hardware. This position may require some travel outside the district.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, but occasionally high depending upon activities. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employee may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

VALUES

The district is focused on eliminating systemic racism and its impact on student learning. ASD is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The district prohibits discrimination based on race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service. Ashland Public Schools is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable, pursuant to relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Ashland School District appreciates the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups and their roles in society. It is the policy of the Ashland School District Board of Education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups on the grounds of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, in any educational programs, activities or employment.

Family and Medical Leave Rights:

English: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf

Spanish: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlasp.pdf