Medford Public Schools is investing in the hours after the school day ends. Our Before/After School Programs serve students at four elementary sites with a vision of out-of-school time that goes well beyond supervision: engaging curriculum, dedicated teaching teams, and a learning environment that families can trust. As we grow, we are building a program staffed by educators who take after-school education seriously, and we are looking for people who want to help shape what that looks like in Medford.

Position Summary

The Family Engagement Specialist serves as the vital link between home and school for K–5 families at one of our four sites. After a long school day, caregivers need clear communication, warm trust, and complete confidence that their children are safe, supported, and known. You will design and manage the site’s family touchpoints, operational safety, and arrival/dismissal routines with an advocate's eye for family needs and an educator's eye for student well-being. Your work should welcome a new family on day one and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with returning families throughout the school year.

Core Responsibilities

Welcome every family on purpose. Build entry points for caregivers to connect, managing the front desk with warmth while handling intake, daily updates, and proactive outreach for students needing additional supports.

Master student safety and movement. Manage daily attendance and dismissal records, track internal student movement, and run a secure, smooth pick-up routine that accounts for every child, every day.

Tell the program’s story. Gather classroom highlights, staff updates, and student voices to craft engaging updates and program newsletters that keep families connected to their child’s experience.

Bridge home and school. Partner with school-day staff, site educators, and district partners to ensure individualized support plans, medical alerts, and sensitive home situations are handled with care and continuity.

Co-lead site operations. Keep the front desk and administrative systems organized, support daily program operations, and jump in flexibly wherever needed to keep the site running smoothly.

Qualifications

You have a bachelor's degree (preferred, not required) in Education, Social Work, Human Services, Communications, or a related field, or experience that demonstrates applicable knowledge.
You have planned and delivered family-facing communication, intake, or administrative support in school, out-of-school-time, or community-based settings.
Strong group and desk management. You can balance a busy dismissal period, answer family questions, and maintain absolute precision with student safety records.
Comfortable with relational problem-solving, culturally responsive communication, and navigating sensitive family situations with empathy and confidentiality.
Excellent communicator with students, staff, families, and school partners across diverse backgrounds.
CPR/First Aid certified (or willingness to obtain) and meet MPS background check requirements.

Compensation

A salaried, full-time position with a starting salary of $55,000.
186 days per year (follows MPS calendar—180 school days, 5 days before the school year, and 1 day after).
Reports to the respective Before/After School Site Director.
Real ownership of family engagement and site logistics at your site.
Membership in a growing out-of-school time program that the district is actively investing in.

Questions can be sent to before-afterschool@medford.k12.ma.us.