Posting Timeline

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine. This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Position Details

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS . With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service. 504 Coordinator: Katie Loewen, , 503-916-3337 x63337 ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno,, 503-916-3360 Director of Civil Rights: Dr. Bobby Cruz, , 503-839-3660 Basic Function: The Student Success Advocate – OHP Outreach and Enrollment Specialist serves as a trusted connector between PPS students, families, and health-related services. This position is focused on ensuring student success by addressing barriers related to health care access, including applying for and navigating health insurance benefits through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The Advocate works in partnership with school staff, community providers, and families to ensure students are supported, engaged, and prepared to thrive in school.

Representative Duties: This description does not describe all duties performed. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed. Conduct outreach activities to inform students and families of health coverage options and methods of applying, including assisting with Oregon Health Plan applications and renewals, if eligible, or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Identify students facing challenges related to health and well-being; provide referrals and warm hand-offs to appropriate school or community resources. Work closely with counselors, social workers, school nurses, school health assistants, and community partners to reduce barriers to care and support student attendance, engagement, and achievement. Maintain accurate documentation of outreach efforts, services provided, and follow-up actions in alignment with district policies and funding requirements. Implement culturally and linguistically responsive engagement strategies to ensure equitable access for all PPS students and families. Build positive relationships with students and families, grounded in trust, empathy, and respect. Support family engagement activities, community events, and schoolwide initiatives that improve navigation of health insurance systems and promote health insurance literacy. Maintain certification as required by the Oregon Health Authority to become an application assister Participate in professional learning and training related to student engagement, health navigation, and district systems. Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Racial Equity and Social Justice Commitment by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community. Note: See the Classification Specification which identifies essential duties required. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Knowledge and Abilities: The following knowledge and abilities are in addition to those outlined in the classification. Knowledge of: Oregon Health Plan (OHP) eligibility, enrollment, and renewal processes Social determinants of health and how they intersect with educational access Community-based health, mental health, and social service systems Trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive engagement strategies PPS systems, student support services, and school-community partnerships FERPA, HIPAA, and relevant privacy/confidentiality guidelines Best practices in health navigation and family advocacy Local community resources and culturally specific organizations serving diverse populations Barriers to health access experienced by underserved communities, including BIPOC, immigrant, multilingual, and low-income families Ability to: Build trusting relationships with students and families from diverse backgrounds Assist families in completing applications, forms, and documents for OHP and related services Coordinate with school-based and external providers to reduce barriers to care Identify and respond to student and family needs related to health, wellness, and basic stability Communicate effectively and compassionately in one-on-one, small group, and community settings Maintain accurate records while respecting confidentiality and complying with reporting requirements Facilitate culturally responsive outreach, education, and engagement activities Work collaboratively with PPS departments, school sites, and community organizations Operate with flexibility, empathy, and persistence in navigating complex service systems Use common technology platforms for data entry, communication, and case documentation Education and Experience: Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in health, social work, or education-related field preferred. Work experience may be a substitute for a degree. Experience: Two (2) years of experience working with youth and families in a culturally and linguistically diverse environment. Any other combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered. Special Requirements: Some positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Oregon driver’s license.

Working Conditions: The working conditions are outlined in the job classification for the position and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability. Remote Work Eligibility: not eligible FLSA:  Non-Exempt Classification:  Student Success Advocate Bargaining Unit:  Non-Represented Salary Grade:  18; $51,156 - $61,083 Work Year(s): 192

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance. Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.