Job Title:                  Student and Community Advocate
Job Classification:  Full-time hourly non-exempt; 40 hours per week/200 workdays per year
Reports to:               Program Manager
Pay Range:               $23 to $28 per hour DOE
Location:                  Garrison Middle School (Walla Walla, WA)
Start Date:                January 4, 2027 (anticipated)

Application Deadline: November 18, 2026
*Applications will be reviewed upon submission

Summary:
At Communities In Schools, our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. This position is responsible for the overall planning and implementation of the Communities In Schools model of integrated student supports in strong collaboration and partnership with building staff at identified schools. This school-based position identifies and coordinates available community resources and develops new strategies and partnerships to provide additional support to students and their families through confidential, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive interventions, services and supports.

Responsibilities:

• Work with school administrators, staff, teachers and CIS leadership to ensure a team approach to build upon existing strategies and leverage new opportunities to address the academic, behavioral, social, emotional and resource needs of students and their families. 
• Assess community, school, and student assets and needs to develop an annual CIS site plan which identifies goals and leverages existing resources to avoid duplication.
• Implement and coordinate the annual site plan strategies to include periodic monitoring to assess impact and adjust services as necessary.  
• Manage a caseload of individual students identified with school leadership and staff and provide individual supports that meet the unique needs of each student.
• Provide whole school supports available to all students aligned with identified school goals.
• Maintain frequent communication with building leadership regarding activities and progress towards goals. 
• Build and maintain local formal and informal community partnerships to facilitate access to needed resources to meet the needs of students and families.
• Serve as a broader community resource to schools by sharing information and supporting school focused activities such as school orientations, open houses, and family engagement. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of school-wide and targeted strategies through a systematic data collection process and report progress to school leadership and community partners. 
• Maintain a positive image by understanding and demonstrating the CIS mission, goals and initiatives within the school and community.
• Support local and regional partnership and resource development, by providing content for grant proposals, marketing opportunities and hosting site visits as requested.

• Equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of relevant work experience; AA degree with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 4 years of relevant work experience. 
• Strong relationship-building skills, particularly with disengaged youth and their families. This can be demonstrated through work experience, volunteer experience and/or formalized education.
• Demonstrated experience working with youth, knowledge of and passion for youth development.   
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, students, parents, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to work with people of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. 
• Resourceful – able to identify multiple solutions to presenting issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid Washington state driver’s license, access to reliable transportation and proof of adequate vehicle insurance coverage.
• Must be available to work occasional nights or weekends to support school or CIS events.
• Ability to move 25lbs on an occasional basis.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

• Familiarity and existing relationships within the local community.
• Education/experience in social work strongly preferred.
• Experience in education, mental health, juvenile justice, or related field preferred.
• Advanced CPR/First Aid Training (or willingness to become certified).
• Knowledge of and experience living and working within similar communities.

• Medical/Dental/Vision (100% of employee premiums paid by the company) 
• 5 days paid vacation
• 12 paid holidays
• Sick time 
• 403b Retirement account with employer contributions after 1 year 
• Cell phone and mileage reimbursement 

Hiring Practices
At Communities in Schools of Washington, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Don’t meet every single qualification? Studies have shown that women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you think you are a good fit for this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may have lived experience or natural abilities (versus learned experience) that would be just the right fit for this or other roles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: CISWA is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of age, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. We know our organization is successful due to the hard work and dedication of our passionate employees. CISWA’s dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion is clearly reflected across our organization. Diversity is more than a commitment; it is the foundation of what we do.