Working Title: Family Engagement Specialist

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Department: 540970 - SVMEP 2024-2025 Main Award

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $45,739 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 07/25/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Shenandoah Valley Migrant Education Program (SVMEP) is hiring for a full-time Family Engagement Specialist (FES). SVMEP provides quality academic support services and advocacy to newly arrived migrant families in the community. SVMEP staff visit the families in their homes and migrant camps to assess their needs and aid the students and young adults in achieving their educational goals SVMEP is one of many programs and clinics within the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS). IIHHS is a forward-thinking and dynamic organization that strives to cultivate a shared sense of purpose in building healthier and safer communities where all individuals can thrive and flourish. IIHHS is housed within JMU’s College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS).

This position will work out of The Health Place, an office space located in Stanley, VA in Page County.

CHBS is committed to shaping a forward-thinking and dynamic environment by refining policies, practices, and processes that strengthen our community, drive real-world advancement, and maintain spaces conducive to individual and collective growth. Through education, scholarship, and service, individuals are inspired to make responsible and meaningful contributions to the college, campus, local community, and broader world. Join us in fostering collaboration and innovation as we grow a dynamic college that embodies an atmosphere of belonging, champions excellence, and shares a sense of purpose. James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a thriving environment where a wide range of perspectives are embraced, and fairness is upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Manage a caseload of approximately 100–120 migrant students and families, providing ongoing family engagement, case management, and individualized support services.
- Conduct family intake and onboarding, including completion of enrollment and emergency documentation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with families through regular communication, home visits, and ongoing support.
- Assess family and student needs and connect families to educational, healthcare, and community resources.
- Monitor student academic progress, attendance, and overall well-being through collaboration with families and school personnel.
- Advocate for students and families to help ensure access to appropriate educational services, supports, and opportunities.
- Serve as the primary liaison between migrant families and local schools, facilitating communication and collaborative problem-solving.
- Partner with teachers, counselors, administrators, ESL staff, and other school personnel to address academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional concerns.
- Assist families in navigating school systems, procedures, and available resources.
- Coordinate referrals to community agencies and service providers, including healthcare, housing, financial assistance, mental health, and social services.
- Provide guidance and support to help families overcome barriers that impact student success and family stability.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of family contacts, services provided, referrals, outcomes, and case documentation.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of local, regional, and state resources available to migrant students and families.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations and service providers to expand access to resources and support services.
- Identify service gaps and opportunities to improve resource access and outcomes for migrant families and students.
- Participate in program reporting, data tracking, and other administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of family engagement, case management, and community resources that support student and family success.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills when working with families, schools, and community partners.
• Ability to manage a caseload, maintain accurate records and tracking spreadsheets, and coordinate services effectively.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and support diverse families with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with students, families, schools, or community-based programs is beneficial.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly desirable.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.