Marquette-Alger RESA·Marquette County, Michigan
The coordinator will build trusting relationships with families to provide strengths-based coaching, resource referrals, and proactive support. They will serve as a communication bridge between home and school while maintaining documentation for program compliance.
The Family Liaison and Partnership Coordinator will focus on strengthening family well-being by building trusting relationships, connecting families to community resources, coaching families through challenges, strengthening home-school communication, and empowering families to advocate for themselves and their children. This intentionally family-centered position emphasizes prevention through proactive monthly contact with every family. This family support position is designed to meet the intent and requirements of the Strong Beginnings Child and Family Supports guidance while reflecting the needs of Kids-R-Us’ braided Strong Beginnings/GSRP classroom. Children and families (15 maximum) enrolled in the braided classroom will receive identical family support services, consistent with Strong Beginnings program expectations.
Time
Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week during the school year. Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the program and families.
Work
Model: In-Person. Independent Contractor working for Marquette-Alger RESA.
Conduct one documented check-in with every enrolled family each month. Provide strengths-based coaching and active listening while assisting families in identifying goals and solutions. Connect families with community resources related to housing, employment, healthcare, food, transportation, mental health, parenting, financial assistance, and other identified needs. Follow up on referrals to determine whether supports met the family's needs and assist with additional problem solving when needed. Maintain confidentiality, including documentation of contacts, referrals, follow-up, and outcomes. Meet with the classroom teaching team each week to discuss family needs, attendance concerns, transitions, celebrations, and appropriate supports. Serve as the communication bridge between home and school while respecting confidentiality. Attend the annual Beginning-of-the-Year Open House and End-of-Year Celebration. Schedule and conduct two rounds of in-person family meetings each year (November/early December and April/early May). Provide child development information, parenting resources, and family support information throughout the school year. Collaborate with the ISD Family Liaison Supervisor and participate in required meetings, coaching, and professional development. Estimated Weekly Time Commitment:
Activity Approximate Time Weekly teacher collaboration meeting 1 hour Monthly family contacts (scheduled across week) 5 hours Planning, communication, and family engagement preparation 2 hours Resource coordination, follow-up, documentation 2 hours
Monthly, documented contact completed with each enrolled family. Weekly communication with Kids-R-Us teaching team. Timely referrals and documented follow-up. Participation in two annual family engagement events. Two in-person family meeting sessions with documentation annually. Additional documentation maintained for Strong Beginnings compliance.
Required
Qualifications: Local resident interested in mentoring and supporting parents in the community. Successful prior experience in building relationships and working with families. Associates degree or equivalent Must have phone and computer access, and reliable transportation. Proficiency in using technology (e.g., email, Google/Microsoft suite) for communication and record keeping. Ability to handle sensitive family information with confidentiality and professionalism.
Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies or related field Experience in working with families of preschool children, particularly with at-risk children Understanding of child development and early childhood education Knowledge of community resources providing services to families, particularly to economically disadvantaged families Ability to be self-directed and take initiative to find solutions that fit the needs of a wide variety of families. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with and coach parents and teachers Ability to work well with diverse families Knowledge of coaching and family advocacy Outgoing, caring personality Physical Requirements: Contractor must be capable of performing physical demands as outlined in the scope of work, including, but not limited to, driving. Special Conditions: Contractor will need to undergo fingerprinting and pass a criminal background check. Additional steps may be required to meet child care licensing requirements.
Candidates must have an associate degree or equivalent and experience in building relationships with families. Proficiency in technology and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality are required.
Market context
In Michigan, family liaison and partnership coordinator roles are often tied to schools and districts that need stronger family engagement, attendance support, and community connections. These positions can be competitive because employers look for candidates who combine relationship-building skills with technology proficiency and careful handling of confidential information. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to examples of family outreach, communication, and coordination experience.
