Title/Position:
Parent Engagement Assistant
Reports to:
Assistant Director of Family Partnerships
FLSA Class, Status:
Part-time, non-exempt position
Position Grade:
Assistant
Starting Pay Range:
$20 – 23 per hour
Our Mission
Horizons for Homeless Children is a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of families and young children experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Massachusetts. Through a two-generation model, we help families succeed by providing high-quality early education and opportunities for play to children and trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based services to families and caregivers. Our advocacy efforts extend our impact and advance our vision of ending homelessness among families with young children.
Summary of Position
The Family Partnerships Program provides comprehensive trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally responsive coaching to help families thrive. Horizons work in partnership with other community-based organizations to provide a wide range of learning and support opportunities for families. As a leader in efforts to transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness, Horizons is committed to continuous data-informed learning that strengthens practice.
The Parent Engagement Assistant supports Horizons in building strong, collaborative relationships with families. This role focuses on improving communication, increasing family participation, and helping create a welcoming, inclusive environment for children and their caregivers.
Responsibilities
Parent Engagement & Relationship Building
Welcome families and provide support during transitions into classrooms and program activities.
Build positive, collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers.
Support outreach efforts that encourage parent participation in programs, events, and center activities.
Serve as a trusted representative of the parent perspective to help strengthen family-centered practices.
Parent Leadership & Community Engagement
Lead Parent Council Leader meetings and develop annual meeting schedules in partnership with Family Partnerships leadership.
Support the selection and onboarding of Parent Council leadership members.
Foster opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage in leadership and decision-making activities within the center.
Event Planning & Program Support
Assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing family engagement activities, including workshops, open houses, parent-focused classes, and Parent Council events.
Provide logistical and administrative support to ensure successful family programming and participation.
Communications & Outreach
Develop and distribute family communication materials, including newsletters, flyers, and other outreach resources.
Support communication efforts that increase awareness of programs, events, and engagement opportunities.
Represent Horizons at informational tables and other family outreach activities.
Data Tracking & Program Administration
Maintain parent engagement records and participation data.
Create registration links, track attendance, and support documentation of family engagement activities.
Share participation and engagement information with the Family Partnerships team to support program operations and continuous improvement.
Family Feedback & Continuous Improvement
Gather feedback from families through surveys, conversations, and other engagement methods.
Collaborate with teachers and staff to identify family needs, engagement opportunities, and areas for program enhancement.
Assist in developing culturally responsive and inclusive engagement strategies that strengthen family participation and belonging.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
High level of discretion
Able to work independently
Interest in family engagement, community building, and early childhood development
Organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and database systems
Multilingual skills are a plus
Passionate about advancing Horizons' mission and embodying core values of Collaboration, Inclusivity, Innovation, and Passion.
Demonstrates core competencies that are critical to success across Horizons (Collaboration, Cultural Competency, Growth Mindset, and Mission-Driven Excellence).
Workspace
This is a 25-hour per week, part-time employee position. This position is currently set to conclude on June 30, 2027. The work you will perform is somewhat active, taking place at a desk in a cubicle in an office setting, working alongside others.
You can expect to work on site. There is a large staff room with indoor and outdoor space for breaks as well as a designated quiet room. Our beautiful office space is located: Edgerley Family Horizons Center at 1785 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA.
This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local and company policy concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, Background record check and health and safety training.
Commitment to our Workforce
Horizons is committed to fostering the well-being of our workforce who are tackling one of the nation’s toughest issues; family homelessness. We respect the unique perspectives and potential of each member of our team and believe that diversity of thought and perspective will not only sustain employee well-being but drive better outcomes for our families. Horizons’ leadership sets the tone and priority for this work. Visit our commitments page to learn more about what that looks like at Horizons.
As such, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
For more information about Horizons, please visit horizonschildren.org.
