High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Early Learning Family Engagement Specialist

40 hrs/week, Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., 250 days per year (pro-rated for the remainder of 2025-26)

Location: EL Hub - Redmond, OR

Position Start Date: 06/01/2026

Rate as established by bargaining agreement, Classified Wage Schedule, starting range $23.61/hr - $32.35/hr.

Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Early Learning Family Engagement Specialist

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary:  

The Early Learning Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for supporting coordinated enrollment functions in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. This includes coordination of recruitment, eligibility, selection, and placement of children and families in Preschool Promise. Works in partnership with other early learning organizations in the Hub region (Head Start, Baby Promise, Early Intervention/ Early Childhood Special Education) to ensure full enrollment of all participating publicly funded programs, and planning for future collaboration in recruitment, eligibility, selection, and placement of children and families. Provide culturally responsive support to families, connecting them with organizations that offer relevant services and support. This position will be employed by the High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) on behalf of the Early Learning Hub (ELH) of Central Oregon.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Conducts eligibility screening, including income verifications, and completes the application/enrollment process for Preschool Promise.
• Serves as a liaison between families, providers, and community resources to make accurate referrals to available Early Learning service options in the community.
• Develops relationships with local providers of publicly funded programs to assist in coordination of recruitment, and enrollment.
• Collaborates with the ELH team to collect data and feedback on family experiences/needs for the purposes of continuous improvement.
• Responsible for the collection and entry of family and student information.
• Attend outreach events to promote early learning programs and services within the Tri-County area, and engage with families (priority populations in particular).
• Contribute to ELH marketing and promotion efforts.
• Ensure alignment with HDESD performance standards, organizational policies, and relevant compliance measures.
• Exhibit professionalism, organization and a commitment to shared leadership, continuous learning, and adaptive collaboration.
• Exhibit regular attendance, with no more than an average of one day per month absent unless on protected statutory leave.
• Be punctual and present for all required duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specific Job Capabilities:

• This position requires a flexible work schedule to accommodate occasional outreach events and/or professional development opportunities.
• Work location is at the Early Learning Hub office in Redmond, but requires occasional travel throughout the Tri-County area (Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs).

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High School education, or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years experience in a similar position.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and English.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to juggle multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Commitment to personal and professional development
• Proficiency in Google Suite applications.
• Must have access to reliable transportation and consistent attendance is required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Some college coursework with Associates most preferred. 
• Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, emotional interviewing techniques.
• Experience in marketing strategies and content creation (Social Media, Canva, etc.)

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:  talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.  Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times.  Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.  

Terms of Employment   Salary, benefits, and vacation are established by policy and contract.