Aide - ESL Interpreter-Swahili (pooled)

Abilene ISD; San Jacinto (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene ISD is seeking an ESL Interpreter- Swahili Instructional Aide for Refugee/Immigrant/ESL students district-wide. The role supports English language acquisition and academic success by bridging language and cultural barriers, tutoring, and translation.

The position involves collaboration with ESL staff and family outreach across campuses. The incumbent provides translation during meetings, home visits, and testing, and helps students acclimate to the school environment.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and Swahili (speaking, reading, writing).
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Must have a valid driver's license and vehicle.
• General knowledge of public education (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Fluently bilingual in English and another language representing the refugee/immigrant/ESL population within Abilene ISD.
• Collaborate with Bilingual/ESL Office, campus administration, and ESL teachers on objectives and needs.
• Shadow newly enrolled refugee/immigrant/ESL students as they acclimate to the new school environment.
• Assist as an instructional aide clarifying classroom instruction, expectations, and assignments.
• Provide academic support to help immigrant students master the curriculum and complete assignments.
• Assist with after-school tutorials and participate in meetings and summer programs for ESL students.
• Translate verbal and written communication to improve parent involvement; assist with home visits and local testing/assessments.
• Commute between campuses to serve ESL students district-wide.

Skills

English

Swahili

Public education knowledge

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

Job description

• Date Posted:
  9/13/2024
  
• Location:
  District Wide
  

Job Title: ESL INTERPRETER-SWAHILI INSTRUCTIONAL AIDE FOR REFUGEE/IMMIGRANT/ESL STUDENTS

Primary Purpose:

Abilene ISD receives a large number of refugee/immigrant students through the International Rescue Committee (IRC) resettlement organization. Language and cultural differences often hinder academic progress and are difficult barriers for students to over-come. Abilene ISD will continue to improve the success of immigrant students through directly addressing the unique needs of its identified refugee/immigrant students and families. With the effective bridging of cultural and language barriers, provision of family supports, tutoring/academic assistance, and translation/interpretation, immigrant students will reach their full potential. The key principle of this job is to support the mission of Abilene ISD and guide refugee students toward English language acquisition and academic success, and provide the academic support needed to keep these students on track and graduating on time.

Qualifications:

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• General knowledge of public education, preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Must have a valid driver's license and vehicle
• Must be fluent in English and Swahili (speaking, reading, and writing)
• Reports to Executive Director of Federal Programs Performance Responsibilities and Duties:

Responsibilities:

• Must be fluent in English and another language that represents the refugee/immigrant/ESL population within the Abilene Independent School District.
• Collaborates closely with the Bilingual/ESL Office, campus administration, and ESL teachers regarding overall objectives, academic needs, and other projects, questions, or concerns associated with the instruction of refugee/immigrant/ESL students.
• Shadows newly enrolled refugee/immigrant/ESL students that come from unschooled backgrounds as they acclimate to their new school environment and familiarize themselves with social customs; supports students' transition into school by acting as a bridge between the differing cultures and languages.
• Works as an instructional aide assisting refugee/immigrant/ESL students in clarifying classroom instruction, expectations, and assignments.
• Provides academic support to assist immigrant students in the successful completion of assignments and mastery of the curriculum.
• Assists immigrant students in after-school tutorial programs, and participates in meetings and summer programs designed to promote the academic success of refugee/immigrant/ESL students.
• Assists with translation of verbal and written communication for better understanding and to improve parent involvement between the home, school, and administration.
• Assists with home visits, LPAC, ARD, and other school-related meetings; translates, as needed, during local testing/assessment.
• Commutes between campuses to serve the needs of refugee/immigrant/ESL students across the district.
• Maintains an immigrant/ESL student-contact log listing the services provided.
• Works on related services and projects related to the academic success of refugee/immigrant and ESL students as needed.
• Works in varied instructional assignments on different campuses as needed to meet the changing needs of enrolled students.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used:

Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture:

Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping

Motion:

Moderate walking

Lifting:

Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment:

Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise

Mental Demands:

Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Wage/Hour Status:

Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:

Clerical-Paraprofessional -6