Bilingual Communications Support Specialist, Somali (Temporary)

St. Cloud School District 742; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Cloud School District 742 is seeking an interpreter support role to assist families and students by providing language interpretation at district events and meetings.

The position emphasizes cross-cultural communication to promote student achievement and school success. Under supervision of Equity Services Director and site principals, the role involves collaborating with administrators and staff to resolve language barriers, translate written materials, and connect families to district

Qualifications

• AA degree or equivalent education or qualifying experience.
• Bilingual in English and the identified language; fluent in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments.

Responsibilities

• Interpret at meetings, conferences and school events including special education meetings.
• Assist families in navigating district programs and services.
• Support student achievement by facilitating communication between families and schools.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional neutrality in interpretation.

Skills

Bilingual English & Language

Multi-tasking

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

AA degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

TYPE OF POSITION:

Non-Represented Hourly, 10 month

Hours may vary based on program needs

REPORTS TO:

Equity Services Director, Building Principals

SUPERVISION:

None

SALARY:

$22.50/hr - $28.50/hr (dependent on qualifications and experience)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• A.A. Degree or equivalent education or qualifying experience
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, families, and school personnel in a diverse environment
• Required to be bi-lingual in English and the identified language; must be fluent in reading, writing, listening and speaking in both languages
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple assignments

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or closely related field
• Experience in a K-12 school setting and familiarity with best practices in youth development, cultural competency, and special education

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Equity Services and the school-site administrator, this position promotes School District 742's mission and core values by assisting administrators, staff, students and families in navigating and resolving language and cultural obstacles to student achievement and school success. Effectively communicates with families, students, and school staff. Assists students and families in accessing district programs and services by providing interpreting and translation services at meetings, conferences, and other school events, including but not limited to, special education meetings, testing and assessment, open houses, and parent meetings. Works as a team member with all school staff to improve students' academic performance, achievement, attendance and/or behaviors. Assists Administrators in the resolution of school issues relating to cultural differences or perspectives between school culture and home culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist families in communicating with teachers and schools, and accessing district programs and services in interpreting at meetings, conferences, and other school events, and through phone calls and home visits when needed; including translating written materials as necessary
• Assist in building connections between parents, schools, and other community agencies
• Work closely with administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians to support student success in school, including academic performance, attendance and/or behavior
• Serve as a resource in the schools to meet the needs of students and their families
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with staff, parents, and students, and interact in a manner that models intercultural sensitivity and respect
• Employ confidentiality and professional neutrality while interpreting; utilize respectful communication skills and cooperative behavior
• Encourage parents to attend and be active in all meetings and empower them to voice their concerns, needs, opinions and priorities
• Represents the district in community organizations and functions as directed by Administration and identifies and communicates community concerns
• Attend District meetings as directed and participate in required professional development
• Assist in implementation of District programs and activities that enhance student academic achievement
• Assist and support students with cultural adjustment and social/emotional development to promote school success
• Travel to assigned work sites as needed
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL FACTORS:

• Frequent: walking, standing, bending, sitting, hearing, talking, and seeing

BENEFITS:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week*. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care, as well as life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, and long-term disability insurance. (*Temporary, seasonal, and substitute positions not eligible.)

All Employees of Saint Cloud School District 742 are responsible to support District goals, to work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse populations of staff, students and parents and to model and promote a welcoming working and learning environment. Employees are expected to support and adapt to change and to demonstrate commitment to continuous performance improvement. Employees are responsible to establish and maintain effective communication with students, teachers, support staff, colleagues and parents, respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the District, and to be dependable and accountable in the performance of their work. It is the prerogative of the District to assign staff so as to best meet the needs of the District.

St. Cloud School District 742 prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at St. Cloud School District 742 Title IX Information.

For inquiries, please contact [e-mail]