Bilingual Program Liaison - District Deployed

Tacoma Public Schools; Washington; On-site; USD 40,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools seeks a Bilingual Program Liaison to support middle and/or high school bilingual students. The role includes direct instructional support and coordination with families, teachers, and staff to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Candidates must complete the General Paraeducator Certificate or have 72 college credits (or pass the Para Pro Test). 183 work days, a 7.5-hour on-campus day, and benefits accompany the role, with the position starting November 2026.

Qualifications

• 72 college credits or passing Para Pro Test to qualify.
• AA degree meets/advances credential requirements.
• BA or higher degree preferred for career progression.
• Knowledge of bilingual education and cross-cultural communication is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction to bilingual students or groups under the teacher's supervision.
• Assist with classroom support functions including grading, attendance, and materials duplication.
• Serve as interpreter/transliterator for families and students; translate school information for non-English speakers.
• Collaborate with staff and families to promote cross-cultural understanding.
• Attend trainings, workshops, and conferences as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual proficiency

English fluency

Education

72 college credits

General Paraeducator Certificate/Para Pro Test

AA degree

BA or higher degree

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: November, 2026

FTE: .875

Hours per day: 7 hours plus a 30-minute duty free lunch period for a total of 7.5 hours "on campus"

Salary Level: PA4

72 college level credits or passed the Para Pro Test $28.75

AA degree $29.50

BA or higher degree $29.75

Salary is based on documented experience as an Education Support Professional/Para Professional in WA state public school districts

Union/Days per year

Education Support Professional, 183 work days, 10 month

Benefits

This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools

Additional Information

Bilingual Program Liaison positions are district deployed assignments, and subject to change deployment location based on the needs of the District. At this time, this position will be providing support at the secondary education level of MS and/or HS.

Additional Information

This position requires completion and attaining of the state mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all paraeducator/Education Support Professionals (ESP) and supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession. Staff will be required to complete 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study provided by the district. The first two days of FCS training will be required to be completed within four months of the date of hire, and the second two days within six months of the date of hire, or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is then earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

This position facilitates the social and academic adjustment of bilingual students. The position provides direct instruction to individual bilingual students or groups of students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides, under the direction of the classroom teacher, direct instruction to individual bilingual students or groups of students in various curriculum assignments or enrichment activities.
• Relates concerns and cultural differences of students and parents to program and school staff; serves as a resource in activities intended to promote cross-cultural understanding.
• Calls or visits and interviews families new to the District; submits interview forms to the bilingual program office; makes telephone contacts to students and their families for consultation related to school matters.
• Assists teachers with classroom support functions as needed, including correcting papers, recording attendance, and duplicating curriculum materials.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, and parent and/or staff conferences as assigned.
• Serves as an interpreter as necessary during orientation, enrollment, counseling, and disciplinary procedures; translates/interprets school information including student records, District forms and publications, and related student-use materials for non-English speaking parents for program students only.
• Provides bilingual translation/interpretation as needed to assist school staff in assessment of bilingual student learning skills, social adjustment needs, and in program implementation.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position by attending meetings, workshops and/or other in-service activities as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
• Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS

May be confined to work area; experiences frequent interruptions; exposed to infectious disease; may be required to deal with, and defuse, if appropriate, difficult and sensitive situations and/or people; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree or 72 credit hours of post-secondary education or passing state test to demonstrate knowledge and ability to assist in instructing students; previous experience working with school-aged youth is desired; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work and that meets federal and state requirements.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of community and ethnic group resources.
• Ability to relate effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public.
• Fluency and literacy in English and the required second language.
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.