Community Specialist - Fluency in Somali Language

City of Saint Paul; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Community Specialist to engage with the Somali community in Saint Paul. This full-time role involves promoting library services, facilitating programs for children and adults, and providing translation and cultural competency training. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in community engagement and a deep understanding of the immigrant experience. Join a dedicated team committed to equity and inclusion, where your contributions will help build connections and foster a welcoming environment for all community members.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in library services required.
• Experience in social service agencies providing direct client service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote library services to immigrant communities and facilitate programs.
• Provide direct services in English and Somali, including translation.

Skills

Fluency in Somali

Cultural competency

Community engagement

Digital literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Certificate in Urban Library Services

Job description

Saint Paul Public Libraries is hiring a Community Specialist to focus on serving the Somali community. This is an exciting opportunity to provide services to patrons of the libraries and build connections with community members.

Here is what you can expect to do:

1. Performs intermediate level technical work promoting library services to targeted communities of color including immigrant communities.

2. Facilitates and delivers library services with a focus on programs that contribute to children's advocacy development and school readiness as well as programs for adults such as job searching and digital literacy.

3. Provides direct services in English and Somali such as leading English language learning, providing translation and interpretation services, and cultural competency training to Saint Paul Public Library Staff and the public.

4. Improves the effectiveness of Library communication with communities of color by developing and maintaining key contacts within the communities.

5. Hosts in-person Somali story times, facilitates digital literacy classes, and provides library information and resources to the community.

6. In collaboration with programming leads and other Library Community Specialists, coordinates multiple programs and fosters effective partnerships within the team.

7. Serves as an internal consultant regarding specific communities of color to Saint Paul Library staff.

For more information and essential functions, see our job description Cultural Liaison.

Information Specific to this Position:

Candidates for this full-time vacancy should be able to communicate fluently in Somali and demonstrate cultural competency with the Somali community represented in St. Paul.

Ideal candidates should have a background in community engagement, understanding of the immigrant and refugee experience or paths to citizenship, and the ability to work with culturally diverse communities. The role may include working at and traveling to multiple library locations and community partner locations, such as local schools. This position also requires working a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.

We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid vacation and sick time.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers, and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. We want our workforce to reflect the diverse city we serve. Our leaders are guided by an equity agenda that promotes building a city that works for everyone. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree.
• Two years of college (60 semester credits) and two years of library services experience.
• A Certificate in Urban Library Services or equivalent certification and one year of library services experience.
• Four years of experience in a social service agency providing direct client service and one year of library services experience.
• Four years of experience in a social service agency providing direct client service plus 12 college semester credits.

If applying for a position delivering services in a language other than English, must read and write fluently in the respective language.

Possessing a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license is preferred.

Application Process:

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application, including answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire.
2. Upload the following documents via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
   • A copy of your resume (required),
   • A copy of your certificate in Urban Library Services (if applicable),
   • A copy of your proof of education (unofficial transcripts are acceptable), if required to meet the minimum qualifications.

Additional Information:

For first-time applicants or technical support, see the How to Apply Online Guide or call 1-855-524-5627.