SY 26-27 Bilingual Counseling Assistant- Russian

The School District of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The School District of Philadelphia is seeking a qualified individual to facilitate communication between school staff, students, and families. This role involves supporting limited English proficient students and parents, collaborating with teachers, and promoting student success through effective communication.

Candidates must have a high school diploma and demonstrate fluency in English along with another language. The position supports educational access for diverse populations in Philadelphia.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English and the appropriate foreign language.
• Knowledge of social and cultural needs of students.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Suite.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates communication between staff, students, and parents.
• Collaborates with teachers for classroom activities.
• Provides ongoing communication about student performance.
• Assists in defining post-secondary educational plans.
• Encourages parent engagement through outreach activities.

Skills

Language proficiency (English & foreign languages)

Basic computer proficiency

Knowledge of cultural and educational needs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The School District of Philadelphia is the cornerstone provider of public education in Philadelphia. For forward-thinking administrators and educators, opportunities abound. The 130,000 students entrusted to the District arrive at school every day with an extraordinary range of needs and aspirations. We are committed to delivering on their right to an excellent public school education, and we are particularly focused on ensuring every student has access to exceptional educational opportunities. Equity is our mandate. Will you join us?

Essential Functions

• Facilitates communication between school staff, students, and parents/guardians by providing accurate, impartial, and complete interpretation of the spoken language message conveyed to the target language.
• Collaborates with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and other teachers by providing interpretation of rubrics and instructions for classroom activities, assignments and projects; and assists in the assessment of students’ educational strengths and challenges.
• Provides ongoing communication between students’ parents/guardians and school staff about students’ academic performance, attendance, and behavior.
• Participates in individual and group discussions with school counselors and limited English‑proficient students and parents/guardians to assist them in defining and developing post‑secondary educational, vocational and career plans.
• Encourages, promotes and supports parent engagement by providing culturally informed outreach activities, notices of school meetings and district‑wide events and opportunities.
• Informs multilingual students and limited‑English‑proficient parents/guardians about school expectations, rules, policies and procedures.
• Distributes district‑wide translated documents to parents/guardians and ensures that all documents sent to parents/guardians are translated.
• Provides interpretation at psychological evaluations, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, parent/guardian/teacher conferences, and PSSA and Keystone tests.
• Meets with limited English‑proficient students and parents/guardians to encourage, promote and support participation in the school counseling program.
• Enlists the support and cooperation of other school personnel; consults with school counselors and other staff to determine students’ ability and potential, and to ascertain and implement the necessary steps to bring the students’ interests and goals to fruition.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent. If you were educated outside the U.S., please have your credentials verified through a PDE evaluation service.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of the social, cultural and educational needs of students in the community in which the foreign language is spoken.
• Basic computer proficiency, e.g., Microsoft Suite.

Demonstrated Ability To

• Speak, read and write English and the appropriate foreign language fluently.
• Interpret oral and written information.
• Prepare and maintain records.
• Coordinate outreach services to immigrant and refugee families and communities.
• Build partnerships with immigrant/refugee‑serving organizations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Languages

• Bengali
• Cantonese
• Malayalam
• Mandarin
• Portuguese
• Spanish
• Tajik
• Ukrainian