ELL Bilingual Family Liaison

Des Moines Public School District • Des Moines, IA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Bilingual Family Liaison’s (BFL) provides students and parents with engagement opportunities and support that empowers Multilingual Learners (MLL) and families to become part of the school and community. BFLs plan and coordinate interventions and resources that focus on strengthening the relationship between home, school, and MLL communities. BFL’s work is to foster the development of community and school relationships which lead to high student achievement, stronger families, and healthier communities. The team uses data to monitor the changing needs of individuals and families from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or a combination of completed college course work and work experience in serving language minority
• Fluency in all four domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) of the language serving ELL students, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the English language in all four domains (listening, speaking, reading, and )
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products and other district-wide software
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to work outside of regular work hours.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to travel throughout the district.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and implement effective parent engagement activities for all MLL and families that aid in student success in the American school system, culture, and lifestyle. These activities include orientation, educational programing, school registration, cultural events, academic preparedness, and resource referrals.
• Develop, lead, and implement supportive services that engage, empower, and educate MLL families. These opportunities will include Back to School Fairs, Family Alliance, workshops, and other training specific to MLL families.
• Serve as a resource to families regarding district policies and procedures surrounding attendance, behavior, and academic assessments.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school administration, staff, guardians, and multilingual community members, to act as a liaison between stakeholders.
• Participate in school site teams, such as attendance, student services and support team, ELL, and special education.
• Serve as a cultural broker between multilingual families, school staff and the community by increasing awareness and understanding of cultural differences and increase educational outcomes of students by ensuring a culturally responsive educational environment through professional development opportunities and/or individual meetings.
• Provide language support for school-related communications that may include sensitive or compromising information in relation to Health and Human Services, juvenile court services, immigration, or other situations where the students or families may need supports beyond translation.
• As a member of the student services team, refer families to school and community-based resources; school-based health clinics, housing, food pantries, mental health services, social services, clothing closets, and other resources as needed.
• In collaboration with school counselors, support MLL high school students and families with academic planning, postsecondary education, and college application process.
• Conduct home visits to increase attendance and engagement in school.
• Recruit and support multilingual community members to volunteer and support school
• Work collaboratively with school and central office administration to coordinate extended day and extended year programming for multilingual
• Support the Migratory Education Program Liaison to provide supplemental services to migratory youth.
• Represent DMPS at community meetings, forums and events that serve multilingual families.
• Participate in building and district professional development as required.
• Ensure clear communication with stakeholders through phone calls, emails, letters, and other district approved social media outlets.
• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
• Assist with other duties as may be assigned

Benefits

• All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.
• Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree