Language Access Coordinator (Spanish)

School District of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Coordinator, Language Access Services develops and sustains effective contacts with parent groups, schools, regions and community organizations to ensure that all families receive the necessary assistance and support for their children academically and socially. Strengthens District ties with bilingual and non-English speaking families as well as community organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in multicultural studies, communications or a related area.
• Three years of full-time, paid, professional experience working with parents and/or community organizations which have included developing and conducting training on cultural sensitivity issues; assisting in the design, development and implementation of parental involvement initiatives; addressing translation and interpretation needs and grant writing.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Talent.
• The candidate must ensure that all of their relevant work experience is reflected on their resume prior to the submission of their application for District employment.
• An applicant who does not meet the minimum education or work experience requirements listed above may be considered if, at the sole discretion of the Talent Office, they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicates potential for success in this role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: the current practices, methods and techniques utilized in the implementation of parent involvement and parent education initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: community and parent organizations available to support families.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: foundations and other funding organizations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: the appropriate foreign language.
• Ability to interpret all relevant District and federal rules and regulations concerning program administration.
• Ability to develop and conduct training sessions on multicultural and cross-cultural issues.
• Ability to provide highly competent services to parent and community groups.
• Ability to use computer applications including Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to collaborate with departmental staff to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate parent education seminars that are responsive to the needs of the District’s students and their families.
• Ability to fluently speak English and write an appropriate foreign language.
• Ability to read English and an appropriate foreign language.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts training and develops training materials on cross-cultural communication, cultural awareness, sensitivity and related topics for District staff, schools, families and community members.
• Networks and maintains contact with community-based organizations representing diverse populations; utilizes contacts to increase family involvement in collaboration with other District offices; participates in community meetings and activities.
• Acts to enhance parent involvement, school climate and safety, and cross-cultural problem solving; assists with establishing advisory committees, which support the work of the office.
• Assists with writing grant proposals; seeks various funding sources to enhance parental engagement activities.
• Assists with conflict resolution and crisis intervention in community situations and acts with diplomacy and good judgment.
• Provides interpretation and translation services for District offices and families; participates in the interpretation, translation and proofreading of key publications and announcements which are utilized for the District’s hotline, cable television and general communications.
• Develops and maintains a multilingual library of translated District documents and other media; ensures that references on interpretation and translation, cross-cultural communication and diversity are current.
• Maintains records and prepares an analysis on the utilization of language access services; reviews costs, vendors, requests for services and other factors as indicated by the director.
• Represents the office at meetings with District personnel and community organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level