Linguistic Support Staff, Early Education

Horizons For Homeless Children • Roxbury, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Part-Time Linguistic Support Staff promotes equitable access, family engagement, and inclusive communication within the early childhood education program. This position serves as a cultural liaison and language resource for children, families, and staff by providing translation and interpretation services supporting culturally responsive practices and helping ensure that program operations reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the community served. This role supports the implementation of trauma-informed practices and contributes to a welcoming environment where all families feel respected, understood, and connected to program services.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Fluency in English and at least one additional language commonly spoken by families served by the program.
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Knowledge of family-centered and trauma-informed practices.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree preferred
• Experience in early childhood education, family services, social services, or community engagement.
• Training in cultural responsiveness, interpretation, translation, or trauma-informed care.
• Experience facilitating workshops, family meetings, or community outreach activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide oral and written translation and interpretation services for families, staff, and community partners.
• Attend meetings, conferences, family consultations, trainings, and events to facilitate effective communication between families and program staff.
• Translate program documents, newsletters, policies, family communications, enrollment materials, and educational resources.
• Ensure translations are culturally appropriate, accurate, and accessible.
• Conduct child screening using the Battelle screener.
• Participate in team meetings and interdisciplinary planning discussions as needed.
• Support communication between families and program staff regarding services, resources, and child development.
• Serve as a cultural liaison between families and the program.
• Help staff understand cultural values, traditions, and practices that may influence children's learning and family engagement.
• Collaborate with educators to incorporate culturally responsive practices into classrooms and family programming.
• Build trusting relationships with families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Support outreach efforts to engage historically underrepresented populations.
• Model and promote trauma-informed practices in all interactions with children, families, and staff.
• Support families with sensitivity, empathy, and respect for individual experiences.
• Help staff recognize the impact of trauma, stress, migration experiences, and cultural transitions on family engagement and child development.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all program policies regarding family information.
• Maintain records of translation and interpretation services provided.
• Ensure translated materials remain current and aligned with program requirements.
• Support compliance with language access requirements and family engagement standards.
• Assist with recruiting and onboarding culturally and linguistically diverse families.
• Review program materials to ensure inclusivity and cultural relevance.
• Support staff professional development related to cultural competence, equity, and language access.
• Provide feedback regarding barriers that may impact family participation and access to services.
• Participate in community events and outreach activities representing the program.
• Collaborate with mental health, family engagement, and education staff to support positive outcomes for children and families.
• Stay informed about current best practices in cultural responsiveness, language access, diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED