McKinney-Vento ESL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) Part-time – On-Call Interpreter

Gaston County Schools•Gastonia, NC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, this part-time, on-call interpreter provides interpretation and communication support to assist Gaston County Schools staff in effectively communicating with families who have limited English proficiency. This role is particularly focused on supporting families who may be experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or are at risk of homelessness. The position aids in communication during the McKinney-Vento identification and eligibility process, enrollment, school visits, home visits, telephone calls, meetings, and other interactions with families. The interpreter may also assist with communication and information gathering even before a family is determined eligible for McKinney-Vento services to help ascertain potential qualification.

Requirements

Knowledge of the language(s) needed to communicate effectively with families served by the district.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements and appropriate handling of sensitive family and student information.
Strong oral communication and active listening skills.
Ability to accurately interpret information between English and the required language(s) without adding, omitting, or changing meaning.
Knowledge of community resources and services that may be available to families experiencing housing instability.
Ability to translate verbal messages to written documents and written documents to verbal messages in both Spanish and English.
Ability to adapt language based on the level of the student and parent.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
Must be sensitive to cultural differences among individuals and groups of persons.
Requires the ability to utilize a variety of technology to communicate with parents.
High School diploma.
Minimum of 48 semester hours (earned at a Regionally Accredited College/University recognized by NCDPI accrediting agencies); official transcript required.
Demonstrated ability to speak, understand, read and write fluently in both English and Spanish; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must score at the Advanced Mid or Superior ACTFL ratings for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Nice To Haves

Social Worker Experience

Responsibilities

Provide interpretation between school personnel and families with limited English proficiency.
Assist the McKinney-Vento Liaison and school staff in communicating with families regarding housing situations, McKinney-Vento eligibility, barriers, resources, and educational needs.
Assist families with limited English proficiency with the school enrollment process.
Participate in home visits, school visits, telephone calls, meetings, and other family contacts when interpretation is needed.
Schedule/translate for conferences as requested by parent or school staff.
Use technology to participate in video conferencing.
Assist parents in using technology to participate in video conferencing, understanding district procedures, forms, and available services.
Interpret information related to enrollment, eligibility, school placement, transportation, attendance, records, and available community or school resources.
Assist parents in accessing and utilizing learning platforms (e.g., Canvas, Schoology).
Respond to requests for interpretation on an as-needed/on-call basis.
Complete required documentation related to interpretation services.
Other duties as assigned.