Experienced Bilingual School and Community Liaison English/Spanish – Enhancing Student and Family Engagement through Cultural Understanding and Support

Introduction to Gresham-Barlow School District

Gresham-Barlow School District is a vibrant and diverse educational community dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students, families, and staff. Our mission is to foster academic excellence, cultural awareness, and social responsibility, empowering our students to succeed in an ever-changing world. We recognize the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and respected. As part of our team, you will play a vital role in promoting cross-cultural understanding, facilitating communication, and enhancing the overall educational experience for our students and their families.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Bilingual School and Community Liaison English/Spanish to join our dynamic team. As a liaison, you will serve as a bridge between our schools, families, and the broader community, providing essential support and resources to ensure the success and well-being of our students. Your expertise in both English and Spanish will enable you to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, foster meaningful relationships, and promote a culture of inclusivity and empathy.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate verbal and written communications to facilitate effective interaction between students, teachers, administrators, office staff, counseling staff, security monitors, and parents.
• Design and implement activities that promote parental involvement, provide information and training to parents, and increase parental access to school resources and events.
• Collaborate with administrators, counselors, social workers, nurses, and outside agencies to support students and families, addressing their unique needs and concerns.
• Provide language support via phone to feeder schools and other schools in the district, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.
• Administer tests and language assessments under the guidance of an ESL teacher or counselor to evaluate students' language abilities and schedule them in appropriate classes.
• Maintain accurate records and perform basic clerical functions to support teachers in managing student files and inputting data into the ELL and other databases.
• Participate in various meetings, training sessions, and events to share information, improve skills, and stay updated on best practices in bilingual education and community engagement.

Essential Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or relevant training in education, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience working with school-age children and families, either paid or volunteer, with a focus on bilingual or multicultural settings.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish, with excellent verbal and written communication skills in both languages.
• Knowledge of child development principles, instructional processes, and cultural diversity.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers and specific software applications.
• Basic arithmetic operations and record-keeping skills.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen training required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a school setting, particularly in a bilingual or ESL program.
• Familiarity with district policies, procedures, and software applications.
• Training or certification in bilingual education, interpretation, or translation.
• Experience with community outreach, engagement, and partnership development.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a flexible and adaptable approach.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity, with a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of diverse student and family populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Career Growth and Learning Opportunities

At Gresham-Barlow School District, we are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of our staff. As a Bilingual School and Community Liaison, you will have access to ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• Bilingual education and ESL methodologies.
• Cultural competency and diversity awareness.
• Community engagement and outreach strategies.
• Technology integration and software applications.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Our district values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and supportive work environment that reflects these principles. As a member of our team, you can expect:

• A collaborative and inclusive work culture, with opportunities for feedback and growth.
• A dynamic and diverse community of students, families, and staff, with a shared commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility.
• Access to cutting-edge technology, resources, and facilities, with ongoing support for professional development and innovation.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for advancement and career growth.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive hourly salary range of $24.84 to $34.04, reflecting your skills, experience, and qualifications. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan and pension options.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Conclusion

If you are a passionate and experienced bilingual professional looking to make a positive impact in the lives of students and families, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Bilingual School and Community Liaison, you will play a vital role in promoting cross-cultural understanding, facilitating communication, and enhancing the overall educational experience for our students. Join our dynamic team and contribute to the success and well-being of our diverse community. Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career in education!

Don't miss out on this exciting role. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Apply now!