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Language Access Coordinator
Title: Coordinator, Language Access Services
Department: Parent and Family Services
Reports To: Director, Special Projects
The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?
Job Summary
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 (Russian/Ukranian) and non-English speaking families as well as community organizations.
Essential Functions
• 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.
Minimum 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.
OR
• 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.
NOTE: 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:
○ the current practices, methods and techniques utilized in the implementation of parent involvement and parent education initiatives.
○ community and parent organizations available to support families.
○ foundations and other funding organizations.
○ the appropriate foreign language.
Ability to:
o interpret all relevant District and federal rules and regulations concerning program administration.
o develop and conduct training sessions on multicultural and cross-cultural issues.
o provide highly competent services to parent and community groups.
o use computer applications including Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Word.
o maintain records and prepare reports.
o operate a personal computer.
o 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.
o fluently speak English and write an appropriate foreign language.
o read English and an appropriate foreign language.
o express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Nondiscrimination
The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.