Bilingual Parent Assistant

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to serve as a bilingual resource for interactions between the school, home / parents, and community.

The Bilingual Parental Assistant will facilitate communication between the school and EL students and / or parents by helping with written and verbal translation in order to achieve greater comprehension of needs and recommendations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Serve as a liaison between the home, school, and community.
• Serve as an advocate for EL students and families.
• Analyze and inform parents and staff of the various influences that affect student / parent / school / community relationships.
• Assist staff in understanding cultural and socio-economic circumstances of families.
• Promote mutual respect, understanding and support between school and parents.
• May provide support during parent conferences and home visits in an Interpreter / Translator role.
• Establish rapport which encourages staff consultations and utilization of the bi-lingual assistant.
• May translate documents to / from English and the native language.
• Support and assist parents in expressing their concerns about their children to school personnel through interpretation / translation and / or guiding the parent through accepted processes and procedures.
• Encourage parents to visit, observe, and participate in their child’s school program.
• Helps to assure that services are provided to parents and children in a culturally responsive manner.
• Ensure that confidentiality is maintained regarding families and children.
• Keep, complete, and update accurate records.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

• Fluency and literacy in appropriate language at conversational level for site population.
• Ability to assist teachers in arranging conferences with parents.
• Ability to serve as a translator / interpreter or facilitator for EL parents.
• Ability to assist staff in facilitating appropriate discipline and attendance referrals.
• Ability to work with social worker, school nurse, guidance counselor in helping students and parents to utilize community service agencies.
• Ability to secure the cooperation of students / parents, obtain needed information and provide guidance toward needed services for them.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, community service agencies, school officials and staff.
• Ability to interpret school programs to groups and individuals.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS :

• Minimum : High School Diploma / GED and fluency in target language
• Desirable : Successful school-based or human service work experience related to working directly with children and families.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS :

Valid NC Driver’s License

Pay Grade 58 Full-Time 10 Months Monthly Salary $2,755.95