Bilingual Liaison East Central African Languages [Starts at $18.92/hr plus benefits]

Location: As Assigned by OPS Administration

Reports To:  Student & Community Services Bilingual Liaison Lead

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12 Months hourly / 8 hours per day

Salary Schedule: This is a negotiated position.  Wages are administered consistent with the negotiated agreement.

Position Purpose:  The Bilingual Liaison serves as a liaison between students, parents, schools, and community partners to ensure a high-quality learning experience that prepares students for success in college, career and life. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum Two (2) years of college coursework completed with continued progress toward a bachelor’s degree required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Fluently bilingual in English and Kiswahili or Kinyarwanda required.
• Must be able to communicate fluently orally and in written form in English and the language as specified in the job title.
• Work alongside administrators, teachers, and parents and interpret IEPs, MDTs, Plan 504, and other school-related meetings.
• Support schools with translations with school-related communications.
• Must exhibit skills pertinent to positive human relations and the ability to work effectively with principals, curriculum specialists, teachers, office staff, students, parents, administrators, businesses, post-secondary institutions, and community agencies.
• Ability to administer the Language Assessment screener (ELPA21 Screener), as needed.
• Skills in organization, time management, communication, and positive interpersonal skills.
• Support parent involvement activities sponsored by the EL program and assigned schools.
• Work with administrators and teachers to assist with the organization and scheduling of interpreters for report card conferences.
• Support home visits with other district staff members.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
• Knowledge of the district’s mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Conducts/supports conversation between English and individuals who speak a language other than English including but not limited to discipline, class schedules, personal/social issues, interpreting reports, letters, attendance, and other school-related communications.
• Assists with the coordination and improvement of parent, school, and community communications and the academic achievement of all students.
• Assists families by providing contacts of requested/needed community resources.
• Maintains confidentiality of information regarding students.
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships with all students, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Addresses student, parent, and community questions and concerns as appropriate.
• Escalates parents’ concerns to the appropriate school professional.
• Excellent attendance record.

Additional Duties:  Performs other related duties assigned by the supervisor aligned to interpreting and communicating.    

Equipment:  This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, and scanners.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Limited travel may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exemplary attendance.
• Ability to work the required number of hours. Work hours will include evening and weekend work on occasion.
• Demonstrates a high level of independent and collaborative problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrates a high degree of initiative in day-to-day tasks and projects.
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to work within the local community/neighborhood as appropriate.
• Work in standard office and school building environments.
• Exemplary communication skills, verbal and written.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Works under the direct supervision of the department supervisor to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Works with a diverse population including multiple nationalities and cultures requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
• Regular attendance is important.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon: 

• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.