Community Engagement Coordinator jobs in the United States

Job Summary

This position exists to support Spanish-speaking WJCC Schools students and their families. The position is responsible for facilitating cross-cultural communication and helping students and families better understand the school system. The Parent Liaison-Community Outreach Coordinator meets state and federal requirements in supporting students’ access to and engagement in their education and families’ involvement in meetings, events, activities, and the success and well-being of their child.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a language interpreter and translator to enhance verbal and written communication between WJCC staff, students, families, and the community.
• Convey messages accurately and meaningfully in spoken and written form, considering cultural context.
• Collaborate with communications staff to translate announcements, flyers, alert notifications, text messages, and personal outreach materials in Spanish.
• Assist with necessary interpreter or translation services at parent-teacher conferences, school meetings/activities, attendance meetings, IEP and EL meetings, school and division program presentations, and upon request.
• Work closely with instructional staff, professional personnel, students, and families to support student success by providing accessible information in Spanish, including students with disabilities and English Learners (EL).
• Assist families in navigating the school system and connecting them to appropriate staff and resources.
• Establish and maintain trusting relationships with families, serving as a point of contact.
• Establish diverse contacts and build relationships between WJCC Schools and community resources.
• Assist with school- and division-sponsored workshops/events to support family engagement efforts with Spanish-speaking families.
• Participate in ongoing professional development by attending workshops and lectures to enhance job performance and subject matter knowledge.
• Make home visits with school personnel, as needed.
• Provide information on services available to eligible students and families and encourage participation as appropriate.
• Function ethically and professionally, serving as a communication and cultural facilitator by converting one language into another language in spoken and/or written form.
• Model the WJCC Strategic Plan Values: Individualism, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Collaboration as well as nondiscriminatory practices and cultural sensitivity in all activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities Required)

• At least two years of professional experience working within public or private education systems, community-based outreach programs, and/or non-profits with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Certificate of Completion from an approved interpreter training course of at least 40 hours or a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, preferred.
• Experience working with culturally diverse communities.
• Understanding and sensitivity to the diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds of students.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate fluency and literacy in English and Spanish, both verbal and written required.
• Ability and comfort conducting interactive presentations in both English and Spanish.
• Excellent time management and customer service skills.
• Flexibility, creativity, initiative, and ability to work as a team member are required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekend events.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, manage multiple tasks, and work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines and strict timelines required.
• Ability to determine and assess confidential material and maintain confidentiality.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community-based organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of the public education system, including policies, procedures, and resources available to families.
• Ability to read and prepare correspondence, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to the rules of punctuation, grammar, and style in English and Spanish.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Supervision Received

Performs duties under the supervision of the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Highly diverse and complex duties.  Must have a high tolerance for change and the ability to work on several projects and assignments concurrently.  Strong interpersonal skills are required in working with diverse groups. Must have initiative and assume responsibility for working productively with a minimum of supervision. The demanding schedule includes morning, evening, and weekend meetings.