PARAPROFESSIONAL - BILINGUAL 

QUALIFICATIONS:  High School diploma or equivalent, PLUS two years of college coursework (48 units), OR Associate Degree (or higher), OR pass a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting in instruction (Parapro, WorkKeys, OGET). Fluent in written and oral Spanish and English. Experience in language interpreting and translation is preferred, but not required.

 

REPORTS TO:   Principal/EL Coordinator/Special Services Director

 

JOB SUMMARY: A bilingual program paraprofessional, under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks relating to the physical and instructional needs of ELL/bilingual students; assists in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help and behavior management as well as instruction; provides interpretation and translation services.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works under the direction of the District EL Coordinator in coordination with principals and Student Services Director
• Assists in the capacity of a liaison between school and home to improve communications in the areas of academic progress, behavior, attendance, medical records, school events, scheduling and attending conferences, etc. Translating school communications such as newsletters into parents’ primary home language using proficient typing and/or computer skills.
• Translates written materials into professional format as requested. 
• Works with counselors, administrators, and teachers to interpret and translate. Works with counselors, school nurses, etc. with EL student records to ensure all necessary paperwork is current and accurate and communicates when additional information is needed from students and parents. Translate any student transcripts when necessary. Assist secretaries and counselors and parents/guardians with enrollment, withdrawals, etc. Works with law enforcement officers to interpret and translate.
• Works with staff to organize and implement events for EL students such as scheduling, field trips, parent-teacher conferences, family nights, cultural fairs, etc. 
• Works with social service agencies to increase access to information and opportunities for students and their families outside of the school
• Able to have flexibility in schedule to work evening conferences scheduled by the school 
• Follows interpreter/translator code of ethics, including standards for confidentiality of information (FERPA). 
• Provides direct instruction and tutoring under the supervision of the District EL Coordinator and/or a certified teacher to increase student understanding and learning through translating and interpreting directions in the classroom, homework assignments, etc. 
• Prepares instructional materials.
• Performs a variety of clerical tasks, including typing, making copies, collating, gathering resource information and materials, filing, food program record keeping, fundraising activities, answering phones, taking and relaying messages, word processing, etc.
• Provide supervision of students in the classroom, playground, hall, restroom, therapy area, gymnasium, other specified areas on a school campus, community-based activities, and/or transportation situation. 
• Perform other duties as directed by the administration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Knowledge of current computer software packages and classroom technology tools. 
• Proven ability to work effectively and communicate with parents, community, students and staff.
• Service-oriented mindset and an inclination towards creative problem solving.
• Individuals should be self-motivated, organized and able to manage multiple, diverse projects at once.

 

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:  Regular classroom/school environment. Regular office environment, including frequent use of electronic email, being able to sit for long periods of time without a break, etc. Normal effort of occasional periods of moderate physical activity.  Work is typically performed in an office environment with some travel to other campuses. Interruptions are expected to occur often. Must be able to adapt and respond quickly to constantly changing technology.