Bilingual Liaison / Family Engagement Specialist
Classified support role bridging communication between schools and families, with emphasis on bilingual communities
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The Bilingual Liaison / Family Engagement Specialist serves as a bridge between the school and families, particularly those who speak languages other than English. This role facilitates communication, builds relationships, and helps families navigate the school system. The liaison provides translation and interpretation services, supports family engagement activities, and helps ensure all families have access to school resources and information.
Responsibilities
Instructional Support
- Provide instructional assistance to students under the direction of certified teachers
- Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning concepts and skills
- Assist teachers with lesson preparation, material organization, and classroom setup
- Support students with academic tasks, following teacher guidance and instructional plans
- Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teachers on student performance
- Assist with classroom management and behavior support strategies
- Help maintain a positive, inclusive, and productive learning environment
- Support students with diverse learning needs and accommodations
- Assist with technology integration and use of instructional tools and resources
Student Supervision
- Supervise student behavior and enforce safety rules and regulations
- Monitor students and provide appropriate assistance as needed
- Respond appropriately to emergencies including medical situations and behavioral incidents
- Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents regarding student behavior and incidents
- Complete required documentation including incident reports and behavior logs
- Maintain order and discipline while fostering a positive environment
- Attend mandatory safety meetings and training sessions on student supervision
Communication & Translation
- Provide oral interpretation services for parent-teacher conferences, meetings, and school events
- Translate written materials including newsletters, forms, notices, and educational documents
- Assist families with understanding school policies, procedures, and academic expectations
- Help families communicate concerns, questions, and needs to school staff
- Support two-way communication between families and school administration
Family Engagement
- Organize and facilitate family engagement events and activities
- Help families navigate school systems including enrollment, registration, and program access
- Connect families with school and community resources and support services
- Assist with parent education workshops and informational sessions
- Build relationships with families and serve as a trusted point of contact
- Support families in understanding student progress, report cards, and academic goals
- Help coordinate volunteer opportunities and parent involvement activities
- Assist with home visits and family outreach as needed
Cultural Bridge
- Promote cultural understanding and awareness within the school community
- Help school staff understand cultural perspectives and family needs
- Support culturally responsive practices and inclusive school environments
- Assist with cultural celebrations and events that honor diverse backgrounds
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent (minimum)
- Fluency in English and at least one other language (as required by district needs)
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural competency and understanding of diverse family backgrounds
- Ability to work with families from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Basic computer skills for creating translations and communications
- Strong organizational skills for managing multiple tasks and priorities
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student and family information
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher in education, social work, communications, or related field
- Professional training or certification in interpretation/translation
- Previous experience working with families or in community outreach
- Experience working in educational settings or with school-aged children
- Knowledge of school systems, policies, and educational programs
- Training in family engagement strategies and best practices
- Understanding of special education processes and services
- Experience with community resources and social services
- Bilingual/bicultural background with deep understanding of community needs
Skills & Competencies
- Fluency in multiple languages with strong translation and interpretation skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in all languages
- Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse family backgrounds
- Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with families and staff
- Ability to explain complex information clearly and accessibly
- Problem-solving skills for helping families navigate challenges
- Organizational skills for managing translation projects and family communications
- Technology skills for creating translated materials and communications
- Knowledge of school systems, policies, and educational terminology
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Patience and empathy when working with families facing challenges
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries
Work Environment
This position works in school settings and may involve travel to multiple school sites or home visits. The bilingual liaison interacts regularly with families, teachers, administrators, and community partners. The role requires flexibility to attend meetings, events, and activities that may occur outside regular school hours, including evenings and weekends. The position involves both independent work (translations, outreach) and collaborative work (meetings, events) with school staff and families.
Physical Requirements
This position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel frequently throughout the workday. The role involves occasional lifting and carrying of materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Employees must be able to move around the classroom and school building, assist students with mobility needs, and participate in physical activities as part of instructional support. The position requires manual dexterity for handling instructional materials and technology. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Family engagement staff receive:
- Professional development opportunities in family engagement and cultural competency
- Flexible scheduling options (many positions are part-time)
- School calendar schedule with holidays and summers off (as applicable)
- Opportunities to make a meaningful impact on family-school partnerships
- Experience working with diverse communities and building cultural bridges
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.