Linguistic Support Staff, Early Education

Title:

Linguistic Support Staff, Early Education

Location:

Roxbury, MA

Reports to:

Operations Manager Supervises:n/aFLSA Class, status:

Part-time, non-exempt

Salary Grade:

Assistant Starting Salary:$23/hour; 25 hours per week

Date Written:

August 14, 2026

Our Mission Horizons for Homeless Children is a Boston-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. We help their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. Our advocacy efforts extend our impact and advance our vision of ending homelessness among families with young children.

Summary of Position:

The Part-Time Linguistic Support Staff promotes equitable access, family engagement, and inclusive communication within the early childhood education program. This position serves as a cultural liaison and language resource for children, families, and staff by providing translation and interpretation services supporting culturally responsive practices and helping ensure that program operations reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the community served.

This role supports the implementation of trauma-informed practices and contributes to a welcoming environment where all families feel respected, understood, and connected to program services.

Key Responsibilities Provide oral and written translation and interpretation services for families, staff, and community partners.

Attend meetings, conferences, family consultations, trainings, and events to facilitate effective communication between families and program staff.

Translate program documents, newsletters, policies, family communications, enrollment materials, and educational resources.

Ensure translations are culturally appropriate, accurate, and accessible.

Classroom support as needed

Conduct child screening using the Battelle screener

Participate in team meetings and interdisciplinary planning discussions as needed.

Support communication between families and program staff regarding services, resources, and child development.

Cultural Responsiveness and Family Engagement Serve as a cultural liaison between families and the program.

Help staff understand cultural values, traditions, and practices that may influence children's learning and family engagement.

Collaborate with educators to incorporate culturally responsive practices into classrooms and family programming.

Build trusting relationships with families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Support outreach efforts to engage historically underrepresented populations.

Trauma-Informed Practice Support Model and promote trauma-informed practices in all interactions with children, families, and staff.

Support families with sensitivity, empathy, and respect for individual experiences.

Help staff recognize the impact of trauma, stress, migration experiences, and cultural transitions on family engagement and child development.

Maintain confidentiality and follow all program policies regarding family information.

Documentation and Compliance Maintain records of translation and interpretation services provided.

Ensure translated materials remain current and aligned with program requirements.

Support compliance with language access requirements and family engagement standards.

Additional Responsibilities Assist with recruiting and onboarding culturally and linguistically diverse families.

Review program materials to ensure inclusivity and cultural relevance.

Support staff professional development related to cultural competence, equity, and language access.

Provide feedback regarding barriers that may impact family participation and access to services.

Participate in community events and outreach activities representing the program.

Collaborate with mental health, family engagement, and education staff to support positive outcomes for children and families.

Stay informed about current best practices in cultural responsiveness, language access, diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Workspace This is a 25-hour-a-week, part-time position. The work you will perform is active taking place in a classroom and office setting working alongside others. This includes collaboration with families, educators, specialists, and external agencies both in-person and virtually.

You can expect to work onsite 5 days a week (M-F). There is a large staff room with indoor and outdoor space for breaks as well…