Bilingual Program Assistant; Somali Bryn Mawr

Bilingual Program Assistant (Somali)

Under general supervision, assists MPS staff as an interpreter to facilitate the provision of health, education and other services to non-English speaking and bilingual community members and facilitate the integration of students and classes.

Assists MPS staff as an interpreter to facilitate educational functions and other services to non-English speaking, limited English speaking and bilingual/bicultural community members, in compliance with Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants.

Provides interpreter services from English to at least one other designated foreign language, including Somali, Spanish, Hmong and other Southeast Asian languages.

Translates and interprets English to designated foreign language, maintaining message content, context, and style, in order to convey information effectively.

Provides translation service in classrooms, special projects, homework, after-school programs, and open communication with teachers, counselors, social workers, and school administrators.

Assists bilingual/bicultural and ESL/ELL (English as a Second Language (ESL)/ English Language Learning (ELL) families in accessing, obtaining and implementing educational activities, medical and other community services.

Assists bilingual students to read and write the English language; assists student learning process by interpreting English language terms into designated foreign language.

Assists teachers in delivering educational service and providing interpreting service to ESL/ELL clients; collects and records observations on students; maintains students' data base and files.

Simultaneously and consecutively interprets and translates questions and answers for ESL/ELL students and parents during school events; effectively presents information and concepts.

Interprets and explains the English language and American culture.

Assists in the translating of information and documents to be used during classes and special events.

Provides culturally relevant information to staff to facilitate understanding of the ESL/ELL communities.

Facilitates conflict resolution and explains school rules to ESL/ELL students and guardians; coordinates communications between students, parents and school services.

Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training and Experience Guidelines AA degree or completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits (required) in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences, or educational area related to position assignment; OR A passing score of 460 (or higher) on the Para Pro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate (For more information on the Para Pro Assessment, contact Educational Testing Service at or (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).);

AND two (2) years of professional experience in translation and interpretation of verbal and written English and a designated foreign language; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.