Job Title:  Bilingual Liaison (Spanish Speaking)

Location: As Assigned by OPS Administration

Reports To:  Chief Student & Community Services Officer and Building Principal

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 202 Days/ 8 hours per day

Salary Schedule: This is a non-negotiated position.  Wages are administered consistent with Board approved salary schedules.

Position Purpose:  The Bilingual Liaison serves as a liaison between students, parents, schools, businesses, agencies and the community to ensure a high-quality learning experience that prepares students for the workplace and continued education/training. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum Two (2) years college coursework completed with continued progress toward a Bachelor's Degree required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Fluently bilingual in English and language as specified in job title required.
• Must be able to express himself/herself orally and in writing in English and language as specified in job title.
• Must be able to serve as a translator (orally and in writing) for language as specified in job title-speaking students, their parents, the community, and school personnel.
• Excellent attendance record.
• This individual must exhibit skills pertinent to positive human relations and the ability to work effectively with principals, curriculum specialists, teachers, central office staff, students, parents, administrators, business, post-secondary institutions, community agencies, and the community.
• Ability to provide leadership, which facilitates the successful implementation of the Omaha Instructional Process, EXCELS and curriculum content related to English Learners (EL).
• Ability to administer the Language Assessment screener (LAS Links or ELPA21 Screener), as needed.
• Must have a willingness to work with ESL parents in such areas as: conversational English. helping children with homework and developing leadership skills.        
• Skill in organization, time management, communication, and positive interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate a Family Resource Center with materials to support English Learners.
• Must have a willingness to support all parent involvement activities sponsored by the EL program and assigned schools.
• Must have a willingness to make home visits.
• Must have own transportation.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Conducts/supports conversation between English and individuals who speak a language other than English including but not limited to discipline, class schedules, personal/social issues, translates reports, letters, and other school related communications.
• Assists with the coordination and improvement of parent, school and community communications and the academic achievement of all students.
• Assists with the communication of student attendance concerns.
• Assists families by providing contacts of community resources as required.
• Translates documentation as required.
• Maintains confidentiality of information regarding students.
• Works closely with the principal, guidance counselors, administrators, curriculum specialists, teachers, staff and students.
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships with all students, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Administers current testing method to determine eligibility for the English as a Second Language program.
• Addresses student, parent, and community questions and concerns as appropriate. Escalates concerns to the appropriate school professional as required.

Additional Duties:  Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment:  This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Limited travel may be required. Provide support to other schools as assigned. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exemplary attendance.
• Ability to work the required number of hours. Hours will include evening and weekend work on occasion.
• Demonstrates a high level of independent and collaborative problem solving ability.
• Demonstrates a high degree of initiative in day to day tasks and projects.
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to work within the local community/neighborhood as appropriate.
• Work in standard office and school building environment.
• Exemplary communication skills, verbal and written.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Works under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
• Works with a diverse population including multiple nationalities and cultures requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
• Regular attendance is important.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.