International Welcome Center Support Specialist - International and ESOL Program

International Welcome Center Support Specialist

International and ESOL Program

12 months / year

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Near native or native fluency in Spanish

Are you looking to work in a school division where students are engaged in authentic, challenging, and relevant learning experiences, becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society? Then look no further!

In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together as a team to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children's success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student!

We are the first public school division in Virginia, and among the first in the country, to develop and implement an Anti-Racism policy with the expressed purpose of building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism, eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps, and support the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child. In ACPS, "all" really means all.

ACPS employees enjoy competitive pay and benefits, including health & dental coverage, retirement, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, wellness program, discounts on gym memberships, and more! Be sure to check out our website to learn more about our Division and our Schools.

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK :

The International Welcome Center Support Specialist welcomes multilingual families to the school division, provides consultation to families in times of need, and consults with school staff to improve family engagement across language and culture. The International Welcome Center Support Specialist assists new families to adapt to U.S. public schools and empowers students and families to achieve the highest levels of self-sufficiency in their new community. The International Welcome Center Support Specialist collaborates with ESOL staff to develop an effective interpretation and translation system as well as systems of supplementary support such as mentoring and workshops for parents. Finally, the International Welcome Center Support Specialist supports new families in completing the registration process for new students to the schools.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Works collaboratively with the ESOL Program and school staff to assist ESOL students in educational placement and acclimation;
• Registers and assesses new and transfer students in the school system;
• Provides cultural and academic information on new students to school staff to facilitate transition and academic success;
• Coordinates supplemental parent engagement and mentorship programs;
• Connects students and families to community agencies offering prevention and intervention services;
• Provides cultural consultation to School Based Intervention Teams and other educators working to support students across language and culture;
• Engages and provides services to families on a voluntary basis through school and other referrals;
• Convenes school case management / transition teams;
• Provides accurate and timely undated entries into the required information systems;
• Advocates for the development of needed resources in the community as a school representative on regional working groups;
• Attends and participates in related departmental and faculty meetings and training;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Near native or native fluency in Spanish preferred. Considerable knowledge of educational and other issues concerning ESOL students and families, knowledge of child development and parenting practices; considerable knowledge of social institutions and community aid agencies in the region; considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior supports; ability to identify social challenges and needs and to assess the ability of individual and families to utilize services in problem solving; ability to work effectively through counseling and other methods with individual and families in helping them solve their problems, ability to plan and organize work, ability to understand and interpret laws, policies and regulations, ability to communicate and establish effective working relationships with families, co-workers, other professional and technical staff, social agencies, schools and the general public; ability to prepare reports and maintain records, facility with technology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in social work, psychology, health, child development or related field and two years of related experience required. Experience in building partnerships among families, schools and communities preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Near native or native fluency in Spanish. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must be willing to work beyond regular working hours.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS :

Administer work in schools and to the public, including in family's homes and occasionally in rural areas. Frequent contacts with families and coordination with other public and private agencies (i.e. school, clinics, etc.) are required. Involves frequent driving, walking and standing.

PG12 updated 01 / 25. 8hrs / day