Administrative Assistant II - Language Access

High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Administrative Assistant II - Language Access

40 hrs/week, Mon-Fri, 220 days per year (pro-rated for the remainder of 2024-25)

 
Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary:  

With minimal supervision the assistant performs complex and highly responsible varied or specialized clerical, financial, or secretarial office support work for an administrator, supervisor or manager.  The exercise of independent discretion and judgment, and generally applying broad guidelines to multiple work situations.  The Assistant often oversees office support activities in a work unit and provides technical assistance in computer applications.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Direct the work of interpreters and translators
• Work independently and make appropriate decisions with established parameters
• Represent the department and agency with a courteous and helpful attitude in all situations
• Effective oral and written communication skills in dealing with customers, component district, employees and the general public using tact, courtesy and good judgement
• Efficiently operate standard office equipment 
• Utilize computer to perform appropriate and sophisticated tasks with installed system.
• Knowledge and understanding in applying software including graphics, charts, records, etc
• Accurately use current technology to facilitate communications and compose correspondence, maintain calendars, produce reports, create graphics and charts, basic accounting, purchases, spreadsheets, and various forms as required in the course of work
• Set up and accurately maintain official information on a database
• Receive project requests from participating school districts for interpretation and translation.
• Assign linguists to fulfill district requests.
• Schedule and confirm linguist appointments with families.
• Provide accurate editing and revision of translated documents
• Work with accuracy and attention to detail in a timely manner
• Coordinate multiple work projects (often under stressful situations)
• Assist in gathering data required for federal and state grants; compile data required for reporting
• Prepare periodic reports for departmental or program activities from files and records
• Accurately maintain confidential files and records for the program, department, and/or supervisor 
• Compose correspondence in accordance with procedures or instructions
• Prepare legal forms for signature of supervisor, supplying knowledge of established district, departmental or program procedures and functions
• Assist in budget management of grants (bookkeeping) or other revenue sources
• Make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately with reasonable speed
• Receives and distributes correspondence and other materials 
• Attend meetings to accurately record official action, prepare minutes for official record
• Assist in the planning and coordination of events
• Schedule appointments, maintain schedules, and coordinate travel, meetings and events
• Communicate appropriately and regularly through use of email
• Respect and maintain confidential information in all situations
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned
• Exhibit regular attendance, as demonstrated by not more than an average of one day per month absent unless on a protected statutory leave
• Be punctual and present for all required duties

Specific Job Capabilities:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence, effectively engaging with individuals from varied backgrounds, languages, and communities. They will actively support inclusive practices that foster equity and uphold respect for diverse linguistic and cultural identities. Spanish proficiency is preferred/required, along with the ability to facilitate accurate and meaningful communication across languages while honoring cultural distinctions. Moreover, the candidate must possess a strong understanding of systemic barriers to language access and a genuine dedication to promoting equity for multilingual learners and their families. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

The Assistant must have a thorough knowledge of business Spanish and English, composition, spelling and punctuation. Proficient in Spanish (both written and verbal). The assistant must be highly competent in the use of computers and appropriate software specific to the needs of the position. Considerable knowledge of general modern office practice, procedure, record keeping and reporting is required. The assistant has the ability to plan and direct the work of others. The ability to perform significant reaching, bending, stooping, crouching and lifting 50 pounds is expected. Must have access to reliable transportation, and consistent attendance is required. Applicants must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Cultural and Linguistic Competence: Demonstrated ability to honor and work effectively with diverse cultures, languages, and communities. Commitment to fostering inclusive practices that promote equity and respect for all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Spanish is preferred/required. Ability to facilitate clear and accurate communication across languages while respecting cultural nuances.
• Equity and Inclusion Focus: A deep understanding of and commitment to addressing systemic barriers to language access and advancing equity for multilingual learners and families.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:  talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.  Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times.  Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.  

Terms of Employment   Salary, benefits, and vacation are established by policy and contract.

Salary : $23 - $30