ESL Family Engagement Specialist

Norfolk Public School District•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

The position exists to function as part of the network of assistance for students and families that speak a language other than English in Norfolk Public Schools. This position coordinates communication and activities across school division sites among teachers, students, parents, the community, and school administrators. This position is responsible for providing instructional support services and training to parents of Norfolk Public School’s children. The purpose of this position is to create a partnership between home and school that will result in parents who are better prepared and more confident in their quest to help their children succeed in school. This position requires homes visits, organizing meetings and workshops, and provides training to enhance the parent’s ability to support their children in school. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Senior Coordinator of Foreign Language and ESL. Please be advised that this position is grant-funded.

Requirements

Must be fluent in English and Spanish.
Requires an Associate’s Degree or successful completion of the ParaPro test administered by the Department of Education; and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Requires a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as a liaison between student, home, school, and community resources such as family resource agencies.
Plans and provides activities related to parent involvement that would enhance school climates.
Works with professional personnel, students, and parents to help students be successful in school by making information available in various languages to increase the understanding of specific elements that may be attributed to emotional, physical, academic, and economic areas specific to the ESL and immigrant youth population .
Cooperates with administrators and school personnel in implementing parent involvement programs according to state and federal guidelines.
Meets with students and families upon enrollment to determine educational goals and needed family and school supports.
Works to connect families to intra-district resources as well as community agencies and support such as: NPS Adult Ed and pre-school programs, Hispanic Resource Center and the YMCA.
Supports schools in tracking EL academic achievement, attendance, and drop-out rates.
Provides community resources to support students and families.
Participates in on-going professional development by attending workshops, lectures, and institutes on specific subjects to enhance job performance.
Supports division and school communication with families on a regular basis.
Makes home visits as needed and works with parents regarding ways in which they can help their children achieve challenging state standards.
Assists in ESL program presentations, professional development sessions, state assessments, and trainings as needed.
Coordinates tutors, mentors, and/or volunteers to support students to reinforce academic and language skills.
Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.
Keeps abreast of all federal and state ESL guidelines.
Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and/or the Senior Coordinator of Foreign Language and ESL or other appropriate administrators.