Immigrant and Refugee Family Support Specialist

JOB TITLE:  Immigrant and Refugee Family Support Specialist 

JOB GOALS:    

• Engage with the diverse community of USD383. 
• Adopt a student-centered, strength-based framework that enhances cultural responsiveness and supports the social and emotional well-being of students and their families. 
• Provide assistance to school professionals to bridge communication and information with culturally and linguistically diverse families.  
• Serve as a liaison between parents/caregivers, students, and staff to support immigrant and refugee families in USD 383. 

LOCATION: District Wide 

QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or other field relating to job goals (preferred, not required). 
• Experience in an educational environment that includes working in collaborative settings and in partnership with families and community programs.  
• Bilingual/Biliterate – with demonstrated ability to interpret and translate common languages represented in the Manhattan-Ogden School District (preferred, not required). 
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and cultural inclusion initiatives in educational settings. 
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of flexibility in scheduling, organizational and communication skills. 
• All USD 383 employees must pass a background check. 

DIVERSITY: As an equal opportunity employer, USD 383 is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe there is a long-term advantage to a team that reflects the diversity of our students, families, and staff. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Collaborate with school teams to support the needs of immigrant/refugee families and students.  
• Support school professionals in communicating meaningfully and adequately with culturally and linguistically diverse families.  
• Provide interpretation and translation support at a variety of district meetings and events (e.g., IEP, SIT, PTC, SEL/SW meetings), as language proficiency allows.
• Implements events to promote and support acclimation to the US school system, social-emotional development, and adjustment to US culture and customs.  
• Supports community participation, family literacy and outreach. 
• Assist families in becoming active participants in their child’s education. 
• Strengthen partnerships between USD 383 and the broader community by connecting families with valuable resources and programs.
• Other duties as assigned by administration. 

REPORTS TO: ESOL Program Coordinator and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Starting at $20.00 per hour. 

  • Placement within this range is based on relevant qualifications, including prior experience, education, and applicable certifications (e.g., bachelor's degree, bilingual proficiency, etc.).

• Position available primarily during the regular school year, with additional workdays scheduled before and after the school term as needed.

• Part-time position, approximately 20–25 hours per week, including occasional evening hours.

• New employees will complete a 45-day introductory period as part of onboarding. Benefits eligibility and leave usage begin after successful completion of this period.

• This is a grant-funded position. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funds.

BENEFITS:   

• Dental, and Vision Insurance eligibility for employees working 17.5 hours per week.
• Retirement Plan options available for employees working at least 17.5 hours/week. 
• Paid sick and personal leave for employees working 20 hours per week. 

RETIREMENT:  

• USD 383 makes monthly contributions to a 403(b)-retirement account for all certified and eligible employees.  
• KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System): 6% monthly staff contribution. Vested after five years.   

TECHNOLOGY:   

• District provided devices - iPad, laptop, and/or desktop as needed.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt  

EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated during the introductory period and annually in accordance with the Board of Education’s policy on evaluation. 

ABOUT US:    

• The mission of Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 is to prepare all students for success as lifelong learners, earners, and citizens. Our vision is to be nationally recognized for the breadth and depth of success attained by all students. 
• The world walks in our hallways. There are 6 continents, over 75 countries and more than 30 languages represented. 
• USD 383 serves 7,000 students from early learning through grade 12. We have 1,800 employees. 
• The Board of Education shall hire all employees based on ability and the needs of the district. Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies concerning hiring, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individual’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, or age.   
• This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.