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The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

Position Overview
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is seeking a Temporary Bilingual Program Assistant to support the Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Stevens Forest Elementary School. Under the direction of the Judy Center Site Coordinator and the Access and Opportunity Coordinator for Early Childhood Programs, this position provides bilingual support, family engagement services, outreach, and resource coordination for families with children from birth through age five. The successful candidate will play an essential role in connecting Spanish-speaking and multilingual families with educational, community, and support services that promote school readiness and family well-being.

Under the direction of the Judy Center Site Coordinator and Early Childhood Programs Access and Opportunity Coordinator, the Judy Center Family Bilingual Program Assistant provides support to the staff, partners, and families of the Judy Center at Stevens Forest Elementary School. Additionally, this position provides bilingual program assistance to the Spanish speaking families of the Judy Center.

Primary Responsibilities

Family Engagement and Outreach

• Provide service coordination and support to bilingual families residing within the Stevens Forest attendance area and families referred by community partners.
• Conduct outreach with families through in-person visits, virtual meetings, and telephone communication.
• Build positive relationships with families to increase participation in Judy Center programs and services.
• Contact families to share information about events, classes, and available resources and encourage ongoing engagement.

Interpretation and Language Support

• Provide Spanish interpretation and translation services for families participating in Judy Center programs.
• Support communication between families, school staff, and community partners.
• Assist with interpretation needs in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms when needed.
• Translate program materials, resources, and communications for Spanish-speaking families.

Family Services and Resource Coordination

• Assist families in accessing community resources and support services.
• Connect families with wraparound services and referral agencies.
• Help families complete forms and documentation associated with service coordination.
• Identify and share culturally responsive resources and materials that support family needs.

Program Support

• Assist with home visits alongside the Family Support Coordinator.
• Maintain contact logs, service records, case notes, and documentation.
• Support data collection efforts and maintain current family intake information.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing family engagement events and programs.
• Help develop resource bags, activity calendars, and take-home learning materials aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards.
• Support communications, marketing, and outreach efforts for Judy Center programs and events.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree required.

Experience

• Two years of clerical, secretarial, administrative, or office support experience.
• Experience maintaining organizational systems and utilizing technology to improve efficiency and workflow. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with young children and families.
• Experience in family engagement, community outreach, education, social services, or early childhood programs.
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
• Experience providing interpretation or translation services.
• Knowledge of local community resources and family support services.

• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Early childhood development and learning milestones for children from birth through age five.
• Maryland Early Learning Standards.
• Community resources, social service agencies, and referral processes.
• Case management principles, documentation requirements, and confidentiality practices.
• Cultural responsiveness and the needs of bilingual, Hispanic, and immigrant families.

Skills

• Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpretation and translation skills.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Community outreach and family engagement techniques.
• Event planning and program coordination.
• Administrative organization, recordkeeping, and data management.
• Ability to develop culturally appropriate educational materials and resources. 

Abilities

• Establish trusting relationships with diverse families.
• Work collaboratively with school staff, community partners, and families.
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Adapt to changing needs and work environments.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends to support family events and programming. 

Work Schedule and Employment Information

• Temporary position.
• 12-month assignment.
• Grant-funded through August 31, 2027.
• Position is based at Stevens Forest Elementary School.
• Some evening and weekend attendance may be required for family engagement events and community programming. 

Compensation

Hourly rate: $16.00 to $26.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Howard County Public School System is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equitable opportunities for all employees and applicants. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.