SPACE Agent (Cultural Navigator) - Beaverton School District

Program & Organization Overview

The Schools, Parents and Community Engaged (SPACE) Program is a student school-based and community support program that works closely with African students, parents and schools to build spaces where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. We work with African immigrant students in classrooms, within families and in the broader community. We currently serve eight schools in the Beaverton, Reynolds, and Hillsboro school districts where we provide academic support within the school and out of school tutoring, mentoring, socio-emotional support, and connecting families to community services that they need. We have staff assigned at the schools to address barriers related to language and culture and build bridges between the schools, students and parents.

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugee Organization (CAIRO) is a culturally specific organization that aims to reduce achievement gaps and address barriers for African immigrant youth in Oregon schools. We work closely with African students, parents and schools to build spaces where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Position Summary

SPACE Agents are cultural navigators responsible for the successful day to day operation of the SPACE Program. Agents work in collaboration with school and district staff, and families and communities to lead the development of school based programs and strategies addressing academics, enrichment, and recreation; develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with agents and school leadership; ensure that core services are culturally responsive to meet the needs of an elementary, middle and high schools with a large African population. 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position based in Beaverton School District. We are looking for applicants who can work M-F 8:00 am  - 4:30p (40 hours per week). Work on evenings and weekends will be required on a semi-regular basis so that we can staff community events.

We have a strong preference for Somali and/or Swahili speakers who can communicate with families. See below for full list of languages.

Salary

$22.75/Hr.

Benefits

CAIRO offers the following benefits for this position: 

• 11 days of Paid Time Off.


• 5 days of Paid Sick Leave


• 5-day paid spring break, based on host school schedule


• Up to 16 paid company holidays.


• 100% employer-covered medical and dental insurance; employee-covered low cost vision insurance.


• 401(k) plan with an up to 3% employer match.

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Attend assigned schools four days a week while school is in session


• Perform administrative tasks at the office, including organizing and facilitating parent and community meetings, data entry, drafting an annual work plan and schedules, data collection and writing and submitting required final progress reports.


• Organize and maintain records and documentation as required. Enter data and complete reports as required by the CAIRO office.


• Maintain student caseload
  
  
  
  • Evaluate student needs
  
  
  • Determine plan for student engagement
  
  
  • Develop services to address academic & social needs (i.e. tutoring)
  
  
  • Plan for addressing any attendance or behavior issues
  
  
  • Make referrals to other services & resources (internal & external)
  
  
  • Inform students about CAIRO events and encourage participation
  
  
  • Regular student meetings
  
  
  • Maintain required student information in CAIRO case management system
  
  
  
  


• Parent Engagement
  
  
  
  • Home visit to introduce SPACE agent to parent
  
  
  • Enrolling students in the program
    
    
    
    • Get basic student information, like SSID
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Help communicate with parents when it comes to student performance at school
  
  
  • Work in collaboration with the CAIRO leadership to develop and execute adult and family programming.
  
  
  • Be available for parent-teacher conferences
  
  
  • Increase parent engagement with schools, such as attending parent-teacher conferences
  
  
  • Home visits as needed or assigned by manager
  
  
  
  


• Meeting with teachers & school administration
  
  
  
  • Work directly with school administrators to understand student needs
  
  
  • Assist teachers & school staff in communications & outreach to parents
  
  
  • Attend weekly & monthly school meetings (counselors, admins, etc) to help build relationships, understand student issues, provide council to school administrators
  
  
  • Maintain regular communication with staff, the families, school staff and community partners.
  
  
  
  


• Events & Extra-curricular Engagement
  
  
  
  • During the school year, work with other SPACE staff to develop and put on a events or workshop (one event per month, rotated between school district teams)
  
  
  • Develop summer events and workshops in collaboration with other SPACE staff
  
  
  • Promote events & resources to broader community
  
  
  
  


• In collaboration with SPACE Program Manager and other Agents, develop workshops for the teachers and district leadership.
  
  
  
  • Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited administrative functions at the office, when needed.
  
  
  
  

Abilities, Skills, & Experience

• Must be motivated, energetic, punctual, responsible, and exhibit a positive attitude to be an excellent role model for students, families and staff members.


• Experience: two or more years of experience working with African students and families is essential. 


• Fluency in English and at least one African language or Arabic. Somali, Swahili, and Tigrinya preferred. 


• Ability to lead, teach, and interact with parents, staff, teachers, children, and the school community


• Full commitment to the mission/philosophy of the SPACE Program


• Knowledge of and ability to facilitate workshops and forums


• Excitement and positive attitude toward working with children


• Dedication to the pursuit of education (for self and students)

Education

Some college coursework in relevant subjects required; Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social work or related field is preferred.

Work Environment & Location

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit (at times on the floor with children) and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.


• Frequent use of keyboard, monitor, mouse, telephone and/or headset

• Use of a personal vehicle with reimbursement will be required.


• Work locations in Washington and Multnomah County

CAIRO is a participant in the E-Verify Program and an Equal Opportunity Employer.