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Language Access Program Coordinator Position

Started in 1992, SAHELI for Asian Families is a nonprofit organization that helps and empowers Asian victims and survivors of domestic abuse, improves their access services and increases community awareness of various forms of violence and oppression.

SAHELI is currently seeking to hire a Program Coordinator to manage the Language Access Program (LAP). LAP is an extension of SAHELI’s philosophy that Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault issues are best addressed by advocates and educators who share clients’ cultural and language background. SAHELI provides extensive language and cultural support for immigrant domestic violence victims through this program. There are two components to this program: the utilization of on-call Language Advocates (LA) and the utilization of volunteer interpreters.

SAHELI recruits bilingual, bicultural community members from unserved and underserved communities to become paid, on-call language advocates. Language Advocates provide critical services to SAHELI and its clients; they serve as the communication bridge between advocates and clients, provide emotional support for women and children, and accompany residents to important meetings, such as immigration and medical appointments, court hearings, and legal proceedings. Also, Language Advocates work with the community education department in designing and implementing culturally relevant outreach projects within their own communities.

Volunteer interpreters/translators are essential to SAHELI’s programs. Volunteer interpreters provide interpretation for clients at appointments, with SAHELI staff, and other service agencies. Volunteers also help with translation of printed materials for clients and for outreach purposes.

SAHELI is looking for a part-time Program Coordinator to recruit, train and manage both Language Advocates and volunteer interpreters. This position reports directly to the Executive Director. The essential functions of the position are as follows:

Conduct a formalized language needs assessment of the agency and other service providers.
Implement a recruitment plan for LA’s and volunteer interpreters through ethnic community organizations, ethnic businesses and ethnic media.
Coordinate LA assignments and monitor performance.
Provide supervision and program support to LA’s.
Work with Direct Service and Community Education staff in development and implementation of trainings for LA’s and volunteer interpreters.
Manage billing and approve timesheets for LA’s.
Implement a communications plan i.e newsletter and information briefs for LA’s and interpreters.
Coordinate with staff members in the integration of LA’s to ensure Direct Services and Community Education program goals are met.
Provide outreach to other Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault programs about the LAP program.
Develop curriculum and trainings around best practices when working with Limited English Proficient victims of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault.
Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Requirements:
Bachelors Degree in Social Work or closely related Human Services field. 2 years of work experience in similar settings may be substituted.
Strong project management skills
Strong public speaking skills
Strong knowledge of immigrant cultures, respect for all cultures, and ability to interact with diverse groups of people
Strong knowledge of issues related to domestic violence and immigrants
Organization skills, problem solving skills, creativity, and flexibility
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks effectively
Ability to recruit and motivate community members and community organizations
Must have own transportation to travel frequently within the metropolitan area
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and the use of the Internet
Must be flexible to work occasional nights and weekends

Specifications:
This position is grant dependent for 2 years
Position is half-time, exempt
Includes evening and weekend commitments
Salary range $14,000-15,000, plus health benefits
U.S. work permit required
 

Topics:
  • Civil Rights