Early Childhood Somali Language Access Line Specialist

Think Small, Minnesota’s leader in early learning, is dedicated to advancing early childhood care and education. We are still committed to the principles that gave rise to our organization 50 years ago - that the quality of a child's early experiences greatly influences his or her success later in life and that there is much that can be done to improve the quality of early childhood settings to optimize a child's development.

This position serves as a link between Somali-speaking ELL (English Language Learner) families, providers, community programs, organizations, parents, MN CC&R agencies by responding to the needs of callers with effective translation and interpretation of services, providing childcare-related technical support over the phone and face-to-face.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide interpretation for services provided under the statewide CCR&R contract
• Translate materials
• Create materials (newsletters, flyers) for distribution
• Connect callers to services provided under the statewide CCR&R contract
• Collect caller data and compile reports for internal use and partner agencies
• Provide in-person or virtual technical assistance for clients
• Outreach into community about language-specific agency services which may include media (radio, television, etc.)
• Participate in community events
• Perform all job duties to department expectations and standards
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance
• Collaboration with customers, coworkers and external partners
• Timely, engaged participation in meetings
• Safe job performance
• Competency in required computer programs
• Prepare reports as required, requested
• Current, valid certifications as required

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood family education, family support, or human services and two years’ experience
• OR Associate’s degree in child development, early childhood family education, family support, or human services; CDA and five years’ experience
• Fluent ability and experience in speaking, reading, and writing English and Somali
• 2 years’ experience in program service delivery, observation and recording skills, customer service and ELL adult learners
• Strong verbal, interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with management, staff, community partners and public as required.
• Working knowledge of MS Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• This position is mostly sedentary with occasional demands to walk and stand
• There are occasional requirements to lift up to 20 pounds
• There is frequent keyboarding, computer use and communicating via phone, email and in person
• Perform other work-related duties as requested
• Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle and proof of insurance is required for metro area travel
• Occasional evening or weekend hours

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is available immediately.

The hiring range is for this position is $19.60 - $23.39 per hour and Think Small offers a unique benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental, short and long term disability, life, vision, disability, critical illness and long term care insurance; medical and dependent care flex, HSA, legal and ID protection plans.
• Pre-tax and ROTH 401k with 5% employer match.
• 23 days of sick/vacation time earned the first year PLUS 9 scheduled holidays and 4 floating holidays for those whose needs don’t conform to the federal holiday calendar.
• We recently introduced 2 new-parent benefits – 6 weeks paid parental leave and infants-at-work program (available after 1 year of employment.)

Think Small is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.