Nationality Worker - Refugee Assistance Program

About Our District

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all - including students who fall behind or have been considered "hard to serve" for a host of reasons. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and he is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of school leaders and teachers to partner with him in moving the district toward its goals. The Syracuse City School District represents 34 schools and 4 alternative education programs, serving 19,000+ students Pre-K-12 of whom 77% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 18% are served by the Office of Special Education and 78% are students of color.

Location and Department: Refugee Assistance 

Distinguishing Features Of The Class

The work involves responsibility for establishing and maintaining lines of communication between students of different cultural backgrounds, their parents, school administrators, and teachers in order to accomplish the goals of meeting special educational and culturally related academic needs. An employee in this class ensures the academic success of students by providing guidance, assistance and instruction, without compromising their cultural identity. The work involves the application of social service techniques and the exercise of judgment in evaluating facts and making recommendations. Considerable leeway is allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in planning and executing assigned tasks. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Interviews persons seeking assistance.
• Assists persons in the solution of personal, family finance, and other problems.
• Assists teachers and others in developing an awareness of the needs of students.
• Communicates regularly with parents and famiies of students.
• Contacts various agencies, such as the Social Services Department, Health Department and clinics,
• Police Department, Probation Department, Courts and Hospitals, to provide necessary aid.
• Cooperates with various agencies in dealing with non‑English speaking people.
• Fills out and types naturalization applications, income tax returns and various other government forms.
• Acts as interpreter for non‑English speaking people.
• Assists in youth group work.
• Prepares case records and periodic reports.

In addition, when Assigned to the LaFayette School District:

• Supervises students at Longhouse Ceremonies.
• Verifies permission slips of all students attending Longhouse Ceremonies.
• Coordinates requests from outside agencies requesting Native American student participation.
• Coordinates with Onondaga Nation School regarding BRIDGES Program.
• Works to provide cross-cultural opportunities to students in the LaFayette School District.
• Assists teachers by identifying and utilizing resources of the Native American community.
• Communicates regularly with the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs and Clan Mothers.
• Ensures transportation requests are confirmed with the Director of Transportation for Longhouse schedule and other events.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good knowledge of and ability in the use of the English language.
• Working knowledge of case work methods.
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to public welfare and assistance.
• Ability to read, write, speak and interpret the foreign language required for the position.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with others.
• Ability to speak and write in a clear and concise manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in work where the duties involve meeting and dealing with public or specific groups of individuals or students.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT: Ability to read, write, speak and interpret the foreign language required for the position.

WORKING HOURS:This position will work 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. This position is nonexempt, overtime pay is entitled when available.  SALARY/COMPENSATION:The starting salary for this position is $45,411 per the Unit 9 contractual agreement. QUALIFICATIONS:

• All candidates must be fluent in any of the following languages: Arabic, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, Pushto and Dari.
• All candidates must meet the minimum qualifications indicated on the Onondaga County Civil Service job description for the title. 
• The successful candidate will be required to pass a fingerprint-based background check, at the cost of $102.50 to the candidate.