IT ALL BEGINS WITH A SPARC

Join us in helping build the foundation for lifelong success! Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC) is a mission driven non-profit organization located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. We provide individualized services for families and their children with unique developmental needs in Skagit County, WA.  SPARC is seeking highly motivated Multicultural Specialist to join our Parent to Parent team.

OUR VISION

As a SPARC employee, we will rely on you to reflect our vision of a community where everyone is understood, supported, loved and accepted for exactly who they are. Through every aspect of instruction and employee collaboration, we expect compassion, respect, and a high level of professionalism.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or working toward degree completion, preferred
2. Language: Must be fluent in Spanish, both spoken and written, including the ability to compose professional correspondence
3. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
   1. CPR and First Aid Certificate
4. Experience:
   1. Must be the parent or relative of a child with a disability or chronic condition
   2. Trained in interpersonal communication; strong public speaking and writing skills
   3. Skilled in assessment and active listening
   4. Experience in budgeting, time management, case management, and maintaining records
5. Background Check: Must be able to pass a Washington State Patrol and Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Fingerprinting background check
6. Driver’s License: Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
7. Auto Insurance: Must maintain valid auto insurance

SUMMARY

The Parent to Parent Multicultural Specialist provides direct, culturally and linguistically appropriate support to families navigating their child’s diagnosis of a disability or chronic health condition. This position offers emotional support, peer connections, information, and resource referrals, primarily to Spanish-speaking families. The Parent to Parent Multicultural Specialist helps coordinate outreach events, peer mentor matching, and educational opportunities. They also support volunteer efforts, maintain accurate records, and assist in ensuring the accessibility and cultural relevance of the Parent to Parent program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Include the following but are not limited to, other duties may be assigned)

• Arrive at work prepared, on time, and ready to support the preschool team
• Work and communicate professionally with students, families, and coworkers in a diverse environment
• Follow all safety procedures to always keep students and coworkers safe
• Maintain confidentiality according to HIPPA and FERPA regulations
• Attend and participate in all required staff training days
• Comply with all SPARC policies and procedures
• Perform other related duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned to support program operations and organizational needs. Duties may be adjusted or expanded based on evolving program requirements, staffing needs, and service demands

Family Support & Services:

• Provide direct support and resources to families raising children with disabilities or chronic conditions
• Assess family needs and match parents with trained peer mentors (“Helping Parents”) for one-on-one support
• Facilitate monthly support meetings, educational seminars, and/or social/recreational events for families
• Offer crisis support and referrals as needed

Volunteer Coordination:

• Assist in the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer Helping Parents and support event volunteers
• Maintain a volunteer roster and ensure quality, mission-aligned service

Program Operations:

• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, contact logs, and service statistics
• Submit data monthly to the Program Manager for compliance and funding requirements
• Respond to voicemail and email communication in a timely manner
• Assist in coordinating and supporting special projects and outreach events as directed

Community Outreach & Education:

• Maintain liaison with local medical, educational, and community professionals
• Lead or support public education efforts around Parent to Parent services and disability awareness
• Develop or coordinate translated materials and translation services as needed to ensure program accessibility

Professional Skills & Conduct:

• Demonstrate advocacy for families and individuals with disabilities
• Exhibit professionalism in appearance, punctuality, and interpersonal communication
• Participate in supervision and staff meetings to enhance quality and consistency of services
• Uphold the values of inclusion, dignity, and family-centered practices

WORK ENVIRONMENT

SPARC is a collaborative, family-centered work environment dedicated to supporting children and families with a wide range of developmental, educational, therapeutic, and support needs. Employees work as part of a multidisciplinary team and interact regularly with children, families, coworkers, community partners, and other professionals. The work environment may include offices and community settings. Employees should expect a dynamic environment that may be active, noisy, and occasionally unpredictable, particularly when working directly with young children. The position may require adapting to changing needs, responding calmly to challenging situations, and always maintaining professionalism and a supportive approach.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Classification: Part Time, up to 10 hours per week

Pay: $22.50 per hour

Schedule: flexible based on individual and program needs. This position may require some weekends and evenings.

BENEFITS

• Employee Assistance Program
• 2 days scheduled off for Thanksgiving break
• 2 weeks scheduled off during December for school district winter break
• 1 week scheduled off during April for school district spring break
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with company match (If eligible)
• Annual continuing education reimbursement opportunities
• Reimbursement for work related mileage
• Sick Time accrual of 1 hour for every 15 hours worked

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to spend periods of time:

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching to access files or office supplies
• Clear speech and hearing to communicate effectively in person and over the phone
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and a computer screen

TRAVEL

This position requires regular travel throughout Skagit County to provide Special Education services at community preschools. Employees must have reliable transportation, maintain a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance, and be able to safely transport materials and equipment as needed. Travel between service locations is an essential function of this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

SPARC is an EEO employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, job-related skills and experience, organizational needs, and other lawful considerations. SPARC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees are valued, supported, and treated with dignity. SPARC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law.