Temporary Interpreter

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Language Access Supervisor, the Temporary Educational Interpreter provides oral interpretation services to facilitate effective communication between school staff and multilingual families who are Limited English Proficient (LEP), ensuring meaningful participation in school-related activities and access to educational services. This position plays a key role in building strong home-school partnerships and is open to interpreters of all spoken languages. Interpreters support clear, respectful, and culturally responsive communication related to school programs, events, and academic resources. This is a temporary, on-call position. Assignments are offered on an as-needed basis depending on the needs of schools and the district. Assignments may be scheduled during school hours, evenings, or weekends and are on an as-needed basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

At least 6 months of relevant professional experience (e.g., in schools, community organizations, or service settings). Fluent oral communication, reading comprehension, and written skills in both English and the target language. Understanding of interpreter ethics, confidentiality, and best practices in educational settings. Successful completion of a language assessment is required before assignments can be offered. Commitment to ongoing required training to maintain eligibility for assignments.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide accurate, professional oral interpretation between English and the target language in consecutive and/or simultaneous modes, in-person and/or remotely (e.g., via phone or Google Meet). Interpret using microphones and headsets during meetings when providing simultaneous interpretation. Maintain a high level of fluency, grammar accuracy, and appropriate vocabulary in both English and the target language across educational and community settings. Ensure that interpretations maintain the original message’s register, meaning, and cultural competence, with minimal omissions, additions, or distortions, remain neutral and unbiased. Exhibit professional behavior and respectful communication with students, families, and staff. Respond promptly to communication and scheduling requests. Demonstrate proficiency with technology, especially Google Meet and Google Sheets.

Have reliable transportation for in-person assignments and have reliable internet for virtual assignments. Working area must be without outside interruptions. Maintain confidentiality in all interpreting assignments as required by HCPSS policy and applicable laws (e.g., FERPA).

Employee Safety

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND PRIORITIES

Provide clear and effective interpretation to facilitate communication between school staff and multilingual families.

• Provide interpretation services for meetings, conferences, and events outside of direct classroom instruction.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS

• None required. However, formal interpreter training is strongly preferred.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
 
SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a temporary position. The hourly rate of pay is $30.00/hour.

Benefits

HCPSS offers Sick and Safe Leave for eligible temporary employees. Additional information can be located on the HCPSS Website for temporary employees. 

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact [email protected]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.