Spanish Interpreter

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Foreign Language Teaching Certification
• Ability to use email or willingness to learn skill with training
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax and idiomatic usage of English and Spanish
• Knowledge of English and Spanish equivalent translations of general, technical and subject-matter terms
• Knowledge of Special Education language, documents and procedures
• Oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of District organization, operations, policies and objectives
• Able to demonstrate the ability to speak, read and write fluently in English and Spanish
• Ability to read, speak and write effectively in idiomatic English and Spanish
• Ability to work without technical supervision
• Ability to be attentive to detail and take responsibility for accuracy of translation
• Ability to edit paperwork in English and Spanish
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with District personnel and the public
• Able to identify and correct translation errors
• Ability to utilize online resources
• Ability to operate a personal computer and peripheral equipment using modern software; operate a variety of modern office machines and equipment such as a typewriter, calculator, fax and copier
• Able to provide information and assistance to parents, the general public and other staff members in a helpful, courteous and timely manner
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: 

Deputy Superintendent

Job Goal:

• To strengthen and facilitate communication in the language most beneficial between students and parents in the educational environment
• To interpret learning and behavior goals that are in the school district's curriculum so that the student is able to benefit from these provisions

Performance Responsibilities for Educational Interpreter:

• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with teachers and other staff members, administrators, and parents
• Prepare for interpreting assignments and arrange with the appointed supervisor an appropriate time during the school day to do so
• Interact positively with all students, parents and staff, and model appropriate dress and behavior
• Schedule and coordinate parent teacher conferences
• Prepare and disseminate (as appropriate) written translations of IEPs, legal materials, workbooks, news articles, examinations, other instructional and educational materials, bulletins, correspondence, minutes and forms
• Provide accurate interpretation for district employees who have responsibility for administering other assessments determined through the IEP process (i.e., psychological, speech and hearing).
• Provide Spanish translation of various information posted on the district's web page
• Provide interpretation for parents during enrollment, suspensions, expulsions, IEP meetings and other parent meetings
• Review translated material submitted by District personnel and of other Translators, and edit for accuracy of meaning, grammar and syntax
• Answer inquiries, interpret and explain words and phrases for meaning and appropriateness
• Prepare written translations of technical, educational and general material for use by District personnel and may also act as an interpreter for district employees
• Prepare written translations of technical, educational and general material for use by District personnel, parents and the public and provides simultaneous interpretations at District meetings, including the use of headphones and microphones, when available
• Ensure that translations retain the content, meaning and feeling of the original material
• Check the translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions
• Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for educational material
• Proofread, edit and revise translated materials
• Read written materials such as assessment information, teacher manuals and rewrite material into Spanish
• Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into Spanish while maintaining message content, context and style as much as possible
• Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary
• Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information
• Perform other duties as assigned

Terms of Employment:

The duration of the position is contingent upon the continued funding of the program, project, or assignment for which the appointment is made. The salary and work calendar is to be established by the Board of Education.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy by the immediate supervisor, utilizing the Independence School District School Support Staff Performance Based Evaluation.