Citywide Bilingual Translator

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Translation Manager, the Citywide Bilingual Translator will provide written translations of district-wide documents directed to parents of students with disabilities and local communities. This role will provide oral interpretations from English to Spanish and vice versa. This role will also edit internal translation documents and those by outside contractors.

The Citywide Bilingual Translator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Schedule meetings and serve as an interpreter for parents during CPS IEP meetings, legal proceedings, and other special education-related meetings
• Perform ongoing written translations of district-wide documents prepared for parents of students with disabilities and CPS communities; Edit and proofread translations
• Provide up-to-date data on translations that are completed
• Participate and support professional development for bilingual special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers
• Review and update translations recurring annually
• Maintain multiple language vocabulary directory for CPS commonly used terms
• Translate all departmental documents in English and other languages
• Other duties as assigned
  
   

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Citywide Bilingual Translator must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university preferred 

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working in translation and editing

• Two (2) years of experience in an educational setting preferred

• Certification or registration in Translation Services (e.g. Illinois Court Interpreter Registry) preferred 

Other Requirements: 

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

• Knowledge of computer-assisted translation tools, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Documents, and Slides

• Ability to work with a team and independently 

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage high volumes of work

• Demonstrated project and time management skills in a deadline-driven environment

• Ability to fluently read, write, and speak in English and Spanish 

• Ability to translate written communication from English to Spanish and Spanish to English

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.