Interpreter and Translator (SY 26-27)

Position: Spanish, Portuguese, Armenian, Russian, Turkish, Pashto, or Arabic Language Interpreter and Translator

Position Type: Part-time

Department: ESL

Location: Districtwide

Reports to: EL Director

Affiliation: Non-Aligned, Hourly

Salary range: $30 per hour

General Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and qualified interpreter and translator of Spanish, Portuguese, Armenian, Russian, Turkish, Pashto, or Arabic to join our team. You will play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between educators, parents, and students with diverse linguistic backgrounds. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in English and the other Language, excellent translation skills, and an understanding of education in the United States.

Responsibilities:

Provide consecutive and/or simultaneous interpretation between English and another language during:

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
• Eligibility and evaluation meetings
• Parent-teacher conferences
• Behavioral intervention meetings
• Interpret accurately and impartially without adding, omitting, or altering information.
• Facilitate communication between school staff and Spanish-speaking families regarding special education services, programs, procedures, and student progress.
• Cultural Competence:
• Demonstrate cultural competence and understanding of the unique needs of students and families from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Help bridge the cultural gap by providing insights into cultural nuances that may impact the interpretation and translation process.
• Collaboration:
• Collaborate with educators and administrative staff to gather context and background information necessary for accurate translation.
• Work closely with the school community to ensure a seamless and inclusive communication process.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping:
• Maintain accurate records of translated documents.
• Ensure confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

Qualifications Required:

• Language Proficiency:
• Proficiency in English and Spanish, Portuguese, Armenian, Russian, Turkish, Pashto, Arabic, or Haitian Creole Languages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Educational Background:
• Bachelor's degree in Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics, Education, or a related field
• OR a Bachelor's degree and an Interpretation/Translation Certificate from an accredited institution.
• Experience:
• Proven experience in translating educational documents, particularly IEPs.
• Prior experience in interpretation services within an educational setting is preferred.
• Cultural Sensitivity:
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and understanding of the diverse needs of students and families.
• Professionalism:
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a professional and neutral demeanor during sensitive discussions.

Position Details:

• Part-time position.
• Estimated workload: 2-4 hours per week, or less, based on need.
• Flexible scheduling between hours 8:00 am-3:00 pm with occasional evenings.
• Available for in-person requests in Watertown Schools.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.