Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Summary
Translates and interprets a wide variety of written and spoken District-wide communications in English and a designated foreign language; to facilitate communication between District staff and non-English speaking students, parents and other members of the community; and to perform responsible clerical duties; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned area of responsibility. 

Distinguishing Career Features
Translators have well-developed skills, knowledge and training in two or more languages. Because the incumbents may be called upon to perform simultaneous interpretation with parents and students, knowledge of school policies, and procedures, programs and course content is required.  The translator will also work with district staff when interpretation and communication assistance is required for business-related situations. While advancement to this position could come from other instructional support positions, it is most likely that incumbents will only be considered by meeting the minimum qualifications on the job description.

• Interprets from one language into another with appropriate use of language.  Provides consecutive or simultaneous interpretation between languages.
• Provides interpretation and translation of technical terminology used by the psychologist, speech therapist, school nurse and other District personnel; provide explanations to facilitate communications, promote understanding and develop rapport with Spanish-speaking parents.
• Translates documents and other material, including technical subject matters and policies, procedures, instructions, progress reports and report cards, IEP documents from one language into another.   Reads and rewrites material in specified language or languages, following established rules pertaining to factors, such as word meanings, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
• Communicates with a variety of District administrators, specialists, faculty and other staff to provide interpretation and translation as needed. 
• Assists psychologist, speech therapists and others in administering tests to Spanish-speaking students to assure that accurate test results are obtained.
• Accompanies District specialists on home visits as needed to interpret, explain procedures and programs and assist in obtaining information of a personal and sensitive nature.
• Attends meetings, conferences and social gatherings and interpret as required.
• Reviews and edits translations made by others for accuracy, context, readability, and style.  Proofreads documents and forms.
• Serves as a liaison between staff and parents to ensure that translations and documents are properly translated.  Verifies and clarifies information to be translated.
• Attends, provides simultaneous interpretation for various district meetings for parents, and may be required to maintain records of proceedings for public and confidential hearings and other meetings. 
• May assist with the preparation of reports by gathering and summarizing information such as demographics and language.
• Operates a personal computer and peripheral equipment, using modern software.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position including clerical functions, when not translating.

• Education and Experience

• Licenses and Certificates

Knowledge and Skills
The position requires:  Well-developed skills in spelling, punctuation, syntax, grammar, and pronunciation of formal English and a designated language.  Working knowledge of regional differences in word usage and idioms in English and the designated foreign language as well as cultural and attitudinal differences, customs, and more.  Working knowledge of technical, medical and legal-oriented vocabulary.  Considerable human relation skills to interact in both formal and informal settings with a wide variety of contacts.  Technical terminology used by psychologist, speech therapists, nurses and other specialists.  Oral and written communication skills.  Telephone techniques and etiquette.  Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.

Abilities
Requires the ability to:  

• Recognize and meet the needs of non-English speaking students and parents. 
• Interpret/translate to and from English and a designated foreign language without altering the original meaning and intent. 
• Express meaning between languages that is structurally, grammatically, and idiomatically correct.  Comprehend and translate vernacular expressions of varying disciplines and interpret nuances. 
• Utilize personal computers to prepare written documents and access databases used in education.  Use electronic equipment to broadcast voice to a large audience.  Learn technical, medical and legal-oriented vocabulary.
• Speak, read, write and translate Spanish fluently. 
• Translate a wide variety of written materials from English into a designated language and from a designated language into English. 
• Understand and participate in conversational Spanish with a high degree of precision of vocabulary and fluency. 
• Read and comprehend various styles and forms of the Spanish language ranging from moderately difficult prose to highly colloquial writing. 
• Assist District psychologist, speech therapist and other specialists in administering diagnostic tests to Spanish-speaking students. 
• Develop rapport with Spanish-speaking parents and students and discuss personal and sensitive problems and issues. 
• Work independently with minimal direction.
• Proficient operation of word processing equipment, data base experience on computer terminal
• Provide information and assistance to parents, the general public and other staff members in a helpful, courteous and timely manner. 
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged information obtained in the course of work. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Understand and follow oral and written directions. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.