Position Title: Translator/Interpreter

Pay Grade: 9 Period of Employment: 12 months

Description Approved/ Revised: 06/2024 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Supervised by and/or Reports to: School Administrators

General Responsibilities: Provides oral and written translations from the English language to and from another designated language and from and to the English language. Prepares and distributes written translations for publications, forms, letters, announcements, and instructions.

Essential Duties:

(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)

• Interprets spoken language from one language into another with appropriate use of language. Provides consecutive or simultaneous interpretation between languages; may use the Talk and Listen System for public and confidential hearings and other meetings.
• Translates documents and other materials.
• 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.
• Reviews and edits translations made by others for accuracy, context, readability, and style.
• Proofreads documents and forms.
• Serves as a liaison between staff and the school community to ensure that translations and documents are properly translated.
• Verifies and clarifies information to be translated.
• Conducts interpretation in a liaison role by transmitting messages over the phone or in person.
• Coordinates a schedule of interpreters for parent/teacher conference days.
• Translates communications routinely sent via the Alert Now pre-recorded system.
• Performs clerical functions when not translating.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-developed skills in spelling, punctuation, syntax, grammar, and pronunciation of formal English and designated language.
• Working knowledge of regional differences in word usage and idioms in English and the designated language as well as cultural and attitudinal differences, customs, and mores.
• Possess a working knowledge of technical and legal-oriented vocabulary.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact in both formal and informal settings with a wide variety of contacts.
• Knowledge and understanding of the school division’s culturally diverse community.
• Working knowledge of technical and legal-oriented
• Effective organizational, planning, oral communication, and written communication skills.
• Adherence to professional code of ethics covering confidentiality and impartiality.
• Recognize and meet the needs of non-English speaking students and parents.
• Interpret/translate to and from English and a designated language without altering the original meaning and intent.
• Able to use software to prepare written documents and access databases used in education.
• Use electronic equipment to broadcast voice to a large audience.
• Ability to work independently and perform daily assignments.

Requisite Education and Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED); two years of college with a minimum of 16 credit hours of English and/or the designated language sought by the district preferred.
• Must possess at least two (2) years of experience involving simultaneous oral translation and conversion of written documents and forms from one language into another
• Must possess at least five (5) years of progressively responsible multi-language experiences with proficiency in Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Urdu, Tagalog, or another language with significant representation in the MCPS population.

Physical Requirements:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.