On-Call Interpreter

TITLE: On-Call Interpreter
DEPARTMENT: Student Supports
REPORTS TO: Bilingual Family Liaison Coordinator

Highest Level Supervised: N/A

POSITION INVENTORY: Temporary Employee
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma
• Work Experience: Experience providing interpretation, translation, family engagement support, volunteer service, or school/community support is desired
•  Licensure or Certification: N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated ability to interpret spoken communication accurately and clearly between English and another language while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
2. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse students, families, school staff, and community members; follow staff direction; ask clarifying questions as needed; and communicate availability in a timely manner.
3. Maintain confidentiality.
4. Attend work on a prompt and regular
5. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other

Job Summary:

The On-Call Interpreter is responsible for providing as-needed interpretation between multilingual students, families, and school staff to support clear two-way communication, meaningful collaboration, and effective access to school information and services. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the district.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Provide as-needed oral interpretation between multilingual students, families, and school staff during school-related conversations, meetings, events, and other communications.
2. Support two-way communication by accurately conveying information, questions, and responses between families and school personnel.
3. Use clear, respectful, and culturally responsive communication when interacting with students, families, staff, and community members.
4. Clarify meaning when needed to support accurate interpretation while avoiding personal opinions, advice, or independent decision-making on behalf of families or staff.
5. Refer questions, concerns, or requests outside the interpreter role to appropriate school or district staff.
6. Coordinate with the Bilingual Family Liaison Coordinator, Bilingual Family Liaisons (BFL), building leaders, ELL teachers, and other staff regarding interpreter needs, scheduling, and expectations.
7. Arrive prepared and on time for assigned interpretation opportunities and communicate availability or scheduling concerns in a timely manner.
8. Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration.
9. Other duties, as assigned.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.  Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check. 

Physical Requirements:

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.  Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check. 

Approved By: Josie Lewis

Date: 09/21/2026