2025-26 Translation Specialist -Somali - 12Mo - Communications Dept

Position Summary

The individual in this position works in the Translations Office in the Office of Communications. This role will provide districtwide translation and interpretation services, advise on language access issues as needed, provide information and resources, and assist in evaluating applicants for bilingual positions within the district. Must speak Somali.

Part of the screening process is a written language assessment if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Completing the assessment does not guarantee an interview or position.

Reporting Relationship

Works under the general direction of the Translation Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a bilingual focus;
• Or two (2) years of college coursework and two years of translating experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the customs and traditions which must be followed to communicate effectively with persons representing diverse ethnic and language backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the implications/connotations of how a specific language is used in translations.
• Knowledge of community organizations and agencies that serve bilingual communities.
• Understanding of language issues and community structures within ethnic group.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in English and a second language required by the position (Hmong, Spanish, Somali, or Karen).
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with the School Board, administrators, teachers and other district staff, parents and students in educational, home and/or community settings.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to produce quality work under the pressure of meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Must be able to address sensitive and confidential issues, avoid biases, and ensure that translations are accessible to a wide audience.

Responsibilities

The essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental responsibilities: Translate and Interpret

• Translate a variety of district documents from English to the designated language or from the other language to English, including district and school policy, legal, testing and school choice information and other related documents and forms, including many of a sensitive nature; proofread all translations for accuracy.
• Interpret or otherwise support language access at districtwide events.
• Evaluate language proficiency of applicants for bilingual positions in the district.
• Serve as a language interpreter for families to present their viewpoints and issues to the School Board, administration and other district staff.

Language Liaison

• Serve as a technical expert on language related issues for staff working in the school setting; help facilitate group meetings for parents, community and staff; provide guidance on how to respond to situations involving language issues.
• Present information regarding language issues.
• Advise customers, including the Board and District administration on language issues; provide information on the language context of communication in other languages.
• Oversee website and media content in the translated language.
• Answer the district phone line in the target language and provide information or resources.
• Attend parent/teacher and community organization meetings to represent the District and to provide interpretation services as necessary.
• Gather community input by attending community or school groups or visiting with ethnic community members; document and analyze concerns within the ethnic community based upon knowledge of the customs of that community; articulate those concerns to the Board, District and school administration and other district staff as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

This is a 12 month position working 40 hours per week.

Pay range for this position is: $48,587 - $77,576 Maximum hiring step = step twelve (12)

How to Apply

To be considered further, please apply for this position and attach a resume and cover letter to your online application.

The Human Resource Department will review your application materials and contact you regarding the next steps.

To attach additional documents to your online application, click on the "Additional Attachments" link from the applicant homepage and upload your documents as attachments. Valid file extensions for attaching a document include .doc, .txt, .rtf, and .pdf.

Other Information

Transcript - Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of hire. You must submit official transcripts within 30 days of your start date. Formal credential evaluation is required for post-secondary education completed outside of the United States.

Veteran's Preference - If you are an eligible veteran applying for a job where veteran's preference applies and wish to claim Veterans Preference you must submit a legible copy of your DD214 to the Human Resource Department with your employment application. If your claim is approved, five or ten additional points will be added to your final passing score.

Criminal Background Investigation and Reference Checks - Reference checks and a criminal background investigation will be completed as a condition of hire for all new employees and for former employees who have not been employed by the District for more than six months.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are job duties that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disability Amendments Act (ADAAA). The essential functions are typical duties as outlined under Responsibilities.

Regular and reliable attendance.

May be exposed to various cleaning products.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.

Equity Statement

SPPS is committed to an equitable workforce where all employees represent this commitment through equitable practices in their job position.