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Department:
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Multilingual Learner Education
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Job Title:
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Interpreters and Translators
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FLSA Status:
(Exempt/Non-exempt)
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Non-exempt
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Reports to:
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Director of Multilingual Learners
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION (1-3 LINES DESCRIBING ROLE):
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The Interpreter/Translator provides oral interpretation and written translation services that enable families who speak a language other than English to participate fully and equitably in their children's education. Working across all district schools, the Interpreter/Translator facilitates accurate, impartial, and confidential communication between families and school staff in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Massachusetts DESE guidance for Interpreters in the Education Setting.
Position: Interpreter/Translator - Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin), Vietnamese, Russian
Position Type: Per diem, hourly, as needed
Rate: $27.50 - $35 per hour
Start Date: Immediately upon hire
Position Details:
- Estimated 2-20 hours per week, varying based on district needs.
- Assignments generally fall between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, with occasional evening meetings and events.
- Availability for in-person assignments across district schools; some assignments may be conducted remotely.
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QUALIFICATIONS:
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Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred, particularly in Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics, Education, or a related field.
Language proficiency:
- Demonstrated proficiency in English and in your target language, evidenced through one of the pathways recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: a diploma or transcript showing instruction in the language; at least 24 post-secondary credit hours taught in the language; a Seal of Biliteracy; a qualifying score on a recognized proficiency assessment (such as ACTFL OPI at Advanced-Mid or higher); or certification from an interpreter training program such as medical or court interpreting.
- Strong written and verbal communication in both languages.
Preferred training and designation:
- Tier 2 Interpreter in the Education Setting training through DESE or a DESE-approved provider.
- Tier 3 designation, including coursework in special education terminology and 50 hours of supervised practice, is required for assignment to specialized meetings and is strongly preferred. Interim Tier 3 status is accepted while practice hours are completed.
- Candidates who meet the language proficiency requirements but have not yet completed the Tier 2 or Tier 3 coursework and/or certification are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- Prior experience providing interpretation and/or translation in an educational, medical, legal, or human services setting preferred.
- Familiarity with U.S. schools and with special education processes is a plus.
- Experience translating educational documents; including Individualized Education Programs, progress reports, and family notices; strongly preferred.
- Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse families preferred.
Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and the target language, including the ability to produce accurate written translations that preserve meaning, tone, and register.
- Knowledge of education terminology used in school settings and, for Tier 3 assignments, terminology associated with specialized and legally contextualized meetings.
- Understanding of the role of the interpreter in school settings,
- Working knowledge of interpreter ethics, confidentiality, and standards of practice.
- Cultural competency sufficient to negotiate across cultural differences and to identify cultural nuances that may affect understanding, without altering the content of the message.
- Ability to maintain a neutral, professional presence during sensitive or emotional conversations.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and reliability in meeting deadlines.
- Proficiency with standard office technology (Windows and Google suites), email, and videoconferencing platforms.
Required of all district employees
- At least 18 years of age.
- Successful CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks.
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ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (NOT LIMITED TO):
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Interpretation
- Provide consecutive interpretation between English and your target language at parent/guardian-teacher conferences, enrollment appointments, family engagement events, and phone conversations with families.
- If you hold Tier 3 designation, interpret at specialized meetings — IEP Team meetings, evaluation and eligibility meetings, 504 Plan meetings, English Learner program placement meetings, and disciplinary or bullying-related proceedings.
- Interpret accurately and impartially, without adding, omitting, or altering information.
- Flag when a communication breakdown occurs or when an assignment falls outside your scope, so the district can arrange appropriate support.
Translation
- Translate IEPs, evaluation reports, progress reports, family handbooks, codes of conduct, health and consent forms, and school notices.
- Sight-translate documents during meetings as needed.
- Help build and maintain district glossaries of education and special education terminology.
Professionalism and Collaboration
- Maintain strict confidentiality of student and family information.
- Keep accurate records of assignments completed and documents translated.
- Submit timely and accurate timesheets and invoices.
- Partner with school staff to schedule services and prepare for meetings.
- Bring cultural insight that helps school staff and families understand one another; while keeping interpretation itself faithful to what was said.
Other duties:
Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Multilingual Learners or the Administrative Assistant to the Multilingual Department that are consistent with the general scope and responsibilities of the position.
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WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in a school environment during the school day; however, there may be occasions for afterschool and evening meetings. The position serves all schools in the district and requires travel between buildings. Some assignments may be performed remotely by telephone or videoconference.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the Interpreter/Translator is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. The Interpreter/Translator is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel. The Interpreter/Translator is occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires sustained concentration and the ability to listen and speak for extended periods. Must have sufficient mobility to navigate within a large school building.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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