Grade Level II: Translator/Office Assistant

Translator/Office Assistant

The Translator/Office Assistant provides high-quality translation and interpretation services to support effective communication between Spanish-speaking families and the school community. This position strengthens parent and family engagement by ensuring meaningful access to information, resources, and opportunities for participation in their children's education. The Translator/Office Assistant also performs general clerical and office support functions to facilitate efficient school operations.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English; demonstrated proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing both languages fluently.
• Prior experience in translation/interpretation, preferably in an educational or community-based setting.
• Ability to convey information accurately and maintain the style and intent of the original communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community members from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to cross-cultural communication and confidentiality requirements.
• Educational background and cultural competence commensurate with the District's student and family population.
• Excellent organizational, clerical, and technology skills, including use of standard office software and equipment.
• Commitment to punctuality, reliability, and responsiveness to the needs of the District.

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

• Must demonstrate proficiency in English and the target language (Spanish).
• Must complete Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)-approved training for interpreters/translators in educational settings, covering: (1) interpreting/translating in an educational setting; (2) ethics of interpretation; and (3) technical terminology.
• Must maintain the designation of Qualified IEP Interpreter for participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 meetings, through completion of required professional development and adherence to ISBE standards.
• Must pass a fingerprint-based criminal history records check with the Illinois State Police and FBI as required by 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9; employment is contingent upon clearance.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as the first point of contact for Spanish-speaking students, parents, and community members in the school office.
• Provide accurate and timely oral interpretation during meetings, conferences, phone calls, and school events.
• Translate written documents, including correspondence, announcements, forms, notices, website content, flyers, and outreach materials.
• Support certified staff and administrators by interpreting documents, verifying information, and communicating with Spanish-speaking stakeholders.
• Assist school staff in conveying technical and educational information to families in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Perform office support tasks, including recordkeeping, data entry, message retrieval, and clerical functions, with emphasis on services for Spanish-speaking stakeholders.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, staff, and district information at all times in compliance with federal, state, and District policies.
• Collaborate with building-level translators/office aides and district personnel to ensure consistency, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity in all communications.
• Provide interpretive services for parent-teacher conferences, IEP and 504 meetings, disciplinary hearings, and other school-related meetings.
• Support District-wide initiatives, events, and communications as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the District.

Terms of Employment:

Twelve (12) month position. Salary and benefits as outlined in the Support Staff Collective Bargaining Agreement: Support Staff Contract Conditions of employment, including probation, evaluation, seniority, and leaves, shall follow the CBA and Board of Education policies.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the supervisor or designee, in accordance with District policies and the Support Staff Collective Bargaining Agreement Support Staff Contract.

Proviso Township High School District #209