Interpreter/Translator

Job Title: Interpreter/Translator

The Interpreter/Translator is responsible for facilitating cross-cultural communication through the process of converting one language into a different language. The Interpreter is responsible for converting a spoken language into another language. The "Interpreter" must understand what is being communicated in both languages. Must be able to clearly express ideas and thoughts. The "Translator" will convert written words from one language into another language. Requires excellent analytical abilities and writing skills.

Interpreter/translator will understand cultural references including colloquialisms and slang as well as other expressions that may not be able to translate literally.

Functions and Responsibilities:

• Follows the ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information
• Facilitates effective communication between two parties that do not speak a similar language by converting one spoken or written language to another.
• Educate students, parents, staff and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters/translators

Translate:

• Convert written materials from one language into another language.
• Write sentences that maintain or duplicate the structure and style of the original meaning while keeping the ideas and facts of the original meaning accurate
• Reads written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports and rewrite material into specified language(s).
• Edits and proof reads translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions
• Properly transmits any cultural references
• Must be able to express words, phrases, innuendos and other linguistic nuances between languages on paper
• Translates written foreign languages for students/parents in the school District
• Create a new text in the target language that reproduces the content and style of the original

Interpret:

• Converts spoken language into another language
• Translates messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context and style as much as possible
• Must be able to listen and speak (or sign) simultaneously when another person is speaking or signing.
• Render spoken messages accurately, quickly and clearly
• Interpret both legal terminology and colloquial language

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One year certification from a college or technical school

Required Qualifications:

• One year experience in providing translation/services
• Speak, read, and write fluently in at least two languages, including English and one or more of the top five languages in the school district (Dari, Karen, Kinyarwanda,Spanish, and Swahili)
• Understanding of grammar and attention to detail
• Experience utilizing Computer-Assisted translation (CAT) tools

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities:

• Excellent listening and concentration skills
• Ability to speak clearly in the language being conveyed
• Ability to write clearly and effectively in the languages being translated as well as English
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills
• Exhibit cultural sensitivity
• Develops positive relationships

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and is generally a hazard free environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Acknowledgements:

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other directives, and perform any other related duties as assigned by the Superintendent.