Specialist, Interpreter/Translator: Cantonese/Chinese - Office of Equity

Ref: PCN7964

Due to union restrictions, this position is only available to current employees of this school district for the first 5 days following the posted date. Applications submitted by job seekers not currently employed by the school district will not be considered during this specific time period. EXTERNAL CANDIDATES ARE WELCOME TO APPLY.

TITLE:

Specialist, Interpreter/Translator

REPORTS TO:

Assigned Supervisor

DEPARTMENT:

As Assigned

CLASSIFICATION:

Classified

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

WORK YEAR/HOURS:

261 days / 7.5 hours

ISSUED:

Created: April 2010
Revised: June 2016

SALARY GRADE:

WTCL 40

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide oral and written translation and interpretation of communications between English and a designated second language; facilitate communications between District personnel and non-English speaking students, parents and others; serve as an interpreter for educational assessments, conferences, meetings and other events.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Required to speak, read, comprehend and write fluently in English and one of the District's designated languages.
• Translate correspondence, minutes, memoranda, bulletins, instructional and educational materials, reports and forms and other school District communications into written form, using appropriate expressions, comprehensibility, grammar and syntax.
• Produce idiomatic translations considering the type of material and readers' viewpoints; determine most accurate shades of meaning and make corrections as needed; review and edit translations for accuracy, context, readability and style; research reference materials.
• Prepare communications for a variety of District administrators, specialists, faculty and other staff to provide interpretation and translation.
• Provide simultaneous interpretation using interpretation equipment.
• Assist District personnel in communicating by interpreting between English and the designated language, and interpret at workplace, conferences and meetings; translate for District staff, parents and public in assigned language(s); translate and interpret materials and conversations in an accurate and reasonable, timely manner as required; travel to school sites and offices as necessary.
• Provide accurate oral interpretation and written translation at meetings; promote understanding and develop rapport with non-English speaking parents.
• Use headphones, microphones and translation equipment during oral translations of meeting and presentations as necessary; use word processing equipment, computers and related software, and standard office equipment.
• Efficiently performs a variety of duties that may involve interpreting, copying, answering the telephone, and making files; operate various office equipment including but not limited to computers, copiers and fax machines.
• Collaborate with translation team to ensure consistent and coherent approaches to translation and interpretation that align with District branding, communication, goals and theories of action.
• Utilize personal and network computers for word processing and systems applications (IFAS, HRSS, MS Office).
• Regularly participate in or attend evening and/or weekend meetings and school related activities.
• Explain words and phrases for meaning and appropriateness.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:


The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and/or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Extensive vocabulary and correct usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation of English and a designated second language
• Simultaneous and consecutive interpretation techniques
• Operation of a computer and assigned software
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Modern office practices, equipment and procedures
• Telephone techniques and etiquette
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

ABILITY TO:

• Provide oral and written translation and interpretation of communications between English and a designated second language
• Serve as an interpreter for educational assessments, conferences, meetings and other events
• Understand, speak clearly, read and write fluently in English and a designated second language
• Prepare a variety of correspondence independently
• Learn and understand educational terminology, language, vernacular and acronyms in order to translate documents with accuracy
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Learn, interpret, apply and explain policies, procedures, rules and regulations
• Operate a computer and assigned software
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Use assigned software at an intermediate level

PREREQUISITES

• Bachelor's Degree or its equivalency required in 1) designated foreign language or 2) native language is one of the District's designated languages. A combination of experience and education may be used to meet the Bachelor Degree requirement; however, the work experience years used to qualify for the Bachelor Degree requirement cannot be used to meet the work requirement. (2 years of similar and relevant work level experience = 1 year of college)
• One (1) year experience in translation and interpretation
• Pass District's primary language proficiency test with 95% passing rate or possess court interpreter certification
• Exception language skills in English and the designed language including grammar, syntax, vocabulary, oral proficiency, use of idioms, etc....
• Available for evening and weekend work
• Access to a reliable vehicle to conduct work
• Valid California Driver's License

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS:


Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:


Office and diverse school site environments; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast-paced work; constant interruptions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects that are moderately heavy to heavy; bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties; seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:


The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.