Bilingual Interpreter Translator - Special Education

Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years. East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

About the role

To provide Spanish verbal and written translations within the Special Education, Student Services and Psychological Services departments.

Responsibilities

• Provide oral English/Spanish interpretation at Special Education meetings (i.e. MET, IEP, parent conferences, etc)
• Communicate with Spanish speaking parents/guardians on behalf of English speaking staff
• Assist Spanish speaking parents/guardians with Special Education forms and questionnaires
• Provide written English/Spanish translations as requested
• Maintain records of services provided and materials translated
• Assist in prioritizing interpretation and translation requests
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Assist in finding bilingual materials for district use
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Requirements

• High School education or equivalent required
• Pass Special Education department Spanish screening assessment (verbal and written); interpreting and translating experience required

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Moderate proficiency in typing, with good accuracy
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc); specialized software and the use of a bilingual keyboard
• Knowledge of technical educational terminology
• Ability to organize, to prioritize, to be attentive to details and to meet deadlines while working with minimum supervision
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing (English and Spanish); adjust to various language levels; maintain confidentiality

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• School Offices & Classrooms - Interpreting during parent-teacher conferences, special education (IEP) meetings, or disciplinary discussions
• Assisting with orientations, school board meetings, workshops, or community engagement events
• May travel to multiple school sites
• During meetings, translation work, or virtual interpreting
• Schools can be noisy and require quick thinking, especially when handling sensitive topics
• Carrying materials, documents, or equipment for presentations (usually under 20 lbs)

Pay

Base Hourly: $21.01

• New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum
• New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position
• Performance Pay: Available annually

Schedule

Full-time (40 hours per week), 9.25 months (Class/Calendar: B22)

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Health insurance
• Life insurance