Bilingual Specialist

Position Purpose

Provides two-way interpretation between English and Spanish for families and staff and coordinates and schedules district interpretation services to support effective communication.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge in fluent Spanish and English, with excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Google Apps
• Working knowledge of public education processes in the United States
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Effective time management skills
• Ability to interpret from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation techniques
• Ability to display a high degree of professionalism, and integrity
• Ability to handle information in a confidential, appropriate, and helpful manner
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback
• Considerable knowledge of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS)
• Experience working in a school environment

Education, Training, And Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two years of recent experience working as a part-time or full-time interpreter

Certification And License Requirements

• Successful completion of an interview and written exam administered by the Office of Translation and Interpretation Services
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Allocates resources by scheduling Wake County Public School System’s (WCPSS) interpreters to the maximum extent possible and sends other requests to a third-party interpreter provider
• Estimates the amount of time required for interpretation of specific meetings and events as well as the travel time necessary to arrive at scheduled appointments for interpreters
• Serves as the key person in coordinating services by matching appropriately skilled interpreters to the needs of the meeting or event
• Prepares the monthly reports of interpretation services rendered from requests by school or Central Services departments
• Maintains and updates information in the Interpreter Request Portal
• Provides guidance to school-based and Central Services personnel concerning best practices for scheduling interpreters
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information
• Responds to parent inquiries regarding written correspondence and requests from translation/interpretation services via the language assistance phone line, as needed
• Reviews and reconciles billing statements from third party providers to verify accuracy of interpreters attending meetings
• Performs other related duties, as assigned

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• This position operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers
• The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community
• Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force
• The work requires the ability to operate automotive equipment