Educational Interpreter (District-Wide)

Position Details

The District-Wide Educational Interpreter facilitates clear and meaningful communication between the district and families to ensure inclusive access to educational services. The primary focus of this role is anchored to two key functions: Special Education (IEP/504) interpretation and district-wide communication to strengthen parent engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide professional interpretation for all assigned Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 meetings across the district.
• Facilitate communication during Board Meetings.
• Translate district documents, including social media posts, letters from the Superintendent, central office departments, bulletins, and informational notices.
• Serve as a bridge between the district and the multilingual community to build trust and facilitate engagement.
• Support families during district-wide events, such as annual registration and evening parent workshops, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Work directly with assigned central office departments to manage workloads and maintain streamlined communication protocols across department teams.
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality regarding student and district information.

Qualifications & Training

• Age/Education: Must be at least 19 years of age and possess a High School Diploma (Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred).
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate competence by interpreting into and out of the target language (Spanish) and English.
• Qualified Interpreter Status: Must meet ISBE "Qualified Interpreter" standards by completing:
• At least nine (9) hours of training on interpretation standards, ethics, and practices.
• At least six (6) hours of training specifically in special education terminology and protocol.
• A written examination (score of 80% or higher) and an oral examination (score of 70% or higher).
• Ongoing Professional Development Maintenance: To maintain the "Qualified Interpreter" designation, the individual must complete six (6) hours of ongoing professional development every two years.
• Focus Areas: Training must cover confidentiality, impartiality, cultural awareness, and special education processes.

Physical Requirements & Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and the second language (Spanish).
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with diverse staff and families.
• Capability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and push/pull up to 10 lbs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective and professional conflict resolution with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to receive feedback to improve professional growth and practice.
• Growth mindset and flexibility to adjust to changes to meet the districtwide needs.