General Definition of Work

The Interpreter/Translator, under general supervision, performs support work with minimal decision-making discretion bridging the communication gap between district/school personnel and individuals (primarily parents and guardians of students) using a language other than English. Position promotes academic achievement and family/community engagement in schools and central office. Employee performs school-based or district-level work to carry out Board of Education policies under the direction of the principal or assigned supervisor.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

Hourly NC 08/ Full-time, 10 months

Reports To

Principal or assigned supervisor

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Provide interpreting (process of enabling verbal communication between individuals using multiple languages) and translating (process of transferring written documents from one language to another) services for assigned schools or departments
• Collaborate with staff to provide information to parents/guardians and other stakeholders regarding curriculum, assessment, school and district performance, policies, and procedures in a language that they can understand
• Promote an understanding of the value of parent/school partnerships and assist in building effective partnerships with Multilingual Leaner (ML) families
• Communicate with families through a variety of means (meetings, phone calls, school website, flyers, etc.) to ensure ML families are informed of opportunities to engage with their child's school. Edit and proofread text accurately
• Attend and interpret at Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, parent conferences, orientations, individual student assessments meetings, and other events/meetings
• Assist ML families with navigating school processes such as school enrollment, hardship applications, and residency appeal applications as assigned
• Assist school personnel with home visits to support ML student attendance and resolution of home/school conflicts
• Translate letters, forms, newsletters, and other correspondence
• Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meaning of words, concepts, or behaviors
• Respond to parent/guardian phone class or voicemails. Maintain call documentation
• Assist Language Minority Families with school enrollment
• Assist with administering and proctoring the WIDA Screener testing
• Participate in professional development and other meetings
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, standards, and expectations of interpreters and translators
• Knowledge of English and a language other than English including the meaning/spelling of words, rules of composition, grammar, and pronunciation
• Knowledge of public school curriculum and assessments
• Ability to listen to, understand, and communicate information and ideas presented both verbally and in writing in a way that others will understand
• Ability to collect, synthesize, and understand different types of student data (performance, attendance, and discipline)
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business and instructional needs
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to use dictionaries and glossaries for reference
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, such as after school and on weekends
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement

Education and Experience

• Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language required
• High school diploma or GED required
• Two (2) years' related work experience required
• Equivalent combination of education and experience