Job Description

The District Interpreter/Translator supports effective, inclusive communication between Spanish-speaking students and families and English-speaking school staff. This role provides both oral interpretation and written translation services to ensure families with limited English proficiency can fully participate in their child’s education.

With a special emphasis on special education services, the Interpreter/Translator ensures the accurate, timely translation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents, assessment reports, and other educational materials. The position plays a critical role in fostering family engagement, promoting cultural understanding, and ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), California Education Code, Title VI, and other state and federal language access requirements.

** Essential duties:**

Oral Interpretation

• Provide consecutive and/or simultaneous interpretation in English and Spanish during:
• IEP and 504 Plan meetings
• Manifestation determination reviews
• Initial and triennial evaluations
• Parent–teacher conferences
• Disciplinary hearings
• Student Study Team (SST) meetings
• School-wide events, orientations, and parent workshops
• Facilitate parent understanding of procedural safeguards, educational programs, and rights under IDEA and other applicable laws.
• Maintain neutrality and confidentiality when interpreting sensitive information.

Written Translation

• Translate a variety of documents between English and Spanish, including:
• IEPs, 504 Plans, psychoeducational assessments, and special education reports
• Prior written notices and progress reports
• School newsletters, announcements, and bulletins
• Student handbooks, consent forms, and educational materials
• Ensure translations are accurate, culturally appropriate, and meet federal and state compliance standards.
• Review and format translated documents for clarity and quality prior to distribution.
• Maintain required timelines for IEP and special education translations.

Collaboration and Cultural Liaison

• Work collaboratively with teachers, case managers, service providers, counselors, school psychologists, and administrators to coordinate translation and interpretation services.
• Serve as a cultural liaison, offering insight to help staff understand and respect the perspectives of Spanish-speaking families.
• Support family engagement by providing language access during school activities and community events.

Compliance and Recordkeeping

• Adhere to confidentiality requirements under FERPA, IDEA, and district policy.
• Maintain records of translation and interpretation activities for compliance and auditing purposes.
• Attend training sessions or workshops on interpreter ethics, educational terminology, and language access requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Education, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional Spanish–English interpretation and translation experience, preferably in a school or special education setting.

Language Proficiency

• Native or near-native fluency in both Spanish and English.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and vocabulary in both languages.
• Proficiency in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation techniques.
• Strong written translation skills in both directions (English ↔ Spanish), with knowledge of educational and legal terminology.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of public education systems, California special education regulations, and IEP structure (training may be provided).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with FERPA, Title VI, and other laws related to language access and student privacy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and digital translation tools.
  Cultural competence and sensitivity when working with multilingual families.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: School environment; fast-paced work, constant interruptions.
• Physical requirements: Hearing and speaking to exchange information, make presentations and communicate over the telephone; seeing to read, prepare, and proofread documents and view computer monitors; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting light objects; ability to go to sites apart from primary office to conduct business.

** Pay Range: $25.00- $30.00/Hour. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.**

Additional Information

Compensation:

• Wonderful College Prep Academy offers highly competitive compensation, commensurate with experience.
• Full-time staff benefits include medical coverage, dental, vision, and life insurance at no cost to the employee. We also offer an optional 403b, with company match, as a supplement to STRS retirement pension. In addition, employees have free access to the Wonderful Wellness Center and gym.

Quality of Life in the Central Valley:

Framed by the Sierra Nevada to the east and the Coast Ranges to the west, California's Central Valley is one of the world's most productive agricultural regions and the base of The Wonderful Company's agricultural operations. This vast area enjoys a moderate climate and offers residents a high quality of life, low cost of living, and a host of diverse cultural and recreational activities. From wine tasting and hiking to rafting, fishing, skiing, and surfing -- all within a two-hour drive -- the family-friendly Central Valley has much to offer.

Wonderful College Prep Academy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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