Guest Interpreter 2026-2027

Federal Way Public Schools; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 28,413 - 40,467; Full time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking a Guest Interpreter to support students and families with limited English proficiency, facilitating clear communications between school staff, students, and families across K-12 settings. The role emphasizes accurate interpretation during conferences and meetings and requires maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

The position works during school hours, with some evenings for events, and reports to the building principal.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of district interpreter assessment.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Criminal background clearance.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and impartial interpretation between students, families, and staff to ensure clear communication.
• Interpret spoken communication in real time during meetings, conferences, and school events.
• Restate or clarify information as needed to ensure understanding by all parties.
• Support effective communication of student academic progress, needs, and school-related information.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student, family, and staff information in accordance with district policies.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism when working with diverse populations.
• Follow district procedures and guidelines for interpretation services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpreting

Communication

Confidentiality

Cultural competence

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Two years college coursework

Interpreter training program

Washington State Interpreter Certification

EIPA Certification

Job description

Salary

$25.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Guest Interpreter supports students and families whose primary language is not English by facilitating clear and accurate communication between school staff, students, and families. This position works across grades K12 and provides interpretation services in a variety of settings, most commonly during student‑led conferences and other school meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and impartial interpretation between students, families, and school staff to ensure clear communication.
• Interpret spoken communication in real time during meetings, conferences, and school events.
• Restate or clarify information as needed to ensure understanding by all parties.
• Support effective communication of student academic progress, needs, and school‑related information.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student, family, and staff information in accordance with district policies.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism when working with diverse populations.
• Follow district procedures and guidelines for interpretation services.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a district-administered interpreter assessment.
• Proficiency in using the English language.
• Criminal background clearance.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of two (2) years of college‑level coursework.
• Completion of a recognized two (2) year interpreter training program.
• Washington State Interpreter Certification.
• Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Certification.
• Prior experience providing interpretation in an educational setting.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge Of

• Role of an Educational Interpreter within the educational team.
• School board policies and procedures.

Ability To

• Organize and perform work efficiently and independently with strong attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold ethical and professional standards.
• Follow safety and security procedures in daily work routines.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with staff and service providers.
• Collaborate effectively with district staff and contribute to a team environment.
• Interact respectfully and effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public in a diverse community.

Knowledge and Skills Related to Cultural Competence and Equity

Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.

Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.

Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.".

Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

The employee in this position will frequently sit up to 30 minutes at a time, and handle/grasp throughout their shift. Near and far vision is required. The employee must be able to occasionally stand, walk, lift, carry, reach, bend/stoop, twist, and squat/kneel. This position rarely requires climbing/balancing or lifting bench to shoulder or overhead. The employee is required to constantly lift up to 10 lbs; frequently lift up to 25 lbs; and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Weights over 50 lbs should be done with a mechanical lift or with help from another person. The employee will occasionally push/pull up to 20 lbs.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and occasionally may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Interruptions are common. This position occasionally is exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school environment.

Work Schedule

This position typically works school days with some evenings for events, on an as‑needed basis.

Reporting Relationship

Position reports to the building principal.

Level of Compensation

$25.00 per hour.

Disclaimer

The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.