INTERPRETER/TRANSLATOR (SPANISH)

Bellflower Unified School District; Bellflower (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bellflower Unified School District is seeking an Interpreter/Translator to support English and Spanish communications across instructional materials, meetings, and parent outreach.

You will provide written translations, oral interpretation, sight translation, and glossary maintenance, while handling confidential student information and working with diverse communities.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience providing oral interpretation or written translation services.
• Ability to translate written materials and interpret oral communication between English and Spanish.
• Ability to proofread, review, and edit translations for accuracy, clarity, and formatting.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.

Responsibilities

• Translate written District materials into the designated second language, including IEPs, SPSAs, LCAPs, bulletins, and parent correspondence.
• Interpret orally between English and Spanish for limited-English-proficient individuals at meetings, in person, by phone, or via video.
• Perform sight translation and reading aloud from English documents as needed.
• Develop and maintain bilingual glossaries and terminology references for consistency.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Interpretation

Translation

Proofreading

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Office software

Translation software

Video conferencing tools

Job description

Join Bellflower Unified School District and Make a Difference!

Use your English-Spanish translation and interpretation skills to support effective communication among students, families, staff, and the community.

Under general supervision, provides written translation and oral interpretation services in English and Spanish for District communications, including instructional and educational, and other parent and community-facing materials; facilitates communication between staff, parents, families, and community members during live interactions, and other District-related interactions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Interpreter/Translator classification is responsible for specialized written translation and oral interpretation services in English and Spanish. This classification is distinguished from other bilingual classifications by the primary focus on language access services rather than clerical, technical, human resources, or other administrative support duties, where bilingual communication may be required but is not the central function of the position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Director of State & Federal Programs. This classification does not exercise supervisory authority.

• Translates written District materials into the designated second language, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Single Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs), Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs), bulletins, presentations, parent correspondence, and other instructional materials.
• Interprets orally between English and Spanish for limited-English-proficient individuals at Board, IEP, parent/teacher, student, and other District meetings, conducted in person, by telephone, or through video conferencing, using consecutive and simultaneous interpretation as appropriate.
• Performs sight translation, reading aloud in the designated second language from English-language documents during meetings and conferences as needed.
• Reviews source materials for meaning and context, verifies intent with District personnel as needed, and produces accurate, clear, idiomatic translations suited to the audience and tone.
• Develops and maintains bilingual glossaries and terminology references to ensure consistent, accurate translation of District and education-specific terms.
• Formats, maintains, and files translated and interpreted materials in a variety of formats, including word processing documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and forms; prepares reports in the designated language.
• Provides voice-over narration in the designated language for District audio and video recordings.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Grammar, vocabulary, syntax, spelling, punctuation, and idiomatic usage of both English and the Spanish, in oral and written forms.
• Translation and interpretation practices and techniques, including consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation.
• Operation of standard office equipment and specialized language and translation software and tools.
• Recordkeeping and reporting practices.
• Techniques for communicating effectively, with tact, patience, and courtesy, with students, families, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• District terminology, policies, and procedures.
• Laws, regulations, and District policies governing the confidentiality of student and education records.

Ability to:

• Translate written materials and interpret oral communication between English and Spanish.
• Proofread, review, and edit translations for accuracy, clarity, and formatting.
• Estimate translation time, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks.
• Recreate and format documents in a variety of formats using standard office equipment and software applications.
• Maintain records, files, and reports.
• Communicate orally and in writing with staff, students, parents, and members of the public.
• Work independently with minimal direction, and work effectively under pressure and frequent interruptions.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
• Model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.

Experience:

Two (2) years of professional experience providing oral interpretation or written translation services.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency Provision:

A bachelor's degree in Spanish, or equivalent college-level coursework from an accredited institution, may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience. Successful completion of a specialized certificate program in interpretation and translation may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office, school, meeting, and virtual environment with frequent interruptions and regular public contact.
• Operates standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and scanners
• Continuous contact with district administrators, students, parents, community members and the general public.
• Regular exposure to sensitive, privileged, and confidential student, family, personnel, and District information.
• May operate interpretation or recording equipment, including microphones, headsets, transmitters, receivers, or related devices.
• Occasional travel to school sites, District offices, meetings, or other assigned locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing while translating documents, using a computer, or providing interpretation services.
• Visual acuity to read, review, proofread, and translate printed and electronic materials, reports, forms, and computer screens.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and interpretation or recording equipment.
• Ability to sustain concentration and listen for extended periods while providing oral interpretation.
• Ability to speak and exchange information in person, by telephone, through video conferencing, and during meetings or presentations.
• Occasional walking, bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling, or crouching to retrieve, maintain, or store files, records, supplies, or equipment.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls materials, files, supplies, or equipment weighing less than ten (10) pounds.

Additional Requirements/Information:

May be required to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, to provide translation or interpretation services at District meetings, parent conferences, school events, recruitment events, and other District-related activities.

Ability to travel between multiple District sites to attend meetings.