Office Staff- EL Secretary Interpreter & Translator, 2025-26

Columbia Public Schools; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Public Schools is seeking an Office Staff - EL Secretary – Interpreter & Translator to support the English Learners Department. This role focuses on interpreting and translating for families, coordinating with staff and agencies to ensure effective communication and enrollment support for students. The ideal candidate will be fluent in Spanish and English, possess strong communication skills, and be experienced in clerical work.

Benefits

Eligible for benefits

Qualifications

• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in English and Spanish.
• Experience as a translator or interpreter is preferred.
• Two years of clerical experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Spanish interpreter and translator for families and offices.
• Coordinate interpreters and manage scheduling for EL screening.
• Support families during the enrollment process as a liaison.

Skills

Fluency in Spanish

Fluency in English

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.)

POSITION PROPERTIES

Position Title

Office Staff - EL Secretary – Interpreter & Translator

Schedule / Grade

Hourly Support Staff / 28

Job Code

FLSA

Non-exempt

Calendar

Sec 12

Benefits

Eligible

Contract Type

Notification

Bargaining Unit

None

Revised Date

06/06/2025

PURPOSE

This position will provide support in the English Learners Department and other offices in the Family Welcome Center at the CPS district office and CPS school buildings. This position will serve as a liaison between the district and community organizations that support families of current and potential EL students. A specific focus will be on supporting the English Learners testing process and enrollment of students whose parents/guardians speak a language other than English. This position will serve as an interpreter and translator for the district. Must be fluent and literate in both Spanish and English.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Serve as a Spanish interpreter and translator for families and offices in the Family Welcome Center and across the district. Strong written and verbal communication in both Spanish and English required
• Coordinate interpreters of other languages and the CPS phone interpreting service to help families who speak languages other than English and Spanish
• Support district and building staff in scheduling interpreters, as needed, and scheduling phone interpreting services for meetings and parent communication
• Coordinate and manage onboarding and annual state and district compliance requirements of local interpreters
• Communicate regularly with local interpreters regarding best practices, required paperwork, school information, etc. Create newsletters for local interpreters for regular communication
• Use online translation platforms, such as Google Translate and Microsoft Word Translate, to create translated copies of district and building documents, written messages, and forms. Extensive use of Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Google programs (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) required
• Coordinate organization and distribution of translated documents, forms, and district messages
• Support families during the enrollment process by helping them complete forms and serve as an interpreter when needed
• Coordinate scheduling for EL screening; work directly with multiple community organizations to schedule and communicate information regarding EL screening
• Manage bus lists for EL students and communicate often with the transportation department, teachers, families, and community organizations
• Provide support as needed for the English Learners department and the EL secretary in ways that include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Input records into the student information system-Infinite Campus
• Set up classes for EL teachers across the district in the student information system
• Create and distribute mailings to families district-wide; implement mail merge and other such features for mass distribution
• Demonstrate general clerical duties: answering the phone, filing, greeting patrons in the building, etc.
• Serve as a receptionist for the Family Welcome Center, as needed

Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Director of English Learners and Migrant Education

Supervises: N/A

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications: Proficient in Spanish and English (reading, writing, speaking, listening); high school diploma.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience serving as a Spanish/English interpreter and/or translator. Two years of clerical experience. Experience as a school registrar or other positions in public schools that require working with students and families. Proficient in Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Google programs (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)

Ideal Candidate: Professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast-paced environment that welcomes families from many different cultures who speak a variety of languages. Ideal candidate will have experience in Infinite Campus and the CPS Parent Portal and will have an ability to learn new computer programs quickly.

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

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language:Present information to teachers, staff, other administrators, and boards. Respond to common questions and concerns. Interview students, staff, and teachers. Read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, memoranda, policies, administrative procedures, and statutes in both English and Spanish. Write business correspondence, including staff memoranda and newsletter articles in both English and Spanish. Keep information confidential when required by law, policy, or the nature of a particular situation. These are essential functions of the job.

Computation:Work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference, and analyze data for instruction. Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Perform computer word processing (including spreadsheets) and internet research. Access and create reports using the Districts student information software and databases. These are essential functions of the job.

Reasoning:Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Solve a variety of problems in many different situations. Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement. These are essential functions of the job.

Technology:Integrate technology into daily instruction; present information to students using a variety of media. Access and create reports using the District’s student information software and databases. Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district. Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology use. These are essential functions of the job. Physical demands: Requires sedentary work involving standing or walking for brief periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis, and considerable dexterity in operating office equipment. Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position including attend Board meetings, student activities and events. Weekends or in evening hours is common. These are essential functions of the job.

Environmental conditions:The work environment is consistent with a typical office environment; however, they will occasionally be outside in temperatures below freezing and above 100 degrees. The individual who holds this position is frequently required to work irregular or extended hours. These are essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer