Lead Interpreter (Foreign Language)

Job Summary: 

The Lead Foreign Language Interpreter is responsible for coordination of all interpretative services for Spotsylvania County Schools. The Lead Foreign Language Interpreter will oversee the scheduling of interpreters for meetings or events, and facilitates the need for translation services.

Essential Job Functions:

• Organizes and schedules translating and interpreting requests; assigns interpreters to work sites.
• Coordinates alternative for interpretation and translation when interpreters are absent, or when a less common language is spoken.
• Schedules and proctors language proficiency tests.
• Collects and verifies timesheets for hourly interpreters.
• Facilitates training (annual refresher, new hire orientation, ad hoc) regarding the role of the interpreter in an education setting, including State and Division policies. 
• Provides assistance to administrators with the observation and evaluation of interpreters and provides timely support for skill development. 
• Serves as a resource for teachers, parents, and community members by encouraging, promoting, and sharing exemplary practices.
• Serves as a liaison between and among teachers, building administrators and central office personnel regarding the instructional program.
• Coordinates translation needs for schools from second language to first.
• Receives information on subjects to be discussed prior to the interpreting session.
• Creates training instruments for interpreters.
• Instructs and trains interpreters in interpreting techniques.
• Coordinates interpreter’s schedules.
• Helps parents of other nationalities to register students for school at English as a Second Language (ESOL) Intake Center.
• Keeps a list of community resources to help parents adjust to the school system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of a foreign (non-English) language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
• Ability to convey educational content in other languages while adhering to the Division’s policies and procedures.
• Understanding of the unique experiences and communication needs of English as a Second Language (ESOL) individuals.
• Ability to accurately and impartially translate spoken English into another language and vice versa, while maintaining clarity and flow of information.
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to effectively interact with students, teachers, and other staff members.
• Skill in adapting interpreting strategies to meet the diverse needs of individual students.
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, specialists, and administrators to ensure clear communication and successful learning for English as a Second Language (ESOL) students.

Education and Experience:

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• Thorough knowledge and fluent speech in at least one (1) foreign language
• Three (3) years of experience in an interpreter role, ideally within a public education institution

Preferred

• Previous experience supervising the work of others