Educational Interpreter/Translator

AREA COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES•Hamden, CT

62d•$40 - $50

About The Position

The Per Diem Interpreter/Translator provides interpretation and translation services to support effective communication in educational and other professional settings, including financial, medical, and legal environments as assignment needs require. The role provides language access for individuals and families who need information in their preferred language, working on an as-needed basis in person and virtually. Assignments may take place at school districts and other professional settings throughout and outside Connecticut, including through a virtual platform. Current needs include Spanish interpreters/translators for in-person assignments and American Sign Language interpreters for both virtual and in-person assignments. The position includes real-time verbal interpretation during meetings such as Individualized Education Program (PPT) meetings and parent-teacher conferences, as well as translation and review of written materials. The interpreter/translator must communicate clearly and sensitively, maintain accuracy and confidentiality, and support mutual understanding between parties. The role requires flexibility for on-call assignments, including evenings, and travel to school sites as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Fluency in English and the target language, including the ability to read, write, and speak with accurate pronunciation, speed, and comprehension.
Proven interpretation and translation experience in one or more professional settings, such as education, legal, medical, or financial settings.
Strong linguistic, cultural, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to interpret and translate complex terminology accurately.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality and ethical practices.
Flexibility and reliability to work on an as-needed basis, including evenings.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Proficiency with Google applications, such as Google Docs and Google Sheets.
Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Reliable transportation for travel to different school sites.

Nice To Haves

College degree.
Prior professional interpretation and/or translation experience.
Experience in educational, financial, medical, legal, or other professional settings.
Experience in educational interpreting and translation, especially supporting special education, IEP meetings, and curriculum materials.
Ability to review and edit translations completed by others to ensure high-quality, culturally appropriate documents.
Interpreter/Translator certification, or willingness to obtain certification or training.

Responsibilities

Provide accurate, real-time verbal interpretation during IEP/PPT meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and other educational or professional meetings, both in person and virtually.
Interpret spoken communication between individuals, families, educators, professionals, and other parties with clarity and cultural sensitivity.
Translate written documents, including educational materials, notices, reports, and forms, between English and the target language.
Maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and cultural relevance in translated materials.
Review and verify translations for accuracy, grammar, readability, and style, and edit materials as needed.
Provide clear oral and written communication between English and the individual's primary language to support mutual understanding.
Answer questions and clarify information in the source and target languages for internal and external parties.
Attend required training sessions and workshops and stay updated on best practices, terminology, and cultural competency.
Work collaboratively with diverse school staff, students, and families while maintaining confidentiality.
Travel to different school sites or districts as needed for assignments.