Language Access Coordination and Spanish Language Translator

Career Opportunity

Position : Language Access Coordination and Spanish Language Translator (Principal Consultant #1717)Inventory# : 1717Location : ChicagoUnion : IFSOEDepartment : Family and Community EngagementAnticipated Starting Salary Range : $60,047 - $75,881Full Salary Range : $60,047 - $102,191Office Hours : Monday Friday 8 : 00 a.

m. 5 : 00 p.m.Posted Date : June 17, 2024Closing Date : Open Until Filled

Reporting to the Director, engages with internal stakeholders in order to convert written or spoken material into one or more languages including, but not limited to, Spanish and English, while ensuring the meaning and context are maintained.

This position works with the Communications team to ensure all written materials are provided in multiple languages and Communications Access Real-Time Translation (CART) or ASL services are provided when needed to reach a greater number of stakeholders throughout the state.

This position contributes creative thinking and works to identify communication channels to assist in reaching all audiences.

This position also helps family and community engagement initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Reads through or listens to material in one language, ascertains understanding of the meaning and context of that material, and converts it into Spanish / English, making sure to preserve the original meaning.
• Translates a variety of documents including educational, legal, research, technical, and data-based materials.
• Translates online and video media by providing subtitles.
• Adheres to industry quality standards.
• Facilitates translation, interpretation, and CART services with the Agency's respective vendors and supports the Director in managing the contracts, budgets, and fiscal procedures for the necessary vendors.
• Assists with creating communication materials to support various education initiatives.
• Contributes to overall communications campaign planning and tracking of deliverables and impact.
• In coordination with the Agency's records management coordinator, serves as department liaison for records management.
• Represents the Agency through family and community engagement initiatives such as meetings, networks, and tabling events.
• Intakes initial calls in Spanish to forward to the appropriate department.
• Works collaboratively with agency departments to resolve calls.
• Maintains a call log and records progress.
• Provides in-person interpretation at events as needed.
• Consults with subject matter experts and other colleagues in order to understand specialized concepts and translate them appropriately.
• Provides staff with project completion date estimates depending on project length and level of complexity.
• Follows up with staff to ensure satisfaction and understanding.
• Develops and maintains an up-to-date language access plan for the Agency with agency-wide processes and protocols for ensuring people with disabilities and people who primarily speak languages other than English can equitably access the Agency's information, services, opportunities, and events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications :

A license, registration, and / or certification from a recognized translation association or board, or, a Bachelor's degree in applicable area of study.

COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)

• Two years of experience (in addition to education requirements) in translation services.
• Fluent in reading, writing, and translating with a strong understanding of grammar in both Spanish and English.
• Ability to render spoken messages accurately, quickly, and clearly in Spanish and English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively on teams.
• Increased attention to detail.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Proficient in record keeping.
• Administrative skills.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Master's degree in applicable area of study.
• Experience working in a school or district setting.
• A background in education or work directly related to education.
• Experience in oral interpreting services.
• Communications experience.
• Community engagement experience.
• Ability to translate languages outside of English and Spanish including, but not limited to, Polish, Urdu, Arabic, Tagalog, French, and / or Chinese.

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.