Bilingual Specialist - Translation & Interpretation Services

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

BILINGUAL SPECIALIST

WORKING TITLE

Bilingual Specialist-Interpreter

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Communications – Translation & Interpretation Services

LOCATION

Crossroads I, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Noncertified Grade 25

FLSA STATUS

Nonexempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides two-way interpretation between English and Spanish for families and staff and coordinates and schedules district interpretation services to support effective communication. Responds to requests received through the department’s two Language Assistance phone lines and provides interpretation for special education meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Advanced knowledge in fluent Spanish and English, with excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Google Apps;
• Working knowledge of public education processes in the United States;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Excellent customer service skills;
• Effective time management skills;
• Ability to interpret from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation techniques;
• Ability to display a high degree of professionalism, and integrity;
• Ability to handle information in a confidential, appropriate, and helpful manner;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, families, community organizations, and agencies.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Two years of recent experience working as a part-time or full-time interpreter.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of an interview and written exam administered by the Office of Translation and Interpretation Services;
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Considerable knowledge of the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS);
• Experience working in a school environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Allocates resources by scheduling Wake County Public School System’s (WCPSS) interpreters to the maximum extent possible and sends other requests to a third-party interpreter provider.

Estimates the amount of time required for interpretation of specific meetings and events as well as the travel time necessary to arrive at scheduled appointments for interpreters.

Serves as the key person in coordinating services by matching appropriately skilled interpreters to the needs of the meeting or event.

Prepares the monthly reports of interpretation services rendered from requests by school or Central Services departments.

Maintains and updates information in the Interpreter Request Portal.

Provides guidance to school-based and Central Services personnel concerning best practices for scheduling interpreters.

Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.

Responds to parent inquiries regarding written correspondence and requests from translation/interpretation services via the language assistance phone line, as needed.

Reviews and reconciles billing statements from third party providers to verify accuracy of interpreters attending meetings.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work requires the ability to operate automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE:1/2026

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.