Job Goal:

The Multilingual Services Interpreter/Translator; Portuguese, provides interpretation and translation to ensure equitable access to information, programs, and meetings for students, parents and guardians in the Somerville Public Schools. The position is based at SPS Central Office but requires regular travel to schools across the district. The position reports to the Coordinator of the Office of Multilingual Services.

Qualifications and experience:

• Bilingual fluency in English and Portuguese (Oral and Written) (Required)
• Experience translating and interpreting to high standards in professional settings 
• Experience with simultaneous interpretation preferred
• High attention to detail and accuracy; ability to proofread
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse populations
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively, responsively, and collaboratively in a team
• Computer and internet literacy
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Deep commitment to closing opportunity gaps and promoting equitable practices

Responsibilities:

Facilitate real-time oral communication by phone, video call or in-person between students/parents/guardians and Somerville Public Schools staff including:

• Parent Teacher Conferences
• 504 Meetings
• School functions, assemblies, ceremonies and workshops
• Nurse communications
• Disciplinary hearings
• Other conversation as required
• Ensure timely and accurate translation of a wide variety of school-home communications, district-wide documents, reports, flyers, and instructional materials from English to Portuguese
• Ability to work some evenings for events on set dates, such as parent-teacher conferences and open houses 
• Hands-on support for other SFLC programs and services is an integral aspect of the collaborative spirit of our department. This role will be periodically expected to participate  in SFLC initiatives including logistical and/or language support for outreach, events and programs

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintain confidentiality and ethical behavior related to sensitive situations
• Commit to providing and promoting language access so that the voices of all families are heard
• Work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders 
• Participate in, and support, in-service training as required
• Familiarity with Google Suite and willingness to learn new software as needed
• Work closely and collaboratively with other translators to clarify and establish best practices in terminology for the families we serve 
•  Other job-related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Terms of Employment:

Full Year Schedule

40 hours per week

July - June

Non Union

Position Reports to: Director of MLE Programs and the Multilingual Services Coordinator

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.