RESPONSIBILITIES

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK (May not include all duties performed) - The Translation Specialist reports to the Supervisor of Language Access Services and works with staff to coordinate and support school-based written translation needs. On an as-needed basis, reviews the work of contract proofreaders and translators.

The Translation Specialist works independently performing a variety of professional translation activities under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Language Access ServicesCenter. The Translation Specialist is an official Spanish translator for Arlington Public Schools School Board Policies and Policy Implementation Procedures and supervisor's instructions. Federal and State requirements, The Code of Virginia, The Code of Ethics of the American Translators Association, and other guidelines related to accountability and evaluation in a school system. The incumbent should be accredited/certified by the American Translators Association, or a similar organization, or be eligible to obtain such accreditation/certification. The work of the Translation Specialist involves a wide range of contacts with Arlington Public School staff. It also involves contacts with staff from other Arlington Agencies and Community members to coordinate the translation of documents deemed essential into Spanish.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides timely, accurate, and complete written translations of a wide variety of documents and electronic files, such as letters and documents, School Board policies, human resources, planning and evaluation, and special education documents and communications.
• Act as a resource person in matters related to written translation for staff and administrators, and providing corrections or suggestions to the documents for changes.
• Uses Terminology Management software and/or other resources to support consistent terminology in translated documents.
• Reviews other Spanish translated documents for accuracy and local regional Spanish usage.
• Stays updated on applicable technology and terminology research, reads pertinent literature in the field, and participates in local, national, and international events as appropriate.
• Gathers and disseminates information relevant to translation and terminology.
• Develops and/or implements procedures for, training, and supporting school-based staff involved in the production of non-essential translations.
• Participates in workshops and continued education meetings required or related to translation, terminology, and language.
• Maintains a variety of logs, records, and files.
• Supports the Interpretation Services provided by the Language Access Services Center.

EXPERIENCE

• General education and experience
• Current accreditation/certification by the American Translators Association, Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs, or similar organization; or
• An advanced degree and/or Translation Certificate from an accredited institution and evidence of one-year experience as a full-time translator; or
• A bachelor's degree and/or Translation Certificate from an accredited institution and evidence of two years experience as a full-time translator; or
• For candidates with less than a bachelor's degree, evidence of five years' work as full-time translator.
• Translation experience
• Experience in translation of education, including special education, social sciences, literary or closely related materials.
• Experience in documentation and terminology research.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The incumbent should be accredited/certified by the American Translators Association, or a similar organization, or be eligible to obtain such accreditation/certification during the probationary period. The incumbent should comply with the continuing education requirements for re-accreditation/re-certification by the American Translators Association or those of a similar organization.
• Language skills
• For candidates with Spanish as first language: TOEFL, 300/400 college level English coursework, or approval of an APS administered language skills test.
• For candidates with English as first language: DELE (Advanced Level) or graduate level Spanish coursework, or approval of an APS administered language skills test.

Please Note: Arlington Public Schools receives a high volume of applications for many positions. As a result, only candidates who are identified as meeting the qualifications and whose experience and skills best align with the needs of the school, department, or office may be contacted for an interview. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, submission of an application does not guarantee an interview or individual contact regarding the status of an application