Position Purpose

Position is responsible to convert written material from source language into the target language, ensuring that the translated version conveys the meaning of the original as clearly as possible.  Incumbent must understand the meaning and the context of the original writing in order to translate it in another language while maintaining the integrity of the original work.  Position is also responsible to convert spoken statements from one language into another.  Interpreting involves listening to, understanding and memorizing content, then reproducing statements, questions, and speeches in a different language.  Target audience education level varies from less than a high school education to post-graduate level education. 

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Washington State Migrant Council (WSMC) provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to more than 4000 children, in center based and home based setting, at more than 25 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington.  WSMC provides services under various federal and state funded programs with differing regulations and stipulations, which must be coordinated and adhered to, including, but not limited to: Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Early Head Start (EHS).  The agency is required to meet an annual quota of non-federal share (in-kind) funds.  A large majority of children’s first language is Spanish.

Supervisory and Other Relationships

The Agency Translator reports to the Executive Assistant and works closely with Executive, Administration, Human Resources and Program personnel.  This position does not supervise any staff.

Examples of Essential Duties and Accountabilities

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties.  Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

1.    Translation Services: Read through original material and rewrite it in the target language, ensuring that the meaning of the source text is retained and the original format is preserved; use specialist dictionaries, thesauruses and reference books to find the closest equivalents for terminology and words used; research legal and technical phraseology to find the correct translation; assure translation is grammatically and linguistically correct and appropriate, taking into consideration the level of understanding of end user.  Types of materials will include: correspondence, meeting minutes, board reports, policies and procedures. 

2.    Documentation Preparation and Recordkeeping: Work with requestor of translation to discuss any unclear points proofread and edit final translated versions; Develop and maintain accurate electronic filing system of translated and original documentation.

3.    Interpretation Services: Responsible to convert spoken statements from one language into another.  Interpreting involves listening to, understanding and memorizing content, then reproducing statements, questions, and speeches in a different language.  This is usually from one language into a target language, but may be on a two-way basis.  Facilitate effective communication in the following areas: conferences and formal meetings; less formal meetings; interviews; investigations; community events.  Interpretation may be by telephone.

4.    Confidential Information: Maintain confidential information, which includes, but is not limited to: family, income, personnel, health, and financial information.

5.    In-Kind Contributions: Responsible for contributing in any procedure or activity that fosters the contribution of in-kind funds, through the request of goods, services, cash donations, and/or through encouraging professional, community members and parents to volunteer time to the program.

Minimum Qualifications

Incumbents are required to demonstrate knowledge and abilities in these areas:

·         English/Spanish fluency (read/write/speak);

·         Experience in documentation translation English to Spanish and Spanish to English;

·         Experience in consecutive interpretation (CI);

·         State or college certification in Spanish translation;

·         State or college certification in Spanish interpretation;

·         Excellent oral and writing communication, and interpersonal skills;

·         Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems;

·         Ability to prioritize workload, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines;

·         Strong customer service focus;

·         Ability to work with culturally diverse population;

·         Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office; and

·         Accurate documentation and recordkeeping skills.

These skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of experience and training which would include at least a bachelor’s degree in language arts or a related field with three (3) years experience in English/Spanish translation and interpretation; or a combination of education, training and experience which will provide the competence and skills to perform the work of the positin.

Preferred Qualifications

·         Experience in simultaneous interpretation (SI);

·         Previous Head Start experience;

·         Culturally Competent with target population of Latino and mostly farmworker individuals

Position Requirements

Incumbents are required to have the following:

·         State or college certification in Spanish translation;

·         State or college certification in Spanish interpretation;

·         Valid Washington State driver’s license;

·         Proof of automobile insurance;

·         Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check;

·         Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance;

·         Subject to initial and periodic TB screen;

·         Subject to random drug screen;

·         Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement; and

·         Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis.

Apply for this position at http://tbe.taleo.net/NA5/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=WSMCONLINE&cws=1&rid=390