Bilingual Program Assistant (Somali)

Assists MPS staff as an interpreter to facilitate the provision of health, education, and other services to non-English speaking and bilingual community members. Provides interpreter services from English to at least one other designated foreign language, including Somali, Spanish, Hmong, and other Southeast Asian languages.

What You Will Do

Translates and interprets English to designated foreign language, maintains message content, context, and style, in order to convey information effectively. Provides translation service in classrooms, special projects, homework, after-school programs, and open communication with teachers, counselors, social workers, and school administrators.

Why It Might Be a Fit

Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff. Acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

Requirements

• AA degree or completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences, or educational area related to position assignment
• A passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate
• Two (2) years of professional experience in translation and interpretation of verbal and written English and a designated foreign language
• Knowledge of methods and techniques required to translate written English and at least one other language
• Methods and techniques used in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting and translation of spoken language
• Correct English grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Vocabulary, grammar, phonology, and dialects of designated foreign language
• Ethics and standards for professional interpreting and translating
• Techniques for improving communications with persons using English as a second language
• Applicable policies, procedures, and regulations covering specific areas of assignment
• Local community resources and regional community services programs
• Principles of record keeping and records management
• Skill in translating English language documents into designated foreign language
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms with non-English speaking persons
• Listening to speakers' statements to determine precise meanings, and properly translating to and from designated foreign language
• Translating and interpreting foreign language words and phrases to properly express specific meanings and cultural appropriateness
• Identifying cultural differences which affect non-English speaking students and their parents, and the barriers and opportunities to enhance the process of acculturation to American society
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers
• Effective verbal and written communication

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• HSA & FSA
• Retirement plan