CLASS TITLES:

Language Translator (English/Spanish) - Restricted
Language Translator (English/Vietnamese) - Restricted
Language Translator (English/Other Foreign Language) - Restricted

DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Serves as a language interpreter for departments and programs of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, translating both oral and written technical, educational, and general materials from English to a specified foreign language and from a specified foreign language to English; and to perform related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A Language Translator prepares written translations of technical, educational, and general material for use by County Office personnel, parents, and the general public and provides simultaneous interpretations at meetings and conferences. Employees in this class receive general to limited supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This job class requires full command of both English and a specified foreign language and skill to effectively interpret oral discussions and translate written materials, policies and procedures of County Office departments and programs.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Translates both oral and written technical, educational and general materials from English to a specified foreign language and from a specified foreign language to English

• Responds to telephone and in-person inquiries, interpreting and explaining words and phrases for proper meaning and appropriateness

• Produces verbatim translations of formal meetings using idiomatic expressions when appropriate

• Provides simultaneous and consecutive interpretations using designated language for department, program, school, and community functions, conferences, events, or meetings

• Effectively uses translating software programs in the course of preparing written translations

• Effectively uses office application programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation

• Uses headphones and microphones as necessary during oral translations of meetings and presentations, as necessary; translates and interprets minutes of meetings

• Operates standard office equipment including, but not limited to, a desktop computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, and printer

• May perform duties normally assigned to Administrative Assistant I/II series incumbents

• May review, edit, and proof read the translations of others for accuracy, context, readability, and syntax

• Contacts department/program staff to clarify terms to be translated and to discuss necessary changes

• Contacts external agencies to obtain translating services in other foreign languages as needed

• Researches reference materials as necessary in the course of completing assigned tasks

• May assess the translating and interpreting skills of others seeking bilingual or bilingual/biliterate certification

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Possession of:

• A valid California Driver's License and a driving record that meets the insurance requirements of the County Office of Education.

Knowledge of:

• Grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and idiomatic usage of English and a specified foreign language

• English and another designated language equivalent of general, technical, and other subject matter terms

• Standard office methods, procedures, and practices including record-keeping, indexing, filing systems, and telephone techniques

• Word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and publication software applications

Ability to:

• Achieve passing scores on proficiency examinations of the County Office of Education, demonstrating oral interpreting and written translation skills in English and a specified language

• Listen to English and speak, in private and public settings, in a specified language simultaneously

• Read and write effectively in idiomatic English and the specified foreign language

• Work without technical supervision and assume responsibility for accuracy of translations

• Plan and organize work assignments

• Produce copy ready materials within strict timelines

• Operate standard office equipment including, desktop computers, copiers, calculators, printers, and other peripheral equipment

• Keyboard/type at a rate for successful job performance

• Edit translated written materials and assess interpreting skills of others

• Learn translation software applications utilized to prepare translated materials

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and demonstrate sensitivity and patience to limited English speaking students, parents, and community groups

• Establish cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of assigned duties.

Generally, any combination that provides the required knowledge and abilities is considered as qualifying. A typical method of demonstrating these qualifications would be:

• One year of composing, editing, and translating materials or two years of experience that included composing or editing written materials, in English and the specified foreign language for widespread dissemination or publication.

• Two years of college or university coursework in the specified foreign language or a related field. Two years of experience in addition that described above may be substituted for the training requirement. If the substitution is used, graduation from high school or equivalent proficiency is required.

BARGAINING UNIT: Office, Technical, and Business Services (OTBS) Unit

WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties are primarily performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk operating a computer terminal. Incumbents are subject to extensive public contact with program staff, external agencies, and other individuals seeking assistance with bilingual skill services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Use hands and fingers to operate desktop computer keyboard or other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch to file, speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voice over telephone and in person.

NOTE: Bilingual/Biliterate skills and abilities are an integral part of this job class. Therefore, incumbents do not qualify for any bilingual or biliterate skill differentials.

Personnel Commission Approval: 08/93
Revised: 01/2002
May 22, 2003 (Added Restricted Class)