ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Language Access Supervisor, the Language Access Liaison, (Special Education & General Education) supports the coordination and delivery of translation and interpretation services to ensure multilingual families have equitable access to information and meaningful participation in their children’s education. This position translates and manages district documents and provides in-house interpretation for school and district meetings, including time-sensitive communications and Special Education materials such as IEPs and 504 Plans, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and cultural appropriateness. The Liaison coordinates translators, interpreters, and staff using web-based productivity and collaboration tools to fulfill requests and maintain efficient workflows. The role formats, reviews, and processes documents for translation while maintaining consistency using translation memories and approved language access tools. The Liaison provides technical assistance and customer service to schools and staff to support effective communication with multilingual families and reduce barriers to access. This position supports the HCPSS mission and Strategic Plan by strengthening equitable communication andmproving access to educational information for multilingual families.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education:

● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

· Experience in providing interpretation and translation services within educational, government,

or public service sectors. Must demonstrate proficiency in managing multilingual workflows and

translating complex documents between English and the target language while ensuring

· cultural and linguistic accuracy.Experience using translation tools such as translation memory systems, web-based

collaboration platforms, or document management systems to coordinate and completetranslation and interpretation requests.

· Experience working with diverse communities and supporting communication with multilingual families.

· Experience reviewing and formatting documents for translation, including time-sensitive communications

and complex documents such as educational or technical materials.

· Experience providing interpretation across multiple modalities, including consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, and interpretation in both in-person and virtual environments.

· Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish, Korean or Chinese with demonstrated professional vocabulary and experience providing interpretation and written translation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Education:

● Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Translation, Interpreting, Linguistics, Education, Communications, or a related field.

● Experience translating documents and providing interpretation services within a K–12 school system, government agency, or public service organization serving multilingual communities.

Experience:

● Experience translating and interpreting in a Special Education setting which includes reviewing documentation, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other educational materials.

● Experience using translation memory systems, terminology databases, or translation management platforms to ensure consistency and efficiency in translation workflows.

● Experience using scheduling platforms (Fluency, Boostlingo, etc) to coordinate translation and interpretation requests across multiple stakeholders, including schools, departments, translators, and vendors.

Certifications/Licenses:

● Professional certification in translation or interpretation (ATA, CCHI, Court, etc.) is preferred. Certification from a recognized professional organization related to translation or interpretation may be considered (Cross-Cultural Communications).

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

● Translates district documents, including time-sensitive and high-priority communications, including suspension letters and crisis-related messages, ensuring families and students clearly understand situations that affect student safety, behavior, and well-being

● Utilizes translation memories and approved tools to ensure families have access to critical information in their preferred language.Provides translation support for materials related to Title I programs and other student services, helping ensure equitable access to resources and support systems.

● Assists in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and district language access requirements, particularly related to Special Education processes and documentation.

● Serves as an in-house interpreter for schoolwide and district events, parent-teacher conferences, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, 504 plan meetings, and other Special Education-related meetings. Provides interpretation services across a range of settings and modalities (in-person and virtual).

● Coordinates translators, interpreters and other staff using web-based productivity, scheduling, and collaboration tools to fulfill translation requests.

● Ensures timely coverage and effective delivery of services.

● Formats, reviews, and processes documents for translation, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and urgent districtwide communications.

● Ensures that translated materials are accurate, clear, and culturally appropriate before distribution to families.

● Collaborates with school staff to ensure translated materials accurately reflect academic, behavioral, and programmatic expectations for students.

● Coordinates logistics and materials for meetings, training, and conferences and assists with language access preparation for district initiatives and events.

● Provides technical assistance and customer service to staff in creating efficient processes for document translation and supports schools and departments in accessing language access services.

● Works collaboratively with staff to ensure implementation of the HCPSS Strategic Plan priorities in communicating with parents and families.

● Contributes to improved student outcomes by reducing language barriers and ensuring families are informed, engaged, and able to support their child’s educational experience.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

● Translation Theory & Methodology: Deep understanding of translation techniques to ensure linguistic accuracy, cultural equivalence, and readability in the target language.

● Linguistic Proficiency: Deep understanding of both English and the target language, including high-level vocabulary, grammar, and nuances in both formal and informal contexts.

● Educational Terminology: Familiarity with K-12 educational systems, specifically Special Education (IEP/504 processes), pedagogical terms, and school district policies.

● Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of federal (Title I, IDEA), state, and district mandates regarding language access and the legal requirements for translating Special Education documentation.

● Crisis & Safety Protocols: Understanding the sensitive nature of disciplinary (suspension) and crisis-related communications, ensuring tone and urgency are preserved.

● Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools: Familiarity with translation memories, glossaries, and approved software to maintain consistency across district-wide communications.

● Strategic District Goals: Knowledge of school system priorities (e.g., HCPSS Strategic Plan) and how language access directly impacts student outcomes and family engagement.

● Technical Writing & Formatting: Skill in formatting complex documents (IEPs, 504 Plans) and reviewing translated materials for grammatical precision and cultural appropriateness.

● Project Management: Coordinating a high volume of translation and interpretation requests, managing timelines for "time-sensitive" materials, and overseeing the workflow of other translators and interpreters.

● Multilingual Proofreading: Exceptional eye for detail to ensure that high-stakes documents (legal or safety-related) are error-free before distribution.

● Resource Coordination: Managing the logistics, materials, and digital "web-based productivity tools" required to facilitate large-scale district initiatives.

● Customer Service & Training: Providing technical assistance to school staff to streamline the process of requesting and accessing translation and interpretation services.

● Discretion & Sensitivity: Ability to handle confidential and high-priority information—such as student suspensions or safety crises—with extreme professional care.

● Linguistic Adaptability: Ability to translate and interpret complex academic and legal jargon into clear, "family-friendly" language without losing the original intent.

● Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work with school staff to clarify behavioral or programmatic expectations, ensuring families receive a unified message.

● Equitable Advocacy: Ability to identify and reduce language barriers to ensure that Title I and Special Education families have equitable access to resources.

● Problem-Solving: Ability to create "efficient processes" and systems that simplify how a large organization handles language access requests.

Working Hours

· The duty day for this position is 8 hours including a one-hour duty-free lunch.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Supplemental Application Questions

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.

1. Please describe your experience translating documents and providing interpretation services within a K–12 school system, government agency, or public service organization serving multilingual communities.

2. Please describe your experience translating and interpreting in a Special Education setting which includes reviewing documentation, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other educational materials.

3. Please describe your experience using translation memory systems, terminology databases, or translation management platforms to ensure consistency and efficiency in translation workflows.

4. Please describe your experience coordinating translation requests across multiple stakeholders, including schools, departments, translators, and vendors.

5. Please list any list any professional certification in translation or interpretation.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 23 on the Technical Central Office and School Based salary scale, $57,748 - $107,463. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Telework Program

This position is eligible to participate after the first 120 working days of employment. Telework schedules will be subject to approval and determined by the department and/or supervisor.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Philip Wentt (philip_wentt@hcpss.org) OR humanresources@hcpss.org.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.