DESCRIPTION 

Under the direction of the Language Access Supervisor, the Technical Assistant, Language Access – Special Education supports the coordination and delivery of language access services for Special Education meetings to ensure multilingual families have equitable access to information and participation in decision-making processes. This position manages interpreter scheduling systems for Special Education services, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 meetings, and supports the coordination of interpreters, translators, and staff using web-based scheduling and collaboration tools. The Technical Assistant provides operational support for language access services, including payroll processing, invoicing, equipment coordination, and logistical support for meetings, training, and conferences. The role provides technical assistance to school-based staff on scheduling procedures and software systems to ensure timely and compliant interpretation services. The position communicates with parents and interpreters to coordinate appointments and support effective service delivery. This role supports the HCPSS mission and Strategic Plan by strengthening equitable communication and ensuring multilingual families can fully participate in Special Education processes. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Education: 

• High School diploma or equivalent or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Experience: 

• Five (5) years of administrative or clerical experience that includes scheduling appointments, managing calendars, maintaining records, and coordinating meetings. Experience requirements may be met by substituting education (up to a Bachelor’s degree) for experience on a year-for-year basis. 

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. 

Certifications/Licenses:  

• Professional certification in interpretation or translation 

Experience: 

• Experience supporting Special Education services in a K–12 school system, including coordination of meetings involving Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.  

• Experience coordinating interpreter scheduling systems or supporting language access  

• programs in an educational, government, or public service setting.  

• Experience providing interpretation services in professional settings.  

• Training or professional development related to language access services, interpretation coordination, or multilingual communication. 

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. 

• Manages the interpreter scheduling system for Special Education meetings, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, 504 plan meetings, and other related services.  

• Ensures interpreter coverage and timely coordination of language access services. 

• Supports the coordination of interpreters, translators, and other staff using web-based scheduling, productivity, and collaboration tools to fulfill interpretation and translation requests, including support for parent-teacher conferences. 

• Supports technical assistance and customer service to staff in creating efficient processes in the scheduling of all meetings requiring interpretation assistance reducing barriers for families who require language access services. 

• Supports department payroll coordination, invoicing, equipment management, and budgetary reporting for Special Education language access services.  

• Assists with logistics and materials for meetings, training, and conferences and supports general education assignments as needed. 

• Oversees equipment management, assessment scheduling, and logistical coordination for language access services and related activities.  

• Communicates with parents and interpreters to confirm appointments and support effective coordination of interpretation services. 

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.  

• Familiarity with the procedural requirements of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and 504 Plans, specifically regarding parental rights and language access mandates.  

• Understanding of best practices for interpretation and translation services within a K-12 educational setting. 

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles, including invoicing, budgetary tracking, and payroll processing for hourly or contracted staff.  

• Understanding of inventory control and the technical requirements for interpretation equipment (e.g., headsets, transmitters, or digital platforms). 

• Proficiency in using web-based scheduling software, productivity suites (Google Workspace/Microsoft 365), and collaborative project management tools.  

• Ability to manage complex databases to ensure no scheduling conflicts occur across multiple school sites and meeting types.  

• Professional Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively bridge the gap between diverse parents, interpreters, and school administrators. 

• Skill in processing invoices accurately and generating budgetary reports to ensure fiscal transparency 

• The ability to coordinate multiple "moving parts"—such as parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings—simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.  

• Ability to interact with a diverse community of parents and staff with empathy, ensuring language barriers do not prevent equitable access to services.  

• Ability to resolve "last-minute" logistical hurdles, such as interpreter cancellations or equipment failure, with minimal disruption to the meeting.  

• Ability to maintain meticulous records for payroll and assessment scheduling, ensuring all staff are compensated correctly and meetings are legally compliant.  

• Ability to support general education assignments and special projects as departmental needs shift. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

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 supporting Special Education services in a K–12 school system, including coordination of meetings involving Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.   

2. Please describe your experience coordinating interpreter scheduling systems or supporting language access programs in an educational, government, or public service setting.   

3. Please describe your experience providing interpretation services in professional settings.   

4. Please describe your training or professional development related to language access services, interpretation coordination, or multilingual communication. 

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 21 on the Technical Central Office and School Based salary scale, $41,987 - $99, 325. 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.    

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