Coordinator of Interpretation Services

WORK CALENDAR:  260 day Calendar

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Equity and Engagement

CLASSIFICATION:  C-5-1; Exempt

SALARY:  $76,422 – $91,706/annually (prorated based upon hire date)
Click link below to review the 2024-2026 Rochester Operations Professional Employees Work Unit Agreement containing salary schedule.
 ROPE Work Unit Agreement 2024-2026

If you have questions regarding a job posting, contact the Office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4254 or email joklatt@rochesterschools.org

Position Summary:

The Coordinator of Interpreters and Multilingual Learner Registration is primarily responsible for managing language interpreter services districtwide.  This position will also oversee the registration and English language screening process for students who are new to the country and/or new to Rochester Public Schools and speak multiple languages.  The coordinator will facilitate the appropriate placement for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and newcomers who qualify to receive English Learning (EL) services, This role ensures equitable access to education by bridging language differences  and supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and families in the district.

This position requires a professional who can navigate interruptions, switch gears quickly, and manage the triage of tasks—deciding what needs immediate attention and prioritizing accordingly. The Coordinator must embrace the unpredictability inherent in this role and adopt a welcoming, responsive approach to all stakeholders. While this is one way of managing the responsibilities, flexibility and adaptability are key to success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpreter Coordination

  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of interpreters and translators.
  • Schedule and manage interpreter assignments for meetings, conferences, classroom support, and school events.
  • Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines regarding language access for families whose primary language is other than English.
  • Develop and provide ongoing professional development for interpreters to enhance their skills in educational settings.

The role involves responding to interpreter requests from school buildings, which often arise unexpectedly and urgently. It requires a foundational knowledge of district operations and the ability to connect staff with the appropriate resources. While the Coordinator may not resolve all issues directly, they serve as the essential link between staff and solutions.
 

• Student Registration and Language Support

  • Oversee the intake and registration process for students who speak languages other than English.
  • Collaborate with families to gather language background information and ensure proper documentation is collected.
  • Conduct or oversee initial language proficiency screening (e.g., WIDA Screener) to determine English proficiency levels.
  • Recommend appropriate program placement in the EL program for newcomers and Multilingual Learners based on screening results and academic needs.
  • Evaluate student’s prior school records to determine appropriate placement in the EL program if necessary
  • Ensure that registration processes are culturally responsive and accessible to all families.
  • Communicate with other local education agencies (LEAs) regarding student’s English language development records (e.g., screening scores, ACCESS scores, program placement, etc.)
  • Assist in managing district written translation process

This role demands a welcoming and cheerful demeanor, particularly when families walk into the office without appointments. Providing immediate assistance creates a supportive and inclusive environment. Balancing these unplanned interactions with other responsibilities is a critical part of the job. Minimal language skills in two or three other languages are highly beneficial for this aspect of the role.

• Collaboration and Advocacy

  • Work closely with district and school staff to address the needs of Multilingual Learners and their families, including teachers, counselors, and administrators.
  • Advocate for equitable access to resources and opportunities for students and families with limited English proficiency.
  • Communicate with district staff about language policies, procedures, and implementation of the district’s access plan.

• Data and Compliance

  • Maintain accurate records of student language proficiency screenings  and placements.
  • Monitor compliance with state and federal regulations regarding Multilingual Learner identification and support services.
  • Monitor compliance with state and federal regulations regarding language access for families and students whose primary language is other than English.
  • Compile and analyze data on interpreter usage, student registration, and language services to inform district policies and practices.

• Professional Development

  • Provide training for staff on best practices for working with interpreters and Multilingual communities.
  • Facilitate workshops on cultural competence and effective communication with families from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Linguistics, Multicultural Studies, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working with Multilingual Learners or in language services within an educational setting.
  • Experience coordinating or supervising interpreter services is highly desirable.

• Skills and Knowledge

  • Strong understanding of language acquisition, Multilingual Learner programming, and state/federal compliance requirements (e.g., ESSA, WIDA).
  • Familiarity with interpreter/translator best practices and ethics.
  • Proficiency in at least one language other than English is preferred.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in using technology for scheduling, data tracking, and communication (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite, or specialized language management software).

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
 

• Ability to travel between district schools as needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends for special events or meetings with families.

Commitment to Equity:
Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve.  We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement

Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions 
Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.

District Information:  To learn more about Rochester Public Schools, visit www.rochesterschools.org.