Job Description

Tittle: Interpreter (On-Site & Virtual)

Job Type: Contract

Rate: $30 per hour without Benefit and Insurance

The Office of Language Access supports New York City public schools and administrative offices in providing equitable communication access for families who prefer to communicate in a language other than English.

Qualified Interpreters will provide on-site and virtual interpretation services for meetings involving parents, students, and Department personnel. Services primarily require simultaneous interpretation, with occasional consecutive interpretation and sight translation when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Interpretation Services

• Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between English and the target language.
• Perform sight translation of written materials when required.
• Facilitate communication during meetings, conferences, hearings, information sessions, and other events.
• Maintain accuracy, neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism at all times.
• Support interactions involving parents, students, school staff, and administrative personnel.
• Remain available for the full duration of assigned events unless otherwise authorized.

Virtual Interpretation

• Participate in virtual meetings using platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
• Must be professional virtual presence, including remaining on camera during events when required.
• Communicate effectively with event coordinators through platform Written chat and other virtual communication tools.
• Ensure reliable internet connectivity and a quiet work environment.

On-Site Interpretation

• Travel to schools, administrative offices, and other locations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
• Arrive on time and prepared for scheduled assignments.
• Support interpretation events requiring portable interpretation equipment when applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Must have three (3) years of professional interpretation experience.
• Fluency in English and at least one target language.
• Demonstrated proficiency in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics standards.
• Experience working with diverse populations and multicultural communities.

Preferred Languages

Strong preference for interpreters proficient in one or more of the following languages:

• Arabic
• Bangla (Bengali)
• Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese; Traditional and Simplified)
• French
• Haitian Creole
• Korean
• Russian
• Spanish
• Urdu

Technical Requirements

For virtual assignments, interpreters must have:

• Computer with functioning camera and microphone
• Headphones compatible with the computer
• Reliable phone access
• Stable internet connection
• Quiet and professional workspace

Work Schedule

• Typical service hours are between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
• Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend assignments may be required.
• Availability for short-notice assignments is preferred.

Security Requirements

• Successful completion of all required background checks and fingerprinting procedures.
• Eligibility clearance must be obtained before providing services.
• Compliance with all applicable confidentiality, privacy, and security requirements.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of assignments and hours worked.
• Complete required documentation and training.
• Participate in language access and interpretation-related training as required.

Work Environment

Assignments may be conducted:

• On-site at schools and administrative offices throughout New York City.
• Virtually through approved online meeting platforms.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring language access and equitable communication for students, families, and school communities.