Liaison, Language Access Services

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 p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .

Job Posting End Date:

10-29-2026

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 and improving 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 complete translation 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:

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

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 kno