Staff Interpreter, ASL - American Sign Language (Part-Time, 22.5 hrs

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a dynamic Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, offering a part‑time position (.6 FTE) with benefits for statewide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.

• Interpret/transliterate for DDS’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff and clients in various situations to ensure equal communication access.
• Assess the communication access needs of requests; negotiate for optimum conditions; use professional discretion to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure appropriate skills and knowledge for each situation.
• Deliver interpreting and transliteration services to agency staff, clients/consumers, providers, employers, and the public; use languages most readily understood by service users.
• Confer with fellow interpreters when working as a team; share joint responsibility for the message.
• Demonstrate proficiency with remote video conferencing platforms used by DDS and sister agencies.
• Coordinate interpreting and CART services for staff and clients upon request in partnership with Communication Access schedulers.
• Collaborate with the Interpreter Supervisor/Manager to evaluate needs and gather necessary information.
• Schedule interpreters or CART services if unable to provide service directly; use available resources, including DDS staff interpreter team and MCDHH interpreter referral service.
• Address service requests within 2 working days or as early as the schedule allows; identify and communicate backup plans to ensure timely response.
• Maintain records of interpreting and CART services provided; organize records of each provider assigned to a request; submit records to the authorizing staff member.
• Process receipt of interpreter invoices or follow up if no invoice is received within 60 days; investigate discrepancies between records and payment vouchers; verify accuracy; forward payment vouchers to fiscal staff within 5 business days.
• Act as liaison between vendors and DDS, elevating inquiries when necessary.
• Engage with staff across divisions and external stakeholders to provide quality services; participate in reflective practice with colleagues.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as MCDHH Interpreter Referral Services, contracted providers, DDS staff, employers, and vendors.
• Contribute to policy and planning discussions locally, regionally, and statewide with other DDS Deaf Services providers; assist in creating trainings and materials for clients, staff, and vendors.
• Pursue ongoing professional development relevant to the interpreting field; attend trainings to enhance skills and respond to the evolving needs of the community and DDS.
• Disseminate acquired skills and knowledge to other staff interpreters and Deaf Services staff locally, regionally, and at Statewide Deaf Services meetings.
• Foster respectful and harmonious working relationships; interact professionally with staff, consumers, and other stakeholders; uphold DDS core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Support the production of VLOGs to ensure DDS materials and announcements are accessible; work with DDS staff, sister agencies, and others to develop VLOGs and scripts.
• Participate in mentorship opportunities to promote workforce development; provide interns with opportunities to observe and practice interpreter skills.
• Offer guidance and training for staff, providers, and other stakeholders regarding communication access; perform other related duties as assigned.

• Expertise in both formal and informal registers of English and American Sign Language.
• Familiarity with the Code of Ethics established by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
• Proficiency in specialized vocabularies for English and American Sign Languages, including technical, medical, and scientific terminology.
• Understanding of cultural and historical references in both Deaf and hearing cultures.
• Knowledge of the effect of deafness on the linguistic, social, cultural, and developmental aspects of deaf people.
• Capability to perform simultaneous and consecutive interpretation; skill in using gestures and other non‑verbal communication methods to effectively…