Educational Sign Language Interpreter

JOB
TITLE:
INTERPRETER HEARING/COMMUNICATION DISABILITIES

REPORTS TO: Assigned administrator/supervisor

JOB
OBJECTIVE: Provides interpretive services for students with hearing and/or communication disabilities to bridge and enhance the quality of communication with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid state department of education license/permit as determined at the time of appointment.
• Valid state interpreter for the hearing impaired license/certificate.
• Interpretation or Transliteration Certificate in American Sign Language (ASL).
• Meets all mandated state/federal criteria (i.e., approved degree, completion of requisite higher education credit hours/courses, or acceptable score on an authorized professional standards test).
• Proficient in communication skills for the target language -- i.e., American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE) and/or Signed Exact English (SEE).
• Receptive to a variety of communications styles (e.g., total communication, gestures, mime, etc.).
• Strong voicing skills including fluency in reception and expression.
• Behavioral management skills substantiated by training/work experience. Duties require agility, physical strength, and stamina to address the needs of students with problem behavior and/or students requiring physical assistance (e.g., mobility, transferring, positioning, etc.).
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies and administrative guidelines/procedures.
• Demonstrates dependability/flexibility. Reacts to interruptions/emerging priorities effectively.
• Embodies high ethical standards/integrity. Accepts personal responsibility for decisions/conduct.
• Exhibits consistent, impartial and resourceful critical-thinking skills.
• Maintains a record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.

NOTE:

Position may require successful completion of communicable disease, child abuse/neglect, CPR, and/or first aid training as a condition of employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides interpretive services. Participates as an active member of the educational team. Attempts to equalize the source (English) and target (sign) languages to support productive learning environment.

Supports family participation in the educational process.

• Works effectively with minimal supervision. Performs tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Consults with staff to clarify the type of assistance most likely to support student needs effectively.
• Promotes the effective use of interpretative services (e.g., consumer training, etc.).
• Helps teachers implement classroom modifications/accommodations as requested.
• Works with small groups and/or individual students as directed. Collaborates with staff to ensure services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Uses communication preferences/methods that best meet the needs of each student.
• Helps students assimilate into the school environment. Interprets in first person. Acts as an unbiased communication link. Avoids influencing family/student and staff decisions.
• Responds to student requests for assistance. Supports an inclusive educational environment. Helps with classroom activities. Reinforces materials introduced by the teacher.
• Translates teaching and testing materials as directed. Recommends alternative approaches that support educational activities (e.g., test modifications, student response documentation, etc.).
• Collaborates with staff to address supplemental needs (e.g., remedial/enrichment services, etc.).
• Prepares classroom equipment for student use (e.g., computers, media resources, etc.).
• Works with the classroom teacher to address student behavior problems.
• Participates in intervention assistance team (IAT) meetings when requested.

Exemplifies professionalism and fosters goodwill to enhance the district's public image.

• Contributes to an effective and positive work/learning environment. Completes all assigned duties.
• Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers. Functions as part of a cohesive team.
• Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Respects privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Takes the initiative to perform routine tasks independently.

Maintains open/effective communications.

• Prepares/maintains accurate records. Submits required paperwork on…