Substitute Sign Language Interpreter

Downey unified school district (dusd) is located approximately 12 miles south of los angeles, offering easy access to scenic mountains and beaches. For decades, dusd has maintained a reputation for excellence, driven by our unwavering mantra, "our kids deserve the best." this philosophy guides every decision and daily practice, ensuring that students receive the highest quality education and support.

Basic function:under the general supervision of an administrator, acts as the communicator between student and teacher when the student uses total communication (e.g., sign language), and interprets test responses, recitations and reports into or from total communication.

Distinguishing characteristics:this class is distinguished from the senior instructional assistant - sign language class by the additional responsibility of using total communication skills (e.g., sign language) to translate and interpret written and spoken educational information or instructions. The sign language interpreter interprets subject matter and educational concepts for deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream classrooms. The senior instructional assistant - sign language functions as a paraprofessional assistant for teachers and deaf and hard of hearing students in special education classrooms.

Function & duties

Provides interpreter services for students in mainstream classes. E

Interprets a wide variety of subject matter and instructional materials into total communication (e.g., sign language) for a teacher or student who does not sign. E

Interprets from sign to voice and voice to sign for comprehension by others in the classroom. E

Acts as liaison between administration, staff of the deaf and hard of hearing program and regular classroom teachers. E

Assists teachers with implementation of student's individualized education program (i.e.p.). E

Attends in-service and staff meetings as required. E

May assist in arranging and conducting special activities.

May assist with supervision of classroom and outdoor playground to direct students in safe activities and relationships.

May assist students with taking medication under prescribed policies and procedures.

Performs routine clerical tasks related to student records and instructional activities. E

Performs related duties as assigned.

Note:

at the end of some of the duty statements there is an "e" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

Knowledge of:basic characteristics of human behavior and basic communication skillspractical learning patterns and behaviorreading, speaking and writing in englishelementary concepts of child development and behaviorbasic mathhigh school academic courseslaws, rules, practices and procedures related to the education program to which assignedrecognition and reporting requirements for suspected child abuse

Ability to:understand and interpret k-12 subject mattermodel communication and interaction that respects and includes all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions and culturesmaintain emotional control under difficult situationsinterpret written and verbal educational materials through total communication (e.g., sign language) interpret sign to voice and voice to signrecognize and report safety hazardsmotivate students to participate in learning activitiesmaintain confidentiality of student informationoperate computer technologyestablish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff

Education and experience, licenses and other requirements

Minimum qualifications:

Education:

high school diploma or equivalent, and certification by the national registry of interpreters for the deaf, educational interpreter performance assessment, the educational sign skills evaluation-interpreter and receptive, the national association of the deaf, american consortium of certified interpreters, or equivalent, with a score 4.0 or above.

Additional requirements/information:some positions in this classification may require the availability of private transportation; may occasionally be assigned duties from the class specification for para educator.

Working conditions:

Physical demands…