American Sign Language; ASL) Interpreter Internship

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Internship

Oregon's nonpartisan Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO) seeks a highly motivated student to serve as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter intern during the 2027 legislative session. Senior students who are enrolled in an interpreting program at a qualified educational institution are encouraged to apply.

The ASL interpreter internship will be approximately three months in length and will take place between January and June 2027, during the 2027 legislative session. The specific start and end dates will be determined based on program and placement needs. The intern is expected to work approximately 25 hours per week in Salem.

The intern will gain experience in the functions of a nonpartisan staff interpreter in a state legislative setting, including public testimony and remote proceedings. The intern will work collaboratively with LPRO's Language Access Team and be exposed to a variety of legislative topics while developing professional interpreting skills. The intern will be assigned a mentor who will provide professional growth and networking opportunities.

LPRO's mission is to provide professional, nonpartisan staffing, analysis, and research that support and inform the policy making process. Our highest priority is to ensure that Oregon's legislature has access to relevant and timely information on public policy issues of interest to the state.

The ideal candidate for the ASL interpreter internship is eager to learn about the legislative process and to develop their interpreting skills in the legislative setting. They have strong proficiency in ASL and spoken English, familiarity with Deaf culture, an understanding of professional ethics, and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally. They are also able to maintain confidentiality and nonpartisanship and work collaboratively as part of LPRO's interpreting team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be a senior in an ASL interpreting program at a qualified educational institution

Other Requirements:

• Strong desire to learn about the legislative process through hands-on experience
• Ability to work effectively in a nonpartisan role and serve individuals with differing political and policy perspectives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate for the ASL interpreter internship will have the following at the start of the internship:

• Knowledge of ASL and spoken English grammar, vocabulary, and syntax
• Deaf culture, including relevant social norms, history, and values
• Professional interpreting ethics, including neutrality, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively in both ASL and spoken English
• Preparing for interpreting assignments, including researching unfamiliar concepts and terminology
• Working collaboratively as part of an interpreting team
• Receiving and incorporating feedback to further develop interpreting skills
• Computer applications, including the Microsoft suite

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively and professionally in person and in writing
• Learn and accurately convey specialized terminology and concepts
• Maintain attention to detail
• Maintain confidentiality
• Remain nonpartisan in a highly political environment
• Work effectively with people with differing perspectives and communication needs
• Collaborate with LPRO team members

To Apply:

Please complete the online application and upload a current resume, cover letter, and one letter of recommendation from an instructor, advisor, program coordinator, or other representative of your college, university, or interpreting program. In your cover letter, please share your background and interest in governmental agency interpreting.

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