SOESD - Sign Language Interpreter

Position Overview

The Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) seeks a dedicated interpreter to serve students ranging from Pre‑K to 12th grade who utilize a variety of communication modalities. This role involves supporting educational teams, developing professional growth, and ensuring cohesive communication across the classroom. The position offers a unique opportunity to impact student learning and growth through interpretation services.

• Interpret/transliterate information accurately, conveying the thought, intent, and spirit of the sender in a manner appropriate to the student's communication level.
• Instruct students in the correct use of an interpreter.
• Orient regular classroom teachers about the role of interpreters and suggest classroom adaptations.
• Adhere to all rules and protocols governing the confidential rights of all students.
• Develop and implement an individual ongoing professional growth program, including fluency, vocabulary building, and language skills, and participate in a skill‑development mentoring program.
• Participate, upon request, in parent conferences and IEP meetings.
• Demonstrate active participation in staff meetings and in‑services.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and job‑related training programs as requested.
• Interpret for students, parents, and/or professionals in conferences or other school‑sponsored activities when sanctioned by the supervisor.
• Maintain an interpreter log, when assigned, to be available to the PDHH teacher.
• Demonstrate both written and oral command of the English language, including correct use of syntax and grammar.
• Demonstrate a functional comprehension of all subject matter.
• Provide tutorial support to deaf and hard‑of‑hearing students as assigned.
• Act as a liaison between PDHH and mainstream staff, providing relevant feedback on student progress.
• Assist in the professional development of other interpreters within the program through assigned mentorship duties.
• Participate in a daily preventative physical warm‑up.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment under the direction of the PDHH teacher.
• Comply with local district and ESD rules and policies.
• Complete and document 12 hours of continuing professional development related to sign language interpretation each school year.
• Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Score 3.5 or above on the EIPA Performance Assessment or hold RID NIC, CI, or CT Certification.
• Meet one of the following criteria:
  • Hold a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or related field.
  • Achieve a passing score on the EIPA Written test.
  • Certificate of Completion from an Interpreter Training Program or extensive background and experience with sign language, including regular contact with deaf children or adults.
• Demonstrate functional proficiency in English and a functional comprehension of all subject matter.

Location: In person at assigned schools.

Length: 190 days (academic year) calendar.

Pay: $23.90/hour to $32.77/hour for the 2025–2026 school year.

Immediate Supervisor: Department Administrator.

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2,114.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer‑paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including an additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays.
• A generous sick, vacation, and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.
• Health Insurance: OEBB MODA – includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance; monthly premium deducted pre‑tax.
• Health Savings Accounts.
• Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day‑care expenses.
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Mercy Flights Membership.

SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.