Interpreter​/Communication Assistant

North Lamar Independent School District - Job Description

POSITION TITLE:
Educational Sign Language Interpreter, certified - Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD)

Immediate Supervisor:
Lead Interpreter and Lead Deaf Ed Teacher

• INTERPRETING
  • Adhere to the Professional Code of Conduct (Ethics) established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
  • Maintain confidentiality to protect the privacy of student(s), families, and staff.
  • Provide sign-to-voice/voice-to-sign interpreting, which may include American Sign Language (ASL), a combination of Signed Exact English(SEE) & ASL, and/or oral interpreting, depending on the needs of the student in accordance with his/her IEP and educational needs.
  • Accompany DHH student(s) throughout the day to interpret/translate any spoken language into sign language during activities and instruction in the classroom and other educational settings. Includes, but is not limited to, teacher-led instruction, discussions, announcements, films, special projects, pull-out intervention/services, assemblies, field trips, athletic activities, and all incidental information surrounding the DHH student.
  • Provide interpreting for DHH student(s) during meetings, such as IEP meetings, parent/teacher conferences, etc., as well as for extracurricular activities as directed (back-to-school night, meet-the-teacher, graduation, programs, etc.). These activities/meetings may extend beyond regularly scheduled school hours.
  • Assists DHH student(s) with developing communication and socialization skills.
  • Promote student understanding of information presented by reinforcing and reviewing concepts and skills through tutorial support as necessary in a variety of learning activities.
  • Promote independence and inclusion of the DHH student(s).
  • Model self-advocacy and encourage/expect student growth in their independent ability to self-advocate.
  • Research sign language choice for subject matter vocabulary.
  • Identify and discuss with the classroom teacher when modifications to curriculum and materials are necessary according to the student's IEP.
• COLLABORATION
  • Participate as a positive, collaborative team member of the Deaf Ed Department by exhibiting ongoing, effective communication, attending department meetings/staff developments, and supporting/ helping other Deaf Ed staff.
  • Work in cooperation with school staff to ensure full access for DHH students in all programs in their educational settings, including extracurricular activities.
  • Work in cooperation with the classroom teacher, Sped case manager, and/or lead DHH teacher to ensure that appropriate curriculum accommodations & modifications are being utilized.
  • Provide insight into the success of communication strategies and skills by participating as a member of the IEP Team.
  • Confer routinely with the classroom teacher(s) and Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) regularly in order to be better prepared for interpreting services.
  • Communicate with appropriate school staff regarding students' progress, abilities, and modifications.
  • Assists the teacher in monitoring student behavior and discipline of DHH students, as authorized.
  • Participate as a liaison between DHH individuals and their hearing peers and faculty members to promote cooperative relationships.
  • Maintain a positive, professional rapport with parents.
  • Participate in teacher/parent conferences, as appropriate.
• ASSESSMENTS/EVALUATIONS
  • Interpret during Communication Assessments in cooperation with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or ToD as necessary for eligibility/FIE requirements. (Certified Interpreter required)
  • Interpret during state-required Special Education Language Acquisition (SELA) testing for DHH students ages 0-8 years of age. (Certified Interpreter required)
  • Interpret during district benchmarks and/or state assessments (ie, STAAR, STARR-ALT), as needed. (Certified interpreter required)
  • Interpret any classroom benchmarks, assessments, or report card skills checks, as necessary.
  • Communicate with appropriate school staff regarding DHH student(s) progress, abilities, and modifications for testing purposes, as appropriate.
• AUDIOLOGICAL/INTERPRETER SUPPORT
  • Assist school personnel in enhancing the students' overall communication skills through knowledge of the use of interpreters and audiological management techniques.
  • Monitor students' audiological needs, such as the effectiveness of hearing aids and other instruments, intended to improve the DHH students' ability to receive auditory input.
• ECI
  • Be knowledgeable of the ECI program's purpose and components.
  • Work cooperatively with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) staff to serve DHH infants and toddlers during home visits by providing materials and audiology support, as needed.
• OTHER
  • Follow and maintain the policies outlined in the District Employee Handbook, as well as individual campus policies. (i.e., reporting protocols, social media guidelines, dress code, confidentiality, etc.)
  • Follow the Deaf Ed Department's chain of command regarding work-related or…