American Sign Language; ASL Interpreter

Position: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter
Location: Villanova

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number:
S

Position Title:
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Position Type:
Staff

Location:
Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule:
full-time/10-months

Avg Hours Week

Department:
703-Disabled Student Services

Position Summary:

The ASL Interpreter within the Office of Access and Disability Services (ADS), facilitates equitable access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students by providing interpreting services between spoken English and American Sign Language across academic and campus environments. This role serves as the primary interpreter and coordinator for assigned student(s) and holds primary responsibility for coordinating interpreting services, scheduling logistics, and collaboration with campus partners to ensure consistent, high-quality access aligned with compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The Office of Access and Disability Services is a high-traffic and busy work environment with multiple peak periods of work activity across the calendar year. The office supports students with disabilities in all aspects of their university life. The office works collaboratively with other offices and academic colleges to meet student needs.

This is a 10-month position with a target start date of August 1, 2026 and is dependent upon business need.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Interpreting Services

• Provide real-time ASL/English interpretation for:
  • Academic courses, labs, lectures, discussions, and other academic activities
  • Meetings with faculty, staff, and peers
  • Campus events, activities, and programs on as needed basis
• Deliver accurate, complete, and culturally appropriate interpretation in real time in both voice-to-sign and sign-to-voice modes that ensure effective communication and equal access
• Rapidly process visual and audible information to convey complex concepts, unusual vocabulary and unexpected information to ensure student understanding
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and impartiality
• Adjust interpreting approach based on course content, pace, and modality
• Adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
• Remain current on developments, trends and techniques in the interpreting field

Scheduling & Coordination (Lead Responsibility)

• Own and manage semester-long scheduling for interpreting services for assigned student(s) across academic and co-curricular activities
• Coordinate additional or back-up coverage with external resources to prevent service gaps for:
  • Back-to-back classes
  • Long class sessions requiring team interpreting
  • Schedule changes and academic adjustment
  • After hours co-curricular student activities
• Collaborate with part-time interpreter(s) and any supplemental providers to remain consistent with delivery to ensure student success
• Maintain regular, consistent, and clear communication with the ADS department regarding coverage needs and service delivery

Preparation & Academic Support

• Review syllabi, course materials, and technical vocabulary in advance. Anticipate and prepare for complex or highly-specialized or discipline-specific coursework
• Consult with faculty to understand instructional methods and course expectations
• Support effective communication between Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and faculty
• Review and have a general understanding of University policies and procedures

Collaboration & Campus Engagement

• Partner with faculty, staff, and campus partners to support accessible learning environments and provide guidance on working with interpreters and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students
• Participate in ADS department meetings, trainings, and campus initiatives
• Contribute to continuous improvement of interpreting services and accessibility practices

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Formal Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Work Experience

• Demonstrated interpreting experience in educational or comparable settings

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)

• Strong organizational and scheduling skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to interpret in a variety of settings including classrooms, meetings, and large group environments and events

Specific Job Knowledge

• Fluency in American Sign Language and in both oral and written English
• RID certification (NIC, CI/CT, or equivalent) or eligibility
• Knowledge of deafness and deaf culture
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals
• The individual must have a deep commitment to the flourishing of Villanova University, its students and…