Interpreters Deaf - Contractor

Contractor position (260004SL) for a 12‑month term, 20 hours per week, part‑time with flexible schedules.

• Provide in‑person and remote interpreting/transliteration services to agency staff, clients, providers, and members of the public for meetings, conversations, training sessions, supervision, interviews, and other requested events.
• Maintain professionalism and adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
• Collaborate with fellow interpreters when working as a team and hold joint responsibility for accurate message delivery.
• Utilize remote conferencing platforms commonly used by Massachusetts state agencies (Teams, Zoom, Face Time).
• Obtain and review materials prior to interpreting services whenever possible.
• Engage in reflective practice to ensure ethical, linguistic, and cultural competence.
• Stay current on Deaf/hard‑of‑hearing topics and technology.
• Share skills and knowledge with other contracted interpreters and Deaf staff locally, regionally, and at statewide Deaf Services meetings.
• Interpret DMH staff and public announcements, and special events when scheduled allows.
• Assist in supervising interns, providing observation and practice opportunities in a mental health setting.
• Work closely with the Deaf Service Program Coordinator to manage calendar, scheduling conflicts, and freelance interpreter needs.

• At least two years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time professional experience in interpreting or transliteration for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing individuals.
• Proficiency in both formal and informal registers of English, American Sign Language, and other signed communication (PSE, Contact Sign, etc.).
• Bilingual or multilingual fluency in languages other than ASL and English.
• Knowledge of specialized vocabularies (technical, medical, scientific) in both English and ASL.
• Bachelor’s degree from an interpreter training program.
• Certification by the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or equivalent, and proof of successful screening through MCDHH.
• Advanced certification or completed training in the mental health specialty area (preferred).
• Familiarity with mental health conditions and experience in behavioral health settings.
• Excellent written, oral, and digital communication skills.
• Knowledge of Deaf culture and the Deaf community.
• Strong understanding of the Code of Ethics of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
• Ability to perform simultaneous and consecutive interpretation.
• Team orientation and independence in work.
• Proficiency with Zoom, Outlook calendar, Teams, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook).
• Flexibility to accommodate an ever‑changing schedule.
• Availability to work 20 hours per week as required.
• Travel capability for work‑related assignments and reliable transportation.
• Minimum entrance requirements:
  None.

• Hourly salary not to exceed the maximum hourly rate, based on education, experience, and certifications.
• Compensation paid biweekly, direct deposit required.
• Contract renewable subject to departmental approval, performance, and funding allocation.
• Annual sick leave accrual available.

• Background check required as per Executive Office of Health and Human Services regulations.
• COVID‑19 and Influenza vaccination (or definitive mitigation measures) required for all agency staff.

An Equal Opportunity / Affinitive Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law.