Part Time Interpreter

Southeast Texas Rdspd Certified Sign Language Interpreter

Primary Purpose: To interpret for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students Pre-K through 12th grade in a variety of educational settings, to assist the deaf education teacher in the academic development of those students, and to assist in the preparation and organization of classroom activities.

Qualifications:

• Education/Certification: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid Interpreter Certification from the Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) or the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to interpret/transliterate expressively and receptively
• Ability to interpret in or willingness to learn Signing Exact English (SEE) sign system
• Knowledge of the interpreter role and the Code of Ethics
• Ability to work well with deaf and hard-of-hearing children
• Knowledge of deaf culture
• General knowledge of language development and child development
• Strong people skills and team player
• One year of experience providing interpreting services or working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Interpret/transliterate according to the specifications of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's communication needs
• Interpret in educational settings, including but not limited to school-related programs, class activities, tutorial support, extracurricular activities, parent meetings, and Admissions Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings
• Assist classmates and deaf/hard of hearing student(s) to understand the role of the interpreter and the social and communication needs of the deaf/hard of hearing student, and also support the teacher in developing a level of comfort with the interaction styles and needs of the DHH students
• Become and remain well-versed in the deaf education classroom or general education classroom course materials to demonstrate competency in the interpreting or transliterating process
• Assist with in-class support in either the self-contained deaf education setting or the general education setting (i.e. small group instruction, individual tutoring, or clarification of information presented by the teacher)
• Take class notes to facilitate instruction for the student(s)
• Demonstrate flexibility when role shifts take place (i.e. in-class support vs. interpreting in a self-contained deaf education setting or in the general education setting)
• Be informed, monitor, and report to the deaf education teacher when concerns arise about the student's attention, comprehension, general academic progress, and accommodations/modifications approved by the Admissions Review and Dismissal Committee (ARD)
• Work collaboratively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/program are met
• Demonstrate professionalism in all ethical areas, especially in applying the Interpreter Code of Ethics to the educational setting as well as all communication
• Assist the deaf education teacher(s) with: Evaluation and reporting of student performance and progress Individual and/or group instruction activities General supervision of students in all settings Clerical duties, hearing aid checks, FM system checks, etc Any other classroom-related activities
• Cooperate with other staff members in students' movement from one activity to another
• Serve as a role model for students in: Personal appearance and dress Usage of appropriate speech, signing vocabulary, and other means of communication Personal behavior at all times
• Accept personal responsibility for caring for school facilities, supplies, and equipment. Encourage students to do the same
• Develop and maintain proper attitudes, good work habits, and respect for the rights and properties of others. Encourage students to do the same
• Operate by district regulations and within the framework of any specific guidelines of the buildings to which assigned
• Assist with and participate in all school activities (district, and/or individual school), cooperate with teacher(s) assigned, and assist in providing general supervision of DHH students in all settings
• Participate in continuing professional development as required by the certification governing body
• Work with any identified RDSPD student in any assignment
• Participate in appropriate district and school in-service activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Equipment Used: Computer, Printer, Copier, Audio-Visual Equipment, Sound Field Systems, and Amplification Devices

Working Conditions:

• Mental Demands: Ability to communicate effectively in receptive and expressive sign language as well as spoken/written English Ability to paraphrase, clearly explain, and accurately convey/receive signed and spoken information Maintain emotional control while working with students and adults Ability to repair communication breakdowns
• Physical Demands: Repetitive hand motions due to signing Moderate, bending, stooping, lifting, standing, walking
• Environmental Demands: Normal office environment Exposure to childhood communicable diseases; good general health and stamina needed Limited driving