Sign Language Interpreter

Sign Language InterpreterThe team at Mississippi Bend AEA encourages applicants who aspire to make a difference every day to apply and join our organization. Mississippi Bend AEA is an educational service agency in eastern Iowa serving approximately 49,500 public and private school students across 143 buildings. Our core mission is service to students, families, teachers, educational leaders, and other stakeholders, and we are committed to a standard of excellence in serving others.The purpose of this position is to provide equal access in the classroom to deaf and/or hard of hearing students using a manual communication system (e.g., ASL, PSE, SEE II) familiar to the student. To facilitate communication to students individually or in groups in accordance with prescribed learning objectives; to act as an interpreter under the supervision of a certified teacher in performing assigned tasks which make learning more effective; to do related work as required. The interpreter reports to the Consultant for Deaf and Hard of Hearing who supervises the AEA Sign Language Interpreters. Each Agency employee is expected to further the mission of the Agency by serving on committees, working on projects, joining leadership groups and other activities as determined by the Agency and their supervisor.Responsibilities include:Following classroom schedule and interpreting for students as dictated by individual student IEPs and as assigned to the interpreter by the teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing and/or classroom teacher(s).Interpreting in sign language all activities in the classroom. This may include lectures, conversations, films, environmental sounds, announcements, assemblies, and so forth. The interpreter when necessary must restate lectures and conversation presented at a difficult language level into a simpler form.Interpreting sign to voice (receptively) and voice to sign (expressively).Being available as on a needed basis and as scheduling permits as an interpreter for clarification, expansion, or tutoring under the guidance or supervision of a certified teacher.Facilitating communication between faculty, staff, and other classmates.Serving as a liaison to promote good public relations between the deaf and hard of hearing, hearing peers, staff, and faculty members.Acting as a language model and mentor; fostering social development in the educational setting, in addition to academic learning.Participating as a related service provider who is a member of the educational team.Conferring regularly with classroom teachers prior to lessons in order to understand the material and prepare an equivalent interpreted message.Participating or interpreting for IEP meetings but should not do both simultaneously. If asked to participate as an IEP team member, another licensed interpreter will be brought in to facilitate communication to allow the educational interpreter to provide appropriate feedback regarding student's performance and needs.Following safety procedures as defined by classroom teacher and/or district (e.g., tornado and fire drills, building wide food allergy restrictions, equipment, machinery etc.).May attend class when a student is ill if directed by immediate supervisor so notes can be taken and the information given to the student to prevent gaps in instruction.Completing Agency and District forms and documents.Creating a daily schedule that can be shared with any substitute interpreter with clear expectations of job requirements and day by day activities to be completed. Any student specific information that is shared must be kept confidential.Knowledge of communicative technology and listening devices. This may include video phones, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other hearing assistive technology.Knowledge of cognitive, physical, or behavioral strategies when working with deaf or hard of hearing students who have additional disabilities as well as strategies and adaptations needed for deaf and hard of hearing students with low language skills.Successful completion of CPI training when warranted by student needs.Other duties as assigned.Qualifications include:Must hold a valid Iowa License for Interpreting.Must have a proficient understanding of American Sign Language or another manually coded signed system (e.g., SEE II, PSE) both receptively and expressively.Must have the physical, cognitive, cultural, and linguistic abilities to appropriately match message meaning and register.Must possess the professional attributes to participate as a member of the educational team.Ability to assist with handling emotionally charged situations.Knowledge of and ability to assist with implement behavior management techniques.Must have experience in education or working with children.Physical requirements include:StandingWalkingSittingBending/StoopingReachingManual Dexterity TasksThe interpreter must be able to travel to their assigned workplaces. Student(s) may become unavailable and interpreter may be assigned to other students or duties to complete a full work day. The interpreter must be available for all in-service programs, staff meetings and student IEPs as directed by the supervisor. The interpreter may be asked to interpret for extracurricular activities outside regular work day including sporting events, parent-teacher conferences, student IEPs, and other school related functions. The interpreter shall complete whatever inservice or training related to the provision of interpreter services that is offered by the Agency or District (e.g., CPI training, Mandatory Reporter, Bloodborne Pathogens, Right to Know, CPR/First Aid etc.). The interpreter must adhere to the tenets outlined under the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.Working conditions include:Inside and outsideClimatic environment: heated and air conditioned officeHazards: communicable diseasesLift up to 45 lbs.