Sign Language Interpreter

Interpreter for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students

This position interprets for students and/or staff who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Responsibilities include facilitating communication between the teacher and students in a classroom setting, and providing interpreting services for staff at school assemblies, staff meetings, and other special events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accompany student(s) who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in all classes; interpret teacher instructions and lectures using fluent sign language. Ensure that student(s) understand the teacher's communications; repeat interpretation as requested. Interpret auditory responses and communication by other students or presenters-facilitating students' understand of group interaction. Interpret sound track from films and tapes.
• Voice interprets signed responses for teacher and hearing students, as needed. Assist teacher in understanding verbal responses from student. Communicate with teacher concerning student's problems and progress. Secure teacher's attention as necessary to indicate that student has a question.
• Interpret school events for student(s) who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, such as student assemblies, field trips, and special events.
• Provides professional support and assistance to other interpreters. Providing back-up interpretation for classes as available.
• Prepares for interpreting daily classroom lectures and activities (e.g. reviewing text, audio visual materials, specialized vocabulary, PowerPoint's, etc.)
• Responsible for determining which manual sign is appropriate for communication with a specific person or group who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing (ASL, PSE, or SEE).

Qualifications:

National Certification: Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) level 3.5 or higher Experience using sign language systems such as ASL, PSE (Contact Signing), and SEE Interpreting and transliterating skills (sign-to-voice & voice-to-sign) Proficiency in using the English language Evidence of continued training/professional studies Maintain confidentiality and professionalism Recognized two-year interpreter training program preferred Educational interpreting experience Knowledge and Skills: Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form with clients and staff. Establish and maintain effective, collaborative, working relationships with a diverse community. Work effectively under pressure and exercise independent judgment. Organize, set priorities, coordinates activities and meet deadlines. Effectively use e-mail, word processing, spread sheet and database computer software. Remain flexible; able to cope with frequent interruptions and shift priorities to meet required deadlines Demonstrate professionalism in accordance with district policies and the Educational Interpreter. Work scheduled shift on a consistent basis. Keep confidentiality and observance of chain of command in departmental and outside communications. Positively interact with students, staff and administrators. Physical Requirements: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 25% sitting, 40% walking, and 35% standing. The job is performed in hazardous conditions and in a clean atmosphere.

Mandatory Conditions of Employment:

• Proof of High School diploma, or equivalent;
• Have one of the following:
• An AA Degree from an accredited academic college or university
• A minimum of 72 college quarter credits
• Have passed a district-recognized assessment of basic skills and instructional proficiency
• Completion of 14 hours of Fundamental Course of Study training as provided and directed by the District (OSPI and PESB requirement).
• Successful clearance of the FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.
• Successful Washington State Sexual Misconduct clearance.
• Completion of federal I-9 form.