Interpreter

Educational Interpreter

Facilitate communication exchanges to and from deaf/hard of hearing and/or non-verbal students and assist the classroom teacher in providing services to deaf/hard of hearing and/or non-verbal students in regular and/or special education classrooms. Act as a member of student's educational IEP team both inside of the classroom and outside via parent or staff communication, operating under the direction of the classroom teacher, case manager, or Director of Special Services.

Reports To: OTHS Director of Special Services/Administration

Qualifications: Must meet ISBE and NCLB requirements for paraprofessionals. Must be highly dependable with regard to regular work attendance and punctual arrival. Must work effectively with students, staff, and parents. Must possess the level of personal fitness sufficient to participate in safe therapeutic physical restraints, safe lifting and transferring of students, exertion of force from 20 to 100 pounds, and active physical interaction and supervision during instructional and recreational programming. Possess a proficient comprehension of and ability to use signed English, finger spelling, and American Sign Language (ASL). Possess the ability to interpret/translate in classes for deaf and hard of hearing and/or non-verbal students ages 3-21. Must possess a working knowledge of the Code of Ethics of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Possession of a certificate of completion from an approved interpreter training program is preferred. Possess or be willing to obtain EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) certification. Interpreter Certification required. Candidate must also possess the approved interpreter licensure through ELIS at the Illinois State Board of Education. Alternatives to the above qualifications may be considered by the Director of Special Services, Principal, and/or the Superintendent depending on the specifics of the position.

Duties and Performance Responsibilities: Provide interpreter services for deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) and/or non-verbal students in all educational and/or social settings. Assess the comprehension of the communication by the recipients and encourage the student(s) to ask for assistance when he/she/they do not understand a concept. Explain any applicable concepts within the interpretation if possible. Encourage the student(s) to participate in classroom lessons and activities. Maintain contact with special education teacher about any issues that may require parent contact. Communicate with others using ASL, Manual Coded English, finger spelling, drawings, writings, etc. as often as possible. Work effectively and cooperatively as part of a classroom team in an effort to help the student(s) succeed. Seek guidance from other staff members when necessary. Engage in professional development activities as required by supervisor. Maintain confidentiality at all times with regard to students and student information. Abide by all applicable laws and comply with all OTHS policies and procedures. Assist in creating a safe and appropriate environment that fosters increased independence. Assist in activities that facilitate inclusion of DHH student with peers. Facilitate the communication necessary to assist in completion of academic and organizational tasks. Assist in caring for the medical needs of the students as necessary to ensure safety. Establish purposeful relationships with the students by assisting in various communicative, academic and socially based activities. Serve as a student advocate. Assist with student behavior management under the direction of the classroom teacher. Assist in crisis intervention activities when necessary and adhere to the principles of the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) when behavioral issues arise. Engage in communication activities related to the transition of students to and from the classroom, activities, community outings, and the exploration of post-secondary endeavors. Monitor students during class exchanges in order to facilitate social communication opportunities. Assist related service personnel in providing services to students. Perform other duties as assigned.

This position is a full-time, 9-month, 7.5 hr/day position starting at $28/hour. Per contract, interpreters shall be paid a base salary (non-TRS) for the school year pursuant to the salary schedule in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement. This position is eligible for medical/dental/vision/health insurance, HSA, EAP service, tuition assistance, and paid-time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition, or disability. In compliance with the immigration reform and control act of 1986, District 203 intends to hire only individuals authorized to work in the U.S. Please see Board Policy 5:10 for more information.