American Sign Language Interpreter

American Sign Language Interpreter

Salary: $27.37 Calendar: 179

ParaProfessionals must meet one of the following qualifications: Have 2 years of college credits or Have a college degree or Pass the ParaPro Praxis Assessment with a score of 457 or higher or the Idaho Paraprofessional Testing Alternative with a score of 75% or higher. Idaho Paraprofessional Testing Alternative testing dates are offered at the school district throughout the year to West Ada Paraprofessional applicants. The test should be passed within 90 days of hire.

Please upload transcript and/or PRAXIS scores.

PURPOSE: Facilitates communication between deaf and hard of hearing students and others, including school staff, service providers, and peers within the educational environment.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary functions of an employee in this class is to communicate effectively and to interpret accurately from spoken English to sign language (ASL, PSE, or MCE, whichever appropriate) and from sign language to spoken English. The position may also provide tutoring and supplemental instruction for students. The position is directly supervised by the building principal. The primary duties of the position are performed in a classroom environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Interprets for students utilizing their preferred mode of communication during the school day in academic and non-academic settings with staff, peers and other students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Assists teachers in modifying and adapting materials and presentations used in the classroom;
• May assist the student with tutoring or other supplemental instruction under the direction of the certified teacher;
• Assists in implementing a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP);
• Performs interpreting duties in the classroom, tutoring, supplemental or special instruction, conference, and related educational situations, as directed;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with District policies, procedures and safety practices.
• May be required to conduct in-service or training classes to instruct staff in ASL;
• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of:

• American Sign Language (ASL), or other required sign language systems, including appropriate signs, vocabulary, and cultural or regional variations;
• Basic educational procedures and objectives, including classroom instruction and presentation, behavior management and modification, and student-teacher relations and interactions.
• Basic concepts of child growth and development and development behavior characteristics of deaf and hard of hearing children

Ability to:

• Interpret written and spoken English into ASL, or another designated manual/visual communication system.
• Interpret ASL or other sign language system into English;
• Adapt signing to a variety of teaching styles, student comprehension levels, and grade levels (K-12).
• Sign and speak simultaneously;
• Interpret and translate classroom instructions and presentations to the appropriate learning level of the assigned student;
• Interpret for teachers, administrators, other school staff, and parents, including in educational progress conferences, as assigned;
• Interpret across cultural boundaries;
• Maintain student, school, and parental confidentiality;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, teachers and staff members, and other District personnel;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Follow oral and written instructions and observe District policies and procedures;
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• A minimum score of 3.5 or better on the EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment) or, NAD (National Association of the Deaf) certification or, nationally certified by RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf).
• Two (2) to three (3) years ASL or related interpreting experience is preferred;
• Classroom or other instructional experience is;
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Must have a valid Idaho Driver's license and a vehicle to drive and/or they must provide their own transportation for job related activities. The job related travel during the day will be reimbursed at the approved state mileage reimbursement rate.
• Adherence to Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively in person, and to hear sounds within the normal range of conversation;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and comprehend, review, and translate a variety of written and text documents and materials;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL);
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, strength, and reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to stand or sit for long periods of time, able to lift up to 20 pounds and work in a classroom environment.

EVALUATION Yearly by supervisor TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT To be determined by calendar year. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.

• If you are chosen for this position your employment with the District would be "at will". Employment at Will means that the employee or the District may terminate the employment relationship with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time.
• As per Idaho Code 65-5-1/65-503: "Eligible veterans are provided advantages in public employment in Idaho…"