Sign Language Interpreter

Openings as of 7/7/2026 Sign Language Interpreter JobID: 9406 Date Posted: 4/28/2025 Location: To be determined Date Available: ASAP Position Type: Classified/ Sign Language Interpreter Closing Date: Until Filled Position Summary This position interprets for scholars 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’ understanding of group interaction. Interpret sound track from films and tapes. Voice interpret 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. Provide professional support and assistance to other interpreters in the D/HH program. Provide back‑up interpretation for classes as available. Prepare for interpreting daily classroom lectures and activities (e.g., reviewing text, audio‑visual materials, specialized vocabulary, PowerPoint, etc.). Determine which manual sign is appropriate for communication with a specific person or group who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing (ASL, PSE, or SEE). Facilitate students’ reading of signs by maintaining an appropriate dress code/neutral colors & limited jewelry. Facilitate student(s) reading of signs by recommending alternative seating arrangements, as appropriate. Interpret for student(s) who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in informal conversations with students and staff by interpreting language; interpret interaction between other students and student(s) who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing during unstructured time as necessary. Other Responsibilities Serve as a member of the Interpreter Services team of the district; perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. Serve as a resource to other school district personnel requiring assistance when communicating with people who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. May interpret for student(s), parents, and teachers who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in other classes during meetings, conferences, or testing. Perform other job related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent Two years interpreting experience for the deaf Additional Requirements EIPA with a minimum score of 4.0 and a passing written test; or RID certification with a passing written test. 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. Preferred Qualifications Recognized two‑year interpreter training program. Certification by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) with CI/CT Certification of Interpretation and/or Certificate of Transliteration or National Interpreter Certification (NIC). Educational interpreting experience. Condition of Employment Criminal background clearance. Possess EIPA certification by first school/work day. Knowledge The role of an Educational Interpreter within the educational team. Deaf Culture. School board policies and procedures. Student and education techniques. Abilities 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, coordinate activities, and meet deadlines. Effectively use e‑mail, word processing, spreadsheet, 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 guidelines. 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. Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures. Comply with school building policies and practices regarding staff management of student behavior; take appropriate action when necessary to manage student behavior. Perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Physical Demands The employee will stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, use hands for repetitive motion, sit occasionally, climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 5 pounds, frequently lift/carry up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 35 lbs, and occasionally push/pull a maximum weight of 100 pounds. Work Environment The employee regularly works in indoor conditions and intermittently works near video displays. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Interruptions are common. The position regularly requires exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment. Reporting Relationship The position reports directly to the building administrator or designee. Representation Federal Way Professional-Technical Employees Association. Level of Compensation Professional Technical Level C. Work Schedule This is a 9‑month position (180‑day school calendar). All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Federal Way Public Schools