Substitute Sign Language Interpreter

Salary: $37.73 Hourly
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Substitute Only
Job Number: 000383-SUB 2026
Department: DUSD
Opening Date: 07/01/2025


SELECTION PROCEDURES

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR SUBSTITUTE POSITIONS ONLY. JOB POSTING WILL CLOSE WITHOUT WARNING WHEN A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

SUBSTITUTE POSITIONS ARE PART-TIME, WORK ON AN ON-CALL, AS-NEEDED BASIS.

Only online applications and required certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment, the Educational Sign Skills Evaluation-Interpreter and Receptive, the National Association of the Deaf, American Consortium of Certified Interpreters, or equivalent will be accepted:
Qualified applicants will be notified by email.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.

BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the general supervision of an administrator, acts as the communicator between student and teacher when the student uses total communication (e.g., sign language), and interprets test responses, recitations and reports into or from total communication.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This class is distinguished from the Senior Instructional Assistant - Sign Language class by the additional responsibility of using total communication skills (e.g., sign language) to translate and interpret written and spoken educational information or instructions. The Sign Language Interpreter interprets subject matter and educational concepts for deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream classrooms. The Senior Instructional Assistant - Sign Language functions as a paraprofessional assistant for teachers and deaf and hard of hearing students in special education classrooms.

FUNCTION & DUTIES


Provides interpreter services for students in mainstream classes. E

Interprets a wide variety of subject matter and instructional materials into total communication (e.g., sign language) for a teacher or student who does not sign. E

Interprets from sign to voice and voice to sign for comprehension by others in the classroom. E

Acts as liaison between administration, staff of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and regular classroom teachers. E

Assists teachers with implementation of student's Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.). E

Attends in-service and staff meetings as required. E

May assist in arranging and conducting special activities.

May assist with supervision of classroom and outdoor playground to direct students in safe activities and relationships.

May assist students with taking medication under prescribed policies and procedures.

Performs routine clerical tasks related to student records and instructional activities. E

Performs related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES


KNOWLEDGE OF:
Basic characteristics of human behavior and basic communication skills
Practical learning patterns and behavior
Reading, speaking and writing in English
Elementary concepts of child development and behavior
Basic math
High school academic courses
Laws, rules, practices and procedures related to the education program to which assigned
Recognition and reporting requirements for suspected child abuse

ABILITY TO:
Understand and interpret K-12 subject matter
Model communication and interaction that respects and includes all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions and cultures
Maintain emotional control under difficult situations
Interpret written and verbal educational materials through total communication (e.g., sign language)
Interpret sign to voice and voice to sign
Recognize and report safety hazards
Motivate students to participate in learning activities
Maintain confidentiality of student information
Operate computer technology
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:
High school diploma or equivalent, and certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment, the Educational Sign Skills Evaluation-Interpreter and Receptive, the National Association of the Deaf, American Consortium of Certified Interpreters, or equivalent, with a score 4.0 or above.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/INFORMATION:
Some positions in this classification may require the availability of private transportation; may occasionally be assigned duties from the class specification for Paraeducator.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This summary provides examples of the typical physical demands and work environment of this classification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work requires some physical exertion.
Stands to monitor and assist students with academic instruction
Moves between areas of a school site or within a classroom to monitor students and assist with academic instruction
Sits to assist students with classwork
Rotates head left and right from a neutral position to monitor, supervise, and/or attend to students
Moves head forward and backward from a neutral position to assist students with academic instruction
Uses hands, wrists, and fingers repetitively to communicate using sign language to students who are deaf or hard of hearing
Exchanges information with students and staff to facilitate classroom instruction and ensure safety
Uses near visual acuity at 20 inches or less to facilitate classroom instruction, safety, and other related areas
Uses far visual acuity at 20 feet or more to facilitate classroom instruction, safety, and other related areas
Observes surroundings within one's periphery to facilitate classroom instruction, safety, and other related areas

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions.
Work in an indoor, climate-controlled environment
This position is not eligible for benefits.

01


The information you provide on the general and supplemental applications will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for this position. All experience, education, training, and certification must be included in your application in order to be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Supplemental questions that are not answered fully and completely will be considered incomplete and may cause you to not be considered further in the recruitment process. All experience mentioned in the Supplemental Questions must also be included in the Work Experience section of the application in order to be considered complete. Resumes are not required or reviewed during the application process; therefore, you must ensure the application is complete.
Did you read and understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

You MUST attach proof of the highest degree (diploma or official transcripts) you have earned, or your application may be disqualified.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Some college coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

03


This position requires the possession of a valid California driver's license. Do you have a VALID CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE?

• Yes
• No

04


What is your Driver's License expiration date?
05


Do you posses a certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment, the Educational Sign Skills Evaluation-Interpreter and Receptive, the National Association of the Deaf, American Consortium of Certified Interpreters, or equivalent, with a score 4.0 or above?

• Yes
• No

06


Please select the certification you posses from the list below:

• Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
• Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment
• Educational Sign Skills Evaluation-Interpreter and Receptive
• National Association of the Deaf, American Consortium of Certified Interpreters
• Other

07


You must attach a copy of the certificate(s) selected above to your application. If you fail to do so, your application will not be considered.By typing my name below, I confirm that I understand that I must attach my certification for my application to be considered.
08


CERTIFICATIONBy typing your name below, I hereby certify that all statements made in this supplemental application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that any misstatement of material facts will subject me to disqualification or dismissal.
Required Question