INTERPRETER

American Sign Language Interpreter

Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities.

The Louisiana Special Schools are experiencing a critical shortage of certified teachers, school counselors, interpreters and educators of the Deaf or hard of hearing.

The LA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF is seeking an American Sign Language Interpreter. This is an Unclassified Full-time position. Must be willing to work flexible shifts and days. Travel, after school, night and weekend work may be required.

Interpreters will provide equal access between Deaf and hearing individuals using American Sign Language.

The employee must be able to perform these assigned duties without significant risk of substantial harm to his/her own safety/security and the safety/security of others.

The Louisiana Special Schools do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in our programs and activities, and we provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination may be referred to Mary Gloston, Human Resources Director at View email address on click.appcast.io.

RELEASE OF ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION INFORMATION: La. R.S. 17:3884(D) requires that any school board wishing to hire a person who has been assessed or evaluated pursuant to the Children First Act, La. R.S. 17:3871, et seq., whether that person is already employed by that school system or not, shall request such person's assessment and evaluation results as part of the application process. Please be advised that, as part of the mandated process, your previous assessment and evaluation results will be requested. You have the opportunity to apply, review the information received, and provide any response or information you deem appropriate.

Physical Activity Level: The employee must be able to perform assigned duties without significant risk of substantial harm to his/her own safety/security and the safety/security of others. Some work is performed in physically comfortable positions with little or light physical effort, and some work requires moderate effort. Physical requirements are subject to reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA standards.

There is no guarantee that everyone who applies to this posting will be interviewed. Specific information about this job will be provided to you in the interview process, should you be selected. No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants can check the status of their application at any time by selecting the 'Application Status' link after logging into their account. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. You must include all relevant education and experience on your official State application. Applicants qualifying based on college training or receipt of a baccalaureate degree will be required to submit an official college transcript to verify credentials claimed prior to appointment. Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript to your application. The transcripts can be added as an attachment to your online application or faxed to View phone number on click.appcast.io. The selected candidate will be required to submit original documentation upon hire.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Certificate of Interpreting (CI) or Certificate of Transliterating (CT) or National Interpreter Certificate (NIC).
• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of full-time paid certified interpreting experience in a wide range of settings.
• Within 30 days of appointment, must possess education ancillary certificate issued by LDOE or ancillary grandfathered certificate.
• Within six months of appointment, must possess Advanced Plus Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) rating and achieve Superior rating within the first 2 years of employment. The minimum acceptable SPLI level for effective job performance is Superior.
• Good human relations skills.
• Must become an LSDVI approved driver.

Job Duties and Other Information

Professional Responsibilities: Complies with school system policies and school philosophy and programs. Exhibits knowledge of special education rules and regulations associated with implementation of state and federal laws. Exhibits understanding of special needs children, especially the Deaf /Hard of hearing children served by the school. Demonstrates knowledge of child growth and development. Maintains professional relationships with professional associates, students, the community, and state and local agencies demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrates appropriate and effective office management skills such as planning, organizing and implementing.

Programmatic Responsibilities: Maintains certification according to the guidelines established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the Louisiana Department of Education. Advocates for the needs of the Deaf /Hard of hearing consumers. Provides equal access between Deaf and Hard of hearing individuals for meetings involving employees and/or LSD students. Provides interpreting services in a variety of settings assigned by interpreting coordinators such as staff meetings, IEP meetings, student evaluations and assessments, and staff training. Maintains an interpreter role in all assignments. Utilizes effective interpreting techniques. Monitors, identifies and makes necessary modifications to fit the communication needs of the consumers. Maintains the content and spirit of the speaker in all interpreting assignments. Facilitates communication between all consumers without interjecting personal opinions or advice. Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor, only when tasks do not conflict with the primary responsibility of interpreting. Recognizes and follows the communication channels for other issues or concerns. Attends professional development training as directed by the immediate supervisor. Establishes annual professional growth goals and self-evaluation. Provides mentoring assistance with interpreting interns. Assists the Interpreting Coordinator in various duties as assigned by the Coordinator.

Professional Conduct: Reports observed and/or reported instances of child abuse as mandated in the SSD Student Safety- Reporting Abuse, Neglect, or Injury policy. Maintains appropriate boundaries with SSD staff, students and/or clients per assignment. Maintains positive relationships and boundaries according to RID CPC, Federal, State and DOE/SSD/LSDVI policies and procedures. Maintains appropriate student-adult relationships and respects the individual worth and dignity of each student. Maintains confidentiality of all assignment information, sharing information on a need-to-know basis with the IS Coordinator. Exhibits ethical decision making according to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Professional Code of Conduct. Exhibits a willingness to accept and use suggestions for improvement. Exhibits initiative and recognizes and follows established communication channels. Supports the teaming process outlined by Registry of Interpreters standards. Uses time effectively. Demonstrates reliability and punctuality in attendance and in meeting obligations. Supports school programs and displays a positive attitude according to the RID Code of Professional Conduct.