Empowering Education: Sign Language Interpreter

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Title ................................................................ Educational Sign Language Interpreter Licensure ....................................................... Illinois State Board of Education Interpreter Approval Endorsement ................................................. No Endorsements Required Classification .................................................. ESP – 10 month – 196 days FLSA Status ................................................... Exempt Reports to ......................................................Program Coordinator Salary Classification ...................................... PerNSSEA ESP Salary Schedule – starting at Lane V Step 0 Benefits ......................................................... Per NSSEA ESP Collective Bargaining Agreement Reviewed/Revised ........................................2/2023

PURPOSE:

The Educational Sign Language Interpreter transmits messages and environmental cues via a language or code that best meets the needs of the receiver in both academic and non-academic settings. The interpreter is expected to establish and maintain effective, appropriate working relationships with students, parents, and staff. The position calls upon the interpreter to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in performance of duties. The Educational Interpreter is guided by best practice and by codes of ethics that are outlined by his or her professional organizations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interprets teacher’s and other students’ comments to program students during classroom activities.
• Interprets program students’ comments to teachers during classroom activities.
• Reviews coursework materials in advance so that classroom activities can be conveyed clearly and accurately.
• Researches and chooses signs to convey clear meanings in all settings.
• Provides note taking or arranges note taking services.
• Facilitates academic and personal communication for program students by providing interpreting services during tutoring sessions, counseling sessions, annual reviews, school assemblies, and after school activities.
• Provides information about students’ communication and language needs consistent with the team’s direction to teachers in mainstream classes.
• Exhibits knowledge of the language and communication needs of students who are deaf/hard of hearing and the ability to communicate with students who are deaf/hard of hearing.
• Exhibits knowledge of the unique nature of educational interpreting/transliterating.
• Exhibits exemplary interpersonal skills in dealing with students, staff, and parents
• Projects a positive image of the district to students, staff, and parents as well as exhibiting a positive and collaborative attitude on the job.
• Educates students and staff in the strategies, processes, and protocol for using an Interpreter.
• Advocates for communication access and models self-advocacy skills.
• Participates in professional growth activities.
• Participates in staff and building meetings as appropriate and as requested by teachers or by Program Supervisor.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Act as a positive role model for students.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding work with special needs student.
• Support NSSEO policy, NSSEO and governing board goals and objectives, and The School Code of Illinois.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• To perform the physically demanding job functions, strength and/or endurance for lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling are occasionally required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical capabilities of climbing and balancing are seldom required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical body movement of stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling is seldom required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the upper extremity physical capabilities reaching, handling, and/or fine motor dexterity are constantly required.
• Exposure to temperature extremes is seldom or not present.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g. mechanical, cuts, burns, infectious disease, high decibel noise, etc.) is seldom or not present.
• Frequency of exposure to injury to self and/or others is seldom or not present.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have or obtain the Illinois State Board of Education Educational Interpreter Approval
• Proficient in American Sign Language
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students and staff.
• Ability to physically move about the building.
• Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to participate in NSSEO approved behavior management procedures, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and to apply training in crisis situations including student restraints as needed.

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