American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Eastern Middle School

Reports To: Building Principal, Director of Student Services

Schedule: As determined by supervisor / School Year Position

Wage: Commensurate with experience

Job Summary: An interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing shall meet the qualifications as set forth in Mich. Admin. Code R. 393.5026.

Qualifications:

• Fully qualified educational interpreter with an EIPA Performance Score of 4.0 or above (someone with less than a 4.0 will be considered as a substitute while working toward a 4.0 in accordance with rules outlined by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs). The interpreter must also hold a Michigan Educational Endorsement (elementary preferred).
• Must be fluent in various forms of communication including ASL or the form of sign language determined by the educational team.
• Demonstrates a command of both written and oral English including correct syntax, semantics and spelling.
• Completes continuing education units required by the state of Michigan in order to maintain licensure.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with students, staff, parents and the general public while maintaining student confidentiality.
• Works effectively as part of a team of professionals.
• Exemplifies appropriate professional behavior which includes demonstrating a high moral character, a warm and receptive attitude toward students and the school community, and a willingness to work with all students who are deaf/hard of hearing in need of interpreting services, regardless of language or cognitive abilities.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, social justice and inclusion in all practices and position responsibilities.

General Responsibilities:

• Interpret according to the specifications of the students' Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Effectively and impartially facilitate communication between persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and hearing persons within the educational environment. This includes supporting social communication.
• Obtaining information regarding the communication and academic levels of the student for whom he/she will be interpreting in order to use the preferred form of sign language and appropriate language level of the student.
• Maintaining appropriate logistic/physical considerations for quality interpreting, including lighting, dress, positioning, punctual attendance; etc.
• Interpreting the total class environment or activity to maximize the student's opportunities to obtain all information and communication. Besides voicing, transliteration and voice interpreting, the interpreter will paraphrase, redefine and summarize when necessary.
• Acting as a member of the educational team by providing the DHH teacher consultant with input relative to the student's use of the interpreter in the mainstream setting.
• Maintaining the integrity of the oral or sign philosophy/systems designated by the program for use as it meets each students' need.
• Reviewing and becoming familiar with content and vocabulary of the class to be interpreted including use of technical signs and spelling terminology used.
• Monitoring student comprehension of communication.
• Consistent and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work may be performed indoors and/or outdoors.

Mental Functions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

Terms of Employment: The employee will remain free of any alcohol or drugs throughout his/her employment with the district as outlined in Board Policy #4210.

The Forest Hills Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation), marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally prohibited basis in its employment decisions or the provision of services.