Interpreter

POSITION TITLE: INTERPRETER

REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR OF HEARING SERVICES

OVER-TIME STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

PAY GRADE: 412

JOB SUMMARY

Performs intermediate skilled work assisting teachers and students by interpreting through sign language, providing clarification, supporting the reiteration of taught information, and instructing students; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a classroom teacher, teacher of the Deaf, and supervisor of speech, hearing, and vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assisting teachers and students through sign language. Facilitates communication between the student with a hearing loss and staff, fellow students and others at the student's level of language acquisition in academic and social situations. Interprets the oral speaker's message by matching their mood and level of enthusiasm. Interprets academics, announcements, ITV, video strips, encore, assemblies, meetings for the student, field trips, student/parent-teacher conferences, and after-school events approved by the supervisor of speech, hearing, and vision. Discusses the needs of the student with a classroom teacher, teacher of the Deaf and supervisor of speech, hearing, and vision, and all members of the student's IEP team. Will provide repetition and clarification of academic instruction and communication by the general education teacher to assist the student's comprehension during independent seatwork. Assists in the preparation of instructional materials needed to convey information clearly: visuals, video tape signs for students to review independently, provide clarification, and visual comprehension. Supervises students during lunch and physical education periods. Responsible for utilizing planning time appropriately by learning new language vocabulary for academic lectures and material (seatwork, text, testing, and homework) and meeting with the student to review, teach, and discuss new signs introduced. Assists with conduct and discipline by interpreting behavioral expectations. Assists students with identified communication needs related to hearing/signing. Attends workshops to develop and improve skills and shares information with the teachers of the Deaf as it pertains to their students. Performs other classroom duties and related tasks as required in regards to their student's needs being met first and they are qualified to do so. Adheres to, respects, and supports all of the student's IEP goals, especially in reference to language acquisition. Portsmouth Public Schools uses a Total Communication approach and respects the family's mode of communication preference for the child regardless of an interpreter's personal belief toward ASL and the Deaf culture.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Thorough knowledge of sign language methods and procedures; general knowledge of classroom procedures and instruction programs; ability to sign accurately and rapidly for extended periods; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, and teachers. This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires standing, sitting, walking, and finger spelling; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and through acceptable signing processes; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and through acceptable signing process; visual acuity is required for peripheral vision, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by training in signing and considerable experience as an interpreter. Applicants must possess or be eligible to obtain a Virginia Quality Assurance Screening Level III, or its equivalent, as determined by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, upon the hiring date. Those with VQAS Level II certification will have two years from the date of hire to obtain Level III certification in accordance with VDOE regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Portsmouth Public Schools