Certified Sign Language Interpreter

Primary Purpose
Provide interpreting services for students who are deaf/hard of hearing in a variety of educational settings.

Qualifications
Education/Certification
High School Diploma /GED or higher education from an accredited institution of higher education
Associate Degree or Higher Education in Sign Language/Interpreter
Valid Certification as interpreter granted by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
OR
The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) in Texas

Special Knowledge/Skills
• Ability to work with children who are deaf/hard of hearing and that may have additional special needs
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to work in tandem with the classroom teacher in providing interpreting services for students
• Command of sign language systems and vocabulary used by students and the educational program
• Ability to have strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of interpreter role and Code of Professional Conduct of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID)
• Ability to read and interpret documents

Experience
Experience working with students and parents

Major Responsibilities and Duties
1. Interpret in educational settings including classrooms, co-curricular activities, school related programs and meetings, conferences, staff development, and other situations
2. Use sign language to interpret oral language for deaf/hard-of-hearing students. Always convey the content and the spirit of the speaker
3. Know different sign language systems and can adjust communication levels. Make signs and fingerspelling precise and clear
4. Provide the best possible setting for the student who is deaf/hard of hearing through placement, distance, and lighting
5. Appropriately prepare for class by meeting with instructor, reading lecture outlines, skimming required readings in textbooks, previewing uncaptioned instructional videotapes, and researching/studying specialized instructional vocabulary
6. Maintain confidentiality and report necessary student information only to appropriate school district personnel (deaf education teachers, mainstream teachers, campus administrators, RDSPD administrators)
7. Supervise student arrival and departure, check with bus monitor regarding student bus behavior, monitors lunchroom behavior, and playground activities
8. Reinforce and monitor behavioral management systems
9. Attend meetings as needed with appropriate members of the educational team
10. Maintain timely and accurate documentation of student services in the electronic IEP system
11. Assist staff members or parents who are deaf/hard of hearing by functioning strictly as a communication facilitator when appropriate
12. Keep teacher and/or RDSPD counselor informed of special needs or problems of individual students
13. Participate in professional development workshops whenever possible in order to maintain certification and improve job performance
14. Support an interactive and cooperative learning and working environment
15. Provide positive role-modeling in speech and language as well as social skills
16. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor