JOB DESCRIPTION Palm Springs Unified School District A.R. # 4319.80 SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER PURPOSE STATEMENT The Sign Language Interpreter assists in the instruction or supervision of hearing impaired students primarily in classroom settings. This position provides voice to sign and sign to voice support; assists students, teachers and parents in communicating and serving as a resource to other school personnel requiring assistance with hearing impaired persons. The PSUSD Special Education program utilizes a total communication approach which employs signed English as the main signing system with the support of American Sign Language (ASL), Signing Exact English (SEEII), Pidgin Sign language (PSE) and finger spelling. Interpreters utilize these same sign language methods to assist in bringing stimulating, broadening and creative experiences to the learning process for hearing impaired students; assist instructional personnel in bringing positive concentrated study and learning opportunities to individual hearing impaired students and assist in creating a proper classroom and learning environment for such students. FUNCTIONS • Interprets mainstream and self-contained classroom lecture, general classroom instruction, extra-curricular activities group discussions, movies, plays, tapes, records, guest speakers, etc., utilizing the simultaneous interpreting methods. • Interprets informal conversations, telephone calls and other verbal communications for assigned hearing impaired students. • Simultaneously translates sign language, used by hearing impaired persons into spoken English. • Tutors and assists hearing impaired students, individually or in groups in academic or elective subjects; attends both mainstream and self-contained classrooms, and assists teachers in self-contained classrooms with instruction as assigned. • Prepares instructional materials to assist hearing impaired students in a learning environment under the direction of a certificated teacher. • Researches specific terminology relevant to classroom subject matter as appropriate; develops appropriate signs to communicate classroom material/lecture as necessary. • Assists students in learning/practicing appropriate living/social skills and behaviors such as safety procedures, communication skills, independence and decision making necessary for mainstreaming. • Acts as an interpreter for hearing impaired staff and parents at Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, conferences, student orientations, workshops and related events as necessary. • Acts as communicator between student and teacher when necessary and between student and peers as appropriate. • Consults with integrated class teachers to determine where students may need special help and provide the help through tutoring. • Acts as a liaison between administrator, teacher and staff of the Special Education program. • May assist with the administration of tests by interpreting information to individuals. • May perform related clerical duties as needed. • Attends in-service trainings and all other required meetings. • Assists other personnel as may be assigned. • Performs related duties as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and training which would indicate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. An example of an acceptable combination is: • One (1) year of experience utilizing sign language. • Possession of a certificate from the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or equivalent, or passage of one of the exams listed below with a minimum score of 3.5: Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Educational Sign Skills Evaluation-Interpreter and Receptive (ESSE-I/R), National Association of the Deaf/American Consortium of Certified Interpreters (NAD/ACCI) assessment. • If providing Cued Language transliteration, the applicant must possess Testing/Evaluation and Certification Unit (TECUnit) certification, or have achieved a score of 3.5 or above on the EIPA - Cued Speech. Effective July 1, 2009, the passing score for the exams is 4.0 or above. SKILLS to translate the spoken work into the language of signs at a normal conversational rate (120+ words per minute) using Signed English, American Sign Language (ASL), Signing Exact English (SEEII), Pidgin Sign Language (PSE) and finger spelling; reverse interpret from sign language to the spoken word in one or more sign language systems; prepare clear, concise and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials; tutor students in academic subjects at a secondary level; operate closed caption machines, TDD, computer, audio/visual equipment and standard office equipment; use proper English usage, grammar and punctuation. KNOWLEDGE of the effect of deafness on language; the concept of total communication: use of residual hearing, speech-reading and manual communication; common interpretation processes and practices in signing to sufficiently communicate with general education teachers and students; child and adolescent development. ABILITY to demonstrate an interest in and understanding of hearing impaired student needs, flexibility and patience; make an independent decision to create signs for words and phrases in order to respond to students using sign language; adapt to changing work priorities; be attentive to detail; display tact and courtesy; adapt to changing work priorities; communicate with diverse groups including those with varying levels of education; work independently with little or no direction; maintain confidentiality and use discretion; set priorities for self and others; meet deadlines and schedules; work as part of a team; understand and be sensitive to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of vendors, district personnel and administrators; maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance. WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 10% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under some hazardous conditions. Education High School diploma or equivalent. Required Testing Certificates Job-Related Proficiency Examination Valid Driver’s License and Evidence of Insurability (desired) Educational Sign Skills Evaluation (ESSE) certification Continuing Education/Training Clearances None Specified Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance TB Clearance EVALUATION Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between California Teamsters Public, Professional & Medical Employees Union, Local 911 General Employees Unit and Palm Springs Unified School District. FLSA Status Bargaining Unit Salary Range BOE Approval Date Non Exempt Teams 2 19 11/27/07