INTERPRETER FOR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING

Facilitates communication between deaf or hearing-impaired students, teachers, staff members, and peers within an educational environment, using any of a variety of manual and verbal communication systems in a highly proficient manner reflecting the affect of the speaker and/or signer.

The Interpreter for Deaf/Hard of Hearing facilitates communication through the use of sign-to-English and English-to-sign skills. This position requires course work, Level 4 certification, and competency using manual sign systems

Representative Duites

Interprets for deaf or hearing-impaired students (DHH) in a variety of educational settings, including, but not limited to, classroom environments, assemblies, recess, noon sport leagues, counseling sessions, etc., using various sign language systems and voice interpretation at a normal conversational rate. Interprets a wide range of curriculum, including scientific and advanced placement topics. Consults with the DHH/SDC teachers, staff and students on the effective use of an interpreter. Interprets at educational extracurricular school related activities including but not limited to field trips, clubs and sports. Provides voice interpretation for deaf or hearing-impaired individuals as needed. Collaborates with DHH team to standardize signs in an educational setting. Under the direction of the teacher performs record keeping monitoring IEP or special education related activities that support student learning. Provides assistance to classroom teachers as required; assists in filing, duplicating and preparing instructional materials. Interprets and provides instruction as needed to individuals or small groups of DHH students; reinforces instruction as directed by teacher. Follows professional conduct guidelines to guard against the development of inappropriate personal relationships with students. Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position. 

Education and Experience

The position typically requires an Associate's degree. Must be certified by one of the following: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID); American Consortium of Certified Interpreters (ACC1), level 4 or above; NAO certification, level 4 or above; Educational Signs Skills Evaluation Interpreter (ESSE-1), level 4 or above; Educational Interpreter Performance Evaluation (EIPA) level 4 or above.

Knowledge and Skills

The position requires specialized knowledge of expressive and receptive forms of sign language systems which may include American Sign Language, Conceptually Accurate Signed English, Signed Exact English, Manually Coded English, and Pidgin Signed English. Requires knowledge of interpreting strategies and techniques necessary to accommodate individual needs of students in a variety of educational settings. Requires knowledge of the foundational concepts of deaf culture. Requires knowledge of curriculum used in preschool through secondary schools. Requires sufficient human relation skills to exercise extreme patience when dealing with students and staff.