American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Internship

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Oregon’s nonpartisan Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO) seeks a highly motivated student to serve as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter intern during the 2027 legislative session. Senior students who are enrolled in an interpreting program at a qualified educational institution are encouraged to apply.

The ASL interpreter internship will be approximately three months in length and will take place between January and June 2027, during the 2027 legislative session. The specific start and end dates will be determined based on program and placement needs. The intern is expected to work approximately 25 hours per week in Salem.

The intern will gain experience in the functions of a nonpartisan staff interpreter in a state legislative setting, including public testimony and remote proceedings. The intern will work collaboratively with LPRO’s Language Access Team and be exposed to a variety of legislative topics while developing professional interpreting skills. The intern will be assigned a mentor who will provide professional growth and networking opportunities.

LPRO’s mission is to provide professional, nonpartisan staffing, analysis, and research that support and inform the policymaking process. Our highest priority is to ensure that Oregon’s legislature has access to relevant and timely information on public policy issues of interest to the state.

The ideal candidate for the ASL interpreter internship is eager to learn about the legislative process and to develop their interpreting skills in the legislative setting. They have strong proficiency in ASL and spoken English, familiarity with Deaf culture, an understanding of professional ethics, and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally. They are also able to maintain confidentiality and nonpartisanship and work collaboratively as part of LPRO’s interpreting team.

Requirements

• Be a senior in an ASL interpreting program at a qualified educational institution
• Strong proficiency in ASL and spoken English
• Familiarity with Deaf culture
• Understanding of professional ethics
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and nonpartisanship
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of LPRO’s interpreting team
• Strong desire to learn about the legislative process through hands-on experience
• Ability to work effectively in a nonpartisan role and serve individuals with differing political and policy perspectives
• Knowledge of ASL and spoken English grammar, vocabulary, and syntax
• Knowledge of Deaf culture, including relevant social norms, history, and values
• Knowledge of professional interpreting ethics, including neutrality, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest
• Skill in communicating effectively in both ASL and spoken English
• Skill in preparing for interpreting assignments, including researching unfamiliar concepts and terminology
• Skill in working collaboratively as part of an interpreting team
• Skill in receiving and incorporating feedback to further develop interpreting skills
• Proficiency in computer applications, including the Microsoft suite
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person and in writing
• Ability to learn and accurately convey specialized terminology and concepts
• Ability to maintain attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to remain nonpartisan in a highly political environment
• Ability to work effectively with people with differing perspectives and communication needs
• Ability to collaborate with LPRO team members
• Must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
• Must present documents that establish employment authorization and identity within three business days from their first day of employment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter intern during the 2027 legislative session.
• Gain experience in the functions of a nonpartisan staff interpreter in a state legislative setting, including public testimony and remote proceedings.
• Work collaboratively with LPRO’s Language Access Team.
• Be exposed to a variety of legislative topics while developing professional interpreting skills.
• Prepare for interpreting assignments, including researching unfamiliar concepts and terminology.
• Work collaboratively as part of an interpreting team.
• Receive and incorporate feedback to further develop interpreting skills.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree