American Sign Language Interpreter

West Ada School District • BOISE, ID

22h • Onsite

About The Position

Facilitates communication between deaf and hard of hearing students and others, including school staff, service providers, and peers within the educational environment. The primary functions are to communicate effectively and interpret accurately between spoken English and sign language (ASL, PSE, or MCE, as appropriate). The position may also provide tutoring and supplemental instruction for students.

The position is directly supervised by the building principal. Primary duties are performed in a classroom environment. Employment terms are determined by calendar year, and regular attendance is an essential function. Employment with the District is at will.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Meet one of the paraprofessional qualifications: have two years of college credits, have a college degree, pass the ParaPro Praxis Assessment with a score of 457 or higher, or pass the Idaho Paraprofessional Testing Alternative with a score of 75% or higher. The alternative test should be passed within 90 days of hire.
• Upload transcript and/or Praxis scores.
• Score 3.5 or better on the EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment), hold NAD certification, or be nationally certified by RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf).
• Valid Idaho driver’s license and a vehicle, or provide own transportation, for job-related activities.
• Adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct.
• Knowledge of ASL or other required sign language systems, including signs, vocabulary, and cultural or regional variations.
• Knowledge of basic educational procedures and objectives, classroom instruction and presentation, behavior management and modification, student-teacher relations, and child growth and development, including developmental behavior characteristics of deaf and hard of hearing children.
• Ability to interpret written and spoken English into ASL or another designated manual/visual communication system, and interpret ASL or another sign language system into English.
• Ability to adapt signing to teaching styles, student comprehension levels, and K–12 grade levels; sign and speak simultaneously; and interpret classroom instruction and presentations at the assigned student’s appropriate learning level.
• Ability to interpret for teachers, administrators, school staff, and parents, including at educational progress conferences as assigned, and to interpret across cultural boundaries.
• Ability to maintain student, school, and parental confidentiality; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow instructions and District policies; and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness.
• Sufficient speech, hearing or other communication capabilities, vision or other observation capabilities, and manual dexterity to perform the stated communication and interpreting duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, strength, and reflexes to stand or sit for long periods, lift up to 20 pounds, and work in a classroom environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Two to three years of ASL or related interpreting experience is preferred.
• Classroom or other instructional experience.

Responsibilities

• Interpret for students using their preferred mode of communication during the school day in academic and non-academic settings with staff, peers, and other students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Assist teachers in modifying and adapting classroom materials and presentations.
• May tutor students or provide supplemental instruction under the direction of a certified teacher.
• Assist in implementing a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Interpret in classrooms, tutoring, supplemental or special instruction, conferences, and related educational situations as directed.
• Perform duties in accordance with District policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• May conduct in-service or training classes to instruct staff in ASL.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED