ASL Interpreter Intern – Human Rights and Community Partnerships

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

This unpaid internship is for an individual fluent in American Sign Language who is interested in learning how accessibility services are coordinated within Human Rights and Community Partnerships (HRCP) Access for All Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS). The intern will shadow the Staff Interpreter and learn how ASL interpreting and CART services are scheduled, how community support is managed, and how outreach, resource development, and administrative operations function within a government accessibility division. The structured, supervised internship is designed to meet the requirements of an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) and prepare the intern for entry-level professional interpreting practice. Learning focuses on observation, preparation, teaming, ethical reasoning, skill development, and reflective practice. Emerging talent positions are supported by a trained hiring manager, and interns are encouraged to attend up to four professional-development sessions per season. The City and County of Denver uses a hybrid workplace model. Employees work at a city site and/or in the field several days a week and telecommute from a designated workplace within Colorado on the remaining days.

Requirements

Fluency in American Sign Language and a strong understanding of Deaf culture and community norms.
Current enrollment in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associate, bachelor's, or higher degree in ASL Interpretation or a closely related field, or recent graduation from such a program within one year.
Valid driver's license at the time of application; licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.
Professionalism, reliability, and confidentiality.
Working knowledge of ethical frameworks such as the RID CPC.
Ability to manage preparation materials, track assignments, participate in pre-briefs and debriefs, and meet documentation requirements.
No experience is required; experience cannot substitute for the education requirement.
Submit a 1–2 page resume indicating interpreting settings, completed pro bono interpreting hours, and memberships in Deaf and interpreting associations; a cover letter; and official or unofficial transcripts dated within the current academic term.

Nice To Haves

Experience with administrative tasks or customer/community support.
Comfort using Teams, Zoom, Canva, and basic email platforms.

Responsibilities

Support scheduling and coordination of ASL interpreter and CART service requests, including communication tracking and confidentiality.
Complete required observation and support-team hours by attending full assignments, including pre- and debriefs, engaging in reflective discussions, and upholding the RID Code of Professional Conduct (CPC).
Prepare for assignments by reviewing and requesting preparation materials, researching content, participating in pre- and post-briefs, and analyzing performance and decision-making for continued development.
Learn professional approaches to freelance interpreting, including team approaches, community involvement opportunities, and examination of power and bias.
Provide general administrative and project support, including organizing files, preparing materials, and assisting with events.