.5 FTE Educational Interpreter

Allegheny Intermediate Unit•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a .5 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) position for an Educational Interpreter. The primary role is to interpret all communication within the school environment for assigned students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Deaf-Blind. This includes instruction, discussions, lab work, print materials, assessments, media, assemblies, athletic events, clubs, and field trips. The interpreter will also provide information and consultation to administrators, students, teachers, coaches, and counselors regarding effective communication strategies and the role of the Educational Interpreter. Collaboration with the Educational Audiologist, Teacher of the Deaf, and classroom teachers is essential to create optimal learning environments with visual access to materials and the interpreter's signing. Planning involves reviewing instructional materials, media, textbooks, and lesson plans to prepare for interpretation. The interpreter will interact directly with students and support educational professionals by repeating, clarifying, or restructuring information to facilitate language development. They may also informally teach conversational sign language to peers, teachers, and staff to foster direct interaction opportunities for students. The interpreter will contribute to the student's Communication Plan and IEP, providing written input and attending IEP meetings to share data on language and communication needs. Consultation with specialists like the Teacher of the Deaf or Speech and Language Pathologist is expected to support language development and social-emotional learning. Continuous professional development, including at least 20 hours annually, is required to advance knowledge of best practices and expand American Sign Language vocabulary. Adherence to the Professional Guidelines for Interpreting in Educational Settings and the Educational Interpreter Code of Ethics is mandatory. The role also involves preparing daily/weekly schedules, yearly calendars, and sub plans for service continuity, and maintaining student confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA/FERPA regulations.

Requirements

High School Diploma required.
Meet the requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education under Chapter 14 by either attaining a 3.5 or higher on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) or be a registered interpreter with the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Reliable transportation required for work-related travel.
Ability to follow all AIU policies and guidelines, maintaining a professional demeanor consistent with the Pennsylvania Professional Code of Conduct.
Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151, and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Interpreting, preferred.
Minimum of two years interpreting in the educational setting, preferred.

Responsibilities

Interprets all communication in the school environment for assigned students, including instruction, discussions, lab work, print materials, assessments, media, assemblies, athletic events, clubs, and field trips.
Provides information and ongoing consultation to administrators, students, teachers, coaches, and counselors on considerations for interpreted education and the role of the Educational Interpreter.
Assists with setting up physical learning spaces in collaboration with the Educational Audiologist, Teacher of the Deaf, and classroom teachers to ensure visual access to materials and the interpreter’s signing.
Plans for interpretation by securing and reviewing instructional materials, media, textbooks, and lesson plans.
Interacts directly with the student or supports other educational professionals to share content through repeating, clarifying or restructuring information to facilitate emerging and developing language.
Informally teaches conversational sign language to peers, teachers and staff to support opportunities for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deaf-Blind student to interact directly with others.
Provides information to the IEP team regarding the student’s strengths or needs related to language development and use of interpretation across settings by contributing in writing to the student’s Communication Plan and IEP and by attending the IEP meeting.
Consults with educational professionals, such as a Teacher of the Deaf or Speech and Language Pathologist, to support their instruction on language development and social emotional learning.
Advances knowledge of evidence-based and best practices of educational interpreting and continuously adds to their American Sign Language vocabulary through participation in at least 20 hours of professional development, annually.
Adheres to the Professional Guidelines for Interpreting in Educational Settings and the Educational Interpreter Code of Ethics.
Prepares and maintains a detailed daily/weekly schedule, yearly calendar and ongoing sub plans so that continuity of services can be provided in the event of an absence.
Maintains student confidentiality by protecting client data in accordance with HIPAA/FERPA regulations and AIU policy.