Educational Sign Language Interpreter

Cherry Creek • Aurora, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Serving as a member of the educational team, this role supports students with hearing loss and staff, which may include hearing and deaf people. The primary goal is to minimize linguistic, cultural, and physical barriers and facilitate all communication among deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) students, hearing personnel, and other hearing students in an educational environment through the use of American Sign Language or a mode of communication appropriate for the language level of the student(s). This position works in tandem with special education and general education teachers to implement and adjust instruction based on the needs of students. It involves implementing differentiated strategies specific to the needs of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to support them with understanding lectures and classroom instruction, reading, writing, and math proficiency, and academics and social needs outside of the classroom. Tutoring academic classes and lessons is also a component of this role.

Requirements

• Associate's degree
• Two (2) years of professional work experience in sign language or interpreting functional areas in an educational setting
• Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Educational Interpreter Authorization
• Basic knowledge of typical office equipment such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, email, etc.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Advanced knowledge of Deaf culture
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency with American Sign Language and other signing systems
• Intermediate organization skills
• Intermediate tutoring skills
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced interpersonal relations skills
• Advanced interpreting skills (voice to sign and sign to voice)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others
• Ability to work one-on-one or in small groups with students
• Ability to stay abreast of and follow both the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) Code of Professional Conduct and the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Professional Conduct Guidelines
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting required

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree
• National Interpreter Certification (NIC) or equivalent
• Experience working in the public sector
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Racially conscious and culturally competent with the skill, will, capacity, and knowledge to commit to a culture of continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Ensure Deaf/Hard of Hearing students receive and understand communication presented in all educational settings through the interpreting process. As part of the instructional team, works collaboratively with general education and/or special education classroom teachers to facilitate signing interpretation and environmental feedback, providing continuity of instruction. Determine the best distance, lighting, and angle for student viewing, consulting with the student and teacher as necessary.
• Communicate with all members of the educational team (teachers, supervisors, interpreters, para educators,) who are directly responsible for the educational program for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students. Provide input about student performance and progress for sake of instructional planning, conferences, and individualized education plan (IEP) meetings. Participate in the individualized education plan (IEP) meetings as part of the team and ensure that interpreting is provided by another interpreter for communication if needed.
• Assist educational team by monitoring and supporting student behavior in all education settings. Facilitate and clarify appropriate social interaction with peers and assist students with accessing extracurricular activities through interpreting and assisting with social interactions.
• Provide tutoring services to Deaf/Hard of Hearing students by reinforcing concepts taught in the general education and special education classroom. Stay informed and cognizant of students' communication profiles and their impact of hearing loss as related to comprehension of the English language and interpret/transliterate accordingly.
• Plan for upcoming lessons and activities to interpret more efficiently and for academic assistance. Adapt language and materials to meet the needs of Deaf/Hard of Hearing students.
• Uphold and enforce State, county, local, and District rules, regulations, and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree