Interpreter - Sign Language Certified

ESC Region 12•Waco, TX

45d•Onsite

About The Position

To interpret instruction and communication. To provide equal access between Deaf and Hard of Hearing students/staff and hearing students/staff. To culturally mediate between Hearing and Deaf culture for the purpose of mutual understood communication.

Requirements

High School Diploma, 60 college hours
Certification from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS BEI) Basic or above or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), RIC or Educational Interpreting Performance Assessment (EIPA) Level 4.0 or above.
Knowledge of computer and software applications
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively through written, oral and sign language
Experience working with auditory impaired individuals

Nice To Haves

60 Credits or and Associate Degree in or related ASL/English: Interpreting (as required by DARS BEI)
Bachelor's Degree as required by RID
EIPA 3.5 or higher.
At least 1-2 years working with children in grades PK-12
At least 1-2 years working in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

Render the message making sure the fidelity of the message is always accurate, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker using language most readily understood by the student. The WRDSPD uses and supports the language of the Deaf Community, American Sign Language. However interpreters will need to be able to match the varying communication needs of students and staff.
Study or prepare for class appropriately by meeting with instructor, reading lecture outlines, skimming required readings in textbooks, previewing uncaptioned instructional videotapes, researching/studying specialized instructional vocabulary, and preparing tutoring materials.
Relay any concerns or questions concerning interpreting and the student to the classroom teacher and/or Deaf Ed teacher or the Interpreter Services Specialist.
Accept special assignments and participate in extracurricular activities on a volunteer basis when needed, both during school hours and outside school hours with compensation form and in the amount as dictated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Seek to continue development in American Sign Language skills as well as interpreting skills. Participate in professional development workshops whenever possible in order to maintain certification and improve job performance.
Maintain confidentiality and report necessary student information only to appropriate school district personnel (deaf education teachers, mainstream teachers, campus administrators, Waco Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (WRDSPD) administrators) as is required by the RID Code of Professional Conduct.
Assume responsibility of tutor after consultation with the Interpreter Services Specialist and classroom teacher. Based on the RID and EIPA Code of Professional Conduct, the Interpreter's responsibility is to interpret instruction as well as any communication in the classroom. Tutoring cannot take place during classroom instruction. The student and teacher should be informed which role the interpreter is working in if performing both in a given school year during the appropriate time.
Assist in providing orientation to deafness for staff and students. Need proficient to expert knowledge of Deaf Culture.
Provide the best possible setting for the student who is deaf or hard of hearing through environmental controls such as appropriate dress, placement, distance and lighting, etc.
Attend meetings as needed with appropriate members of the educational team.
Assist teachers and serve as a resource for teaching sign language to students, staff, parents, and other interested friends or family of students with who are deaf or hard of hearing, as assigned, during regular working hours. After hours request will be on a voluntary basis with compensation form and amount as dictated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Interpret for staff members with auditory impairment, as appropriate, during regular working hours. After hours assignments will be arranged on a voluntary basis with compensation form and amount as dictated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Perform other duties, such as supervising students during lunch, bathroom breaks, recess and bus times (ONLY in instances when the interpreter is not performing interpreting services) as determined and assigned by WRDSPD Coordinator, Interpreter Services Specialist and/or campus Principal.
Follow the Code of Professional Conduct for Interpreters as established and mandated by NAD-RID, BEI, and EIPA.
Comply with the Waco Independent School District and the Waco Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, philosophy, policies and procedures.
Perform other duties related to Special Education as assigned.