Health and Independence ASL Interpreter

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Health and Independence Program and Policy Director, serves as the primary interpreter for Health and Independence. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) interpreter work. This position will serve both as an interpreter and as the coordinator for interpreting services within Health and Independence and must work effectively in teams with both Deaf/hard of hearing clients/staff. Additional duties include conducting staff services functions such as coordinating external services, reconciling invoices, and providing support on accessibility functions. The position may occasionally require flexible hours and the ability to travel to meet the needs of the staff including nights and/or weekends as required. Must be able to respond and adapt to changing assignments in a prescribed time frame. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

BEI Basic, Advanced or Master certification from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Board of Evaluation of Interpreters or equivalent.
Maintains certification by completing continuing education units.
Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.
Four years interpreting experience with deaf individuals in any of the following or related areas: platform, business, technical, classroom, sign-to-voice, medical, counseling.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and understanding of individuals served within Health and Independence, including Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearings.
Knowledge and understanding of Deaf and DeafBlind and the issues relevant to persons with hearing loss.
Knowledge and understanding of the interpreter’s role with Deaf members and with other staff, both hearing and Deaf.
Skill in Microsoft Office software to include Word, Excel, Outlook.
Skill in working with virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams, GoToWebinar, etc.
Ability to multitask, manage and organize projects, and assist with outreach projects.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to adapt to the interpreting needs of a wide range of supported individuals (e.g. ASL fluent, PSE, English.)
Ability to work with other interpreters in an team setting, including Deaf Interpreters and Protactile interpreters.
Ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently, and develop realistic action plans
Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
Ability to gather and analyze information skillfully.
Ability to appropriately communicate with colleagues, clients, supervisors, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, remain open to others’ ideas, and shows willingness to try new approaches in providing accessibility services.

Responsibilities

Interprets and translates messages simultaneously or consecutively between English and American Sign Language, either orally or visually, while maintaining message content, context, and style. Assesses whether communication is being understood. Interprets during meetings, training presentations, interviews, conferences, staff development activities, etc. Serves as the primary interpreter for all requests within Health and Independence, with limited exceptions. Develops and implements programs. Travel to assignments and maintain flexibility with schedule when assignments occur outside the office. Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, and conferences.
Coordinates and schedules services for interpreting services, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, and other accessibility services as needed for Health and Independence staff when interpreting services are requested. Ensures that interpreter services invoices are received and paid in a timely manner. Work with budget team on monthly budget reconciliation to ensure that the interpreting services requested and invoiced were delivered.
Plans and coordinates special and administrative assignments and programs. Serve as a resource and provide educational materials and training to staff regarding communication access for Deaf/hard of hearing individuals. Develops policies and procedures to manage interpreter scheduling, as required. Records videos, voiceovers, and embedded interpretations. Performs technical program assistance work. Travels to assignments in a prescribed time frame when needed.
Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or locations. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.