2026-2027 Interpreter

Kent Intermediate School District • Grand Rapids, MI

1d

About The Position

The Adult and Educational Interpreter will effectively and impartially facilitate communication between individuals who are DHH and individuals who are hearing within the educational environment. Under general supervision, acts as the interpreter for deaf/hard of hearing students and adult staff members who are deaf/hard of hearing. Duties include interpreting a variety of materials into American Sign Language, and may include providing some tutoring, supportive duties, and related work as required.

Requirements

• A qualified interpreter certification as defined in the Michigan Qualified Interpreter Laws with approval at an Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Level and Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI Level) or National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Level.
• Ability to interpret/transliterate in classes where deaf students are mainstreamed and a working knowledge of the Code of Ethics of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students and staff.
• Ability to understand and work with children of all ages.
• Ability to serve as a role model for students.
• Demonstrated dependability and promptness.
• Understanding, patient, warm and receptive attitude toward students.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationship with students, staff, parents and the general public while maintaining student confidentiality.
• Willingness to work as part of a team of professionals.
• Ability to drive between buildings, local school districts and community sites.
• Demonstrates the ability to examine the impact of education inequities in student achievement outcomes as it aligns with race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
• Must pass criminal background check as required by School Safety Legislation.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, social justice and inclusion in all practices and position responsibilities.
• Demonstrates the ability to examine the impact of education inequities in student achievement outcomes as it aligns with race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with students with disabilities, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interprets for deaf/hard of hearing staff members at district scheduled meetings and professional development.
• Mentors, observes, and coaches interpreters in the Kent ISD Deaf / Hard of Hearing program.
• Coordinates professional development and workshops in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Assists with interpreter scheduling to ensure proper qualifications for assignments.
• Interprets teacher’s and other students’ comment to program students during classroom activities.
• Interprets program students’ comments to teachers during classroom activities.
• Reviews coursework materials in advance so that classroom activities can be conveyed clearly and accurately.
• Researches and chooses signs to convey clear meanings in all settings.
• Provides notetaking or arranges notetaking services.
• Facilitates academic and personal communication for program students by providing interpreting services during tutoring sessions, counseling sessions, annual reviews, school assemblies, and after school activities.
• Provides information about students’ communication and language needs consistent with the teams direction to teachers in all classes.
• Exhibits knowledge of the language and communication needs of students who are deaf/hard of hearing and the ability to communicate with students who are deaf/hard of hearing.
• Exhibits knowledge of the unique nature of educational interpreting/transliterating.
• Exhibits exemplary interpersonal skills in dealing with students, staff, and parents.
• Projects a positive image of the district to students, staff, and parents as well as exhibiting a positive and collaborative attitude on the job.
• Educates students and staff in the strategies, processes, and protocol for using an Interpreter.
• Advocates for communication access and models self-advocacy skills.
• Participates in professional growth activities.
• Participates in staff and building meetings as appropriate and as requested by teachers or by Program Administrator.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance
• generous paid sick and personal days
• State of Michigan School Employment retirement program
• Kent ISD is a participating employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF/ SAVE plan) for eligible Federal student loans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees