Paraeducator-Certified Interpreter (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Palmdale School District•Palmdale, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a continuous recruitment and examination process that may close at any time with little or no notice. Under the general supervision of a certificated administrator and direction of a teacher, the Paraeducator-Certified Interpreter (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) acts as the communicator between pupil/teacher/parent/communication when pupil/teacher uses manual communication. This role assists the teacher in determining where special education pupils in integrated classes need help, provides assistance through tutoring, guidance, or arranging for other resources, and helps determine the needs of hearing impaired pupils. The interpreter interprets test responses, recitations, and reports into or from manual communications and acts as a paraprofessional assistant to a teacher in performing assigned tasks. This position is distinguished from a Paraeducator-Translator by the responsibility for interpreting subject matter and educational concepts to hearing impaired pupils and interpreting their understanding back to the teacher. It is further distinguished from a Paraeducator-Interpreter (Severe) by the requirement for Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification or equivalent.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Sufficient college coursework to become proficient enough in manual communications to possess the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification, or equivalent.
Completed at least two years at an institution of higher education (48 units +); OR Obtained an Associate's or higher degree (official transcripts needed); OR Meet a rigorous standard of qualify and be able to demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics.
Must possess Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification to provide manual communication interpreter services, or equivalent (ESSE, EIPA, etc.).
Must qualify with a score of 4.0 or higher.
Certificate must be attached to application.
Valid picture identification is required prior to admittance to the exam.

Nice To Haves

Two years of paid experience working with people who can communicate or be communicated with only by manual communication, one year of which must have been in working with children.

Responsibilities

Provides interpreter services for pupils in integrated classes.
Interprets a wide variety of subject matter and instructional materials into sign language for a teacher who does not sign.
Interprets between pupils and teacher to compensate for differences in communication abilities.
Interprets from sign to voice (reverse interpretation) manual language so it is comprehensible to others in the classroom.
Tutors pupils in academic and elective subjects.
Finds out from specialists what outside resources are available to assist the student for special needs.
Assists in arranging and conducting special activities.
Assists teachers with classroom activities for pupils.
Attends inservice and staff meetings as required; provides interpretation services at meetings where needed.
Assists with lifting pupils in and out of wheelchairs.
Assists teacher in establishing and maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant classroom and learning environment.
Assists teachers in implementing the division course of study through individual and group instruction.
Assist with supervision of classroom and outdoor playground to direct pupils with safe activities and relationships.
Performs routine clerical tasks, operates duplicating machines, assembles materials for classroom projects, prepares material and master, and performs incidental typing tasks.
Confers on a regular basis with a teacher in regard to planning and scheduling activities, instructional goals and objectives, student progress and pertinent health or behavior problems.
May participate as a member of the appropriate team or committee to assist staff with developing and implementing individual or site crisis management plans.
Assists teachers with implementation of pupil's Individualized Education Program (IEP) through instruction in a wide variety of activities, such as nature study, playing games, singing, dancing and sports.
May administer first aid; under the direction of the school administrator and procedure observed by a certificated school staff member, assists pupils with taking medication.
Maintains confidentiality of pupil records in accordance with legal requirements and policies.
Acts as communicator between learning and teacher when necessary and between pupil and peers as appropriate.
Consults with integrated class teachers to determine where pupils need special help and provide the help through tutoring.
Acts as liaison between administration, staff of the Hearing Impaired Program and the regular classroom teachers.
Performs related duties as assigned.