Sign Language Interpreter - Education Services

YAI • New York, NY

5d • $30 - $36

About The Position

This role provides accurate and impartial communication access for deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) and deafblind students to minimize linguistic, cultural, and physical barriers throughout the school day using American Sign Language (ASL). The interpreter acts as a member of the educational team, advocating for additional hearing-related services, accommodations, and accessibility for D/HH and deafblind students. They participate in team, IEP, and district Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings regarding access, accommodations, and curriculum, escalating concerns about student comprehension or other issues. The interpreter also supports staff in developing ASL skills by teaching common signs to teachers and other staff to enhance communication with D/HH and deafblind students. Preparation for interpreting content involves utilizing preparation time and materials to learn lesson plan goals, review materials, and plan for special interpreting situations. The interpreter serves as an ASL model for students, presenting content and intent at a language level they can understand, assessing comprehension, and adapting methodologies. They provide interpreting services for school meetings and events, and participate in professional development related to ASL interpretation in educational settings. Confidentiality of student information is maintained, and all regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, are complied with. The role may involve interpreting during crisis intervention and assisting parents in identifying and accessing services. All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in American Sign Language (ASL) English Interpretation or related discipline.
• At least one (1) year of ASL-English interpreting experience with the D/HH population.
• Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training including completion of an accredited training program and/or certification by National Registry for the Deaf (RID) or National Association of the Deaf (NAD) or other specialized training relating to educational settings or D/HH individuals with multiple disabilities.
• Upholds the standards and adheres to the guidelines of the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct in all interpreting situations.
• Ability to interpret ASL-English using a variety of methods to appropriately support students with varying levels of comprehension including deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind students at a normal conversational rate.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously with student(s) in a variety of educational settings.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, support and other staff to support achievement of students’ educational and therapeutic goals.
• Proficiency with computers and electronic systems, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to quickly learn related systems including Workday and Salesforce, to complete essential tasks.
• Knowledge of D/HH and DeafDisabled services.

Nice To Haves

• Certificate of completion or equivalent from an accredited interpreter training program (ITP) strongly preferred.
• Holds or active pursuit of national certification as an ASL-English interpreter including completion of Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA), RID, etc.
• ASL-English interpreter experience in a K-12 educational setting and with related accommodations, deafblind individuals and/or assistive listening devices or similar technology.
• Familiarity with common video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Responsibilities

• Provides accurate and impartial communication access for deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) and deafblind students using American Sign Language (ASL).
• Acts as a member of the educational team, advocating for additional hearing-related services, accommodations, and accessibility for D/HH and deafblind students.
• Participates in team, IEP, and district Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings regarding access, accommodations, and curriculum.
• Supports staff in developing ASL skills by teaching common signs to teachers and other staff.
• Prepares for interpreting content by utilizing preparation time and materials to learn lesson plan goals and review materials.
• Serves as an ASL model for D/HH and deafblind students, presenting content and intent at an appropriate language level.
• Assesses student level of understanding and adapts methodologies and techniques accordingly.
• Provides interpreting services for school meetings (parent, IEP etc.) and for schoolwide or institutional events.
• Participates in training opportunities, workshops, and professional development related to ASL interpretation in educational settings.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including HIPAA.
• May participate in and provide interpretation for students during crisis intervention, for support services and other interventions.
• May assist parents of students with identifying and accessing services and language resources.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level