Sign Language Interpreter - Education Services

YAI • New York City, NY

3d

About The Position

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 through the use of 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 by participating in the determination of student-specific needs, including in team, IEP and district Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings regarding access, accommodations and curriculum, escalating concerns regarding student comprehension or other issues. Supports staff in developing ASL skills by informally teaching and/or leading educational sessions to teach common signs to teachers and other staff to aid in enhanced communication between D/HH and deafblind students within the school setting. Prepares for interpreting content by utilizing preparation time and materials provided to learn the goals and objectives of lesson plans, review materials and AAC and to plan accordingly for special interpreting situations, such as field trips, collaborating with colleagues, as needed. Serves as a sign language model for D/HH and deafblind students receiving interpretation services presenting content and intent of speaker at a language level most readily understood by the individual, assessing level of understanding and adapting methodologies and techniques accordingly to ensure that information is conveyed successfully. Supports accessibility by providing interpreting services for school meetings (parent, IEP etc.) and for schoolwide or institutional events for and between D/HH, deafblind and hearing students, staff and/or parents. Participates in training opportunities, workshops and professional development relating to ASL interpretation services in educational settings, IEP involvement, new/specialized vocabulary and deafblind specialties to enhance effectiveness of educational interpretation. Maintains confidentiality of student information, particularly when communicating with students regarding sensitive matters and shares only information relevant to education and/or reports other information in accordance with all applicable policies and procedures. Complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). May participate in and provide interpretation for students during crisis intervention, for support services and other interventions to ensure understanding and support as needed. May assist parents of students with identifying and accessing services and language resources to support enhanced communication with their D/HH and/or deafblind children. Performs 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 and 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 and 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 to minimize linguistic, cultural and physical barriers throughout the school day through the use of 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 by participating in the determination of student-specific needs, including in team, IEP and district Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings regarding access, accommodations and curriculum, escalating concerns regarding student comprehension or other issues.
• Supports staff in developing ASL skills by informally teaching and/or leading educational sessions to teach common signs to teachers and other staff to aid in enhanced communication between D/HH and deafblind students within the school setting.
• Prepares for interpreting content by utilizing preparation time and materials provided to learn the goals and objectives of lesson plans, review materials and AAC and to plan accordingly for special interpreting situations, such as field trips, collaborating with colleagues, as needed.
• Serves as a sign language model for D/HH and deafblind students receiving interpretation services presenting content and intent of speaker at a language level most readily understood by the individual, assessing level of understanding and adapting methodologies and techniques accordingly to ensure that information is conveyed successfully.
• Supports accessibility by providing interpreting services for school meetings (parent, IEP etc.) and for schoolwide or institutional events for and between D/HH, deafblind and hearing students, staff and/or parents.
• Participates in training opportunities, workshops and professional development relating to ASL interpretation services in educational settings, IEP involvement, new/specialized vocabulary and deafblind specialties to enhance effectiveness of educational interpretation.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information, particularly when communicating with students regarding sensitive matters and shares only information relevant to education and/or reports other information in accordance with all applicable policies and procedures.
• Complies with all Federal, State, Local and other relevant regulatory agency requirements, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• May participate in and provide interpretation for students during crisis intervention, for support services and other interventions to ensure understanding and support as needed.
• May assist parents of students with identifying and accessing services and language resources to support enhanced communication with their D/HH and/or deafblind children.
• 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