Sign Language Interpreter (Level III) - Special Education / Woodbrook Elementary - 2026-27 School Year

Albemarle County Public Schools•Charlottesville, VA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

Educational interpreters are specially trained individuals who facilitate communication between students who use sign language due to hearing loss and students/teachers who do not use sign language to communicate. The educational interpreter’s duties are not only specific to the student assigned, but they also serve as a member of the educational team of that student. Albemarle County Public Schools is seeking to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We are committed to building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism, eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps, and support the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child. In ACPS, “all” really means all.

Requirements

Knowledge of language development and learning differences with Deaf/hard of hearing children.
Knowledge of National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Professional Code of Professional Conduct and willingness to adhere to the tenets of professional conduct.
Demonstrated skill with knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL), signed (manual) English systems and fingerspelling.
Ability to interpret for all pre K-12 academic levels.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
Skill regarding sensitivity to, cultural aspects of deafness and cross-cultural mediation skills and respect for diverse populations.
Ability to understand and carry out oral or written instructions.
Ability to handle stressful situations.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree.
Successful completion of an accredited interpreter training program, or equivalent.
Candidates must hold a valid Virginia Quality Assurance Screening (VQAS) Level III; or A passing score on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Test along with a minimum of a Level 3.5 on the EIPA Performance Test or any other state qualification or national certification (excluding Certificate of Deaf Interpretation) recognized by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as equivalent to or exceeding the VQAS Level III.

Responsibilities

Facilitates communication between deaf and hearing by employing both transliterating and interpreting skills.
Coordinates and/or provides sign language training to staff/others as deemed appropriate.
Conveys the content of the message clearly and accurately according to the receptive language level of the student.
Participates as a member of the IEP team.
Adheres to the rules of confidentiality required of all school personnel.
Reports student related concerns to the appropriate educational personnel.
Works collaboratively with the student's educational team.
Prepares for interpreting assignments including the vocabulary and content knowledge of the subject matter.
Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of preparation upon request of the immediate supervisor.
Tutors student(s) and makes adaptations only under the supervision of licensed educators.
Meets and instructs the student(s) in the locations and at the time designated.
Encourages students to set and maintain high standards of classroom behavior.
Assists in communication throughout the school day in a variety of settings (recess, lunch, peer interactions, emergency drills) as stated in the IEP.
Uses materials and resources in accordance with the adopted curriculum and consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided.
Maintains and upholds school and county policies and procedures.
Maintains records as required by law, system policy, and administrative regulations.
Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules and administrative regulations.
Works to establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and colleagues concerning both the academic and behavioral progress of all students.
Reports to the building Principal and supervising Hearing Impairment Teacher.
Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes within contractual commitments.
Attends and participates in faculty and department meetings.
Establishes and maintains cooperative professional relations with others.
Cooperates with other members of the staff in planning instructional goals, objectives, and methods.
Provides supervision in conjunction with the general education teacher(s) and the hearing specialist.
Performs related duties as assigned.