Sign Language Interpreter

Universities of Wisconsin • Milwaukee, WI

2d • $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a unique, 13-month fixed-term opportunity for a designated American Sign Language (ASL) hearing interpreter to work onsite with a Deaf medical student during clinical rotations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The interpreter will be an integral part of a supportive team, collaborating to develop best practices for student access and participation. The role involves interpreting in various clinical and hospital environments, including the Emergency Department, OB/GYN, Surgery, and Primary Care. The position requires accurate interpretation across patient interactions and in learning environments with faculty and peers. The role includes approximately one month of hybrid onboarding and training, followed by 12 months onsite. Relocation expense reimbursement up to $2,500 is provided. The possibility of extending employment beyond December 2027 depends on the student's next specialty rotations. Interpreters are paid for interpreting, preparation, and consultative time, totaling 40 hours per week. The position qualifies for shift differentials and compensation time or overtime. A sign-on bonus of $1,000 is offered, with an additional bonus up to $1,000 upon successful completion and performance at one year.

Requirements

• Minimum three years of experience as an ASL interpreter in postsecondary settings.
• Ability to convey academic concepts effectively, professionally, and accurately in and between both American Sign Language and English.
• Current Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Certification and/or National Association of the Deaf Certification and/or equivalent certification in good standing.
• Wisconsin Sign Language Interpreter-Advanced Hearing State License required or eligible by the start date of the position.
• Ability to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodations: stand for 2-3 hours at a time; wear personal protective equipment while interpreting in specific situations.
• Ability to comply with all annual health systems and university compliance training and requirements.
• History of rapidly learning and acculturating new work environments, physical spaces, and unique vocabulary.
• Ability to identify and retain critical information to confidentially share with the team as needed to provide consistent services.
• Ability to discern the goal of the setting when making decisions. Ex: General learning and training; evaluation and assessment; patient care and safety.
• Reliable transportation to/from hospitals and clinics in the greater Milwaukee area.

Nice To Haves

• Post-secondary interpreting experience
• Medical experience
• Three years of experience as ASL interpreter in healthcare settings.
• Understanding of medical systems, the workflows, personnel structure, and culture of healthcare teams.
• Certificate of completion or equivalent from an accredited interpreter training program is strongly preferred, though relevant experience may be considered.
• Ability to set up and utilize related technology, i.e., assistive listening devices, microphones, web conferencing tools.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic work environments.
• Flexibility to work a base schedule of 40-hours/week with occasional compensatory time or overtime. Start and end times M-F may vary depending on hours of rotation. Infrequent weekend work depends on the type of rotation.
• Knowledge of broad accommodation options and services for deaf learners.

Responsibilities

• Provides consultation and answers questions regarding best practices for interpreting and working with deaf individuals for the University community
• Prepares for interpreting requests by utilizing provided preparation materials, researching outside sources, and communicating with colleagues
• Interprets or transliterates for advanced or technically complex academic content or institutional events that include sensitive or high impact requests utilizing ethical analysis to determine optimal options in interpreting situations

Benefits

• Relocation expense reimbursement up to $2,500
• Paid time off
• Benefits
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund
• Sign-on bonus of $1,000
• Additional bonus up to $1,000 upon successful completion and based on performance at one year

What This Job Offers

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