Sign Language Interpreter

Downey Unified School District•Downey, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of an administrator, the Sign Language Interpreter serves as a communicator between students who use total communication, such as sign language, and their teachers. The interpreter translates and interprets written and spoken educational information and instructions, including subject matter and educational concepts, for deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream classrooms. This classification differs from Senior Instructional Assistant – Sign Language because it is responsible for interpreting educational information, while that role provides paraprofessional assistance in special education classrooms. The District is conducting an open recruitment to establish an eligibility list, fill vacancies, and hire substitutes. Substitutes work on an as-needed basis to cover for absent employees. The eligibility list may also be used to fill permanent vacancies during its life. Positions are part-time, 35 hours per week, 11 months or 184 workdays per year. Applicants must apply online and provide an accepted certification with a score of 4.0 or above. The selection process includes an oral technical interview, tentatively scheduled during the weeks of November 23, 2026 through December 11, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Certification from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment, Educational Sign Skills Evaluation-Interpreter and Receptive, National Association of the Deaf, American Consortium of Certified Interpreters, or equivalent, with a score of 4.0 or above.
Knowledge of basic characteristics of human behavior, basic communication skills, practical learning patterns and behavior, English reading, speaking and writing, elementary child development and behavior, basic math, high school academic courses, education-program laws and procedures, and child-abuse recognition and reporting requirements.
Ability to understand and interpret K-12 subject matter.
Ability to model communication and interaction that respects and includes people of different languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.
Ability to maintain emotional control in difficult situations.
Ability to interpret written and verbal educational materials using total communication, such as sign language, and interpret sign to voice and voice to sign.
Ability to recognize and report safety hazards, motivate students to participate in learning activities, maintain confidentiality of student information, operate computer technology, and establish effective working relationships with students and staff.
Some positions may require availability of private transportation.
Some positions may occasionally be assigned duties from the Paraeducator class specification.

Responsibilities

Provide interpreter services for students in mainstream classes.
Interpret subject matter and instructional materials into total communication, such as sign language, for teachers or students who do not sign.
Interpret from sign to voice and from voice to sign so others in the classroom can understand.
Act as a liaison between administration, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program staff, and regular classroom teachers.
Assist teachers with implementing students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Attend in-service and staff meetings as required.
May assist in arranging and conducting special activities.
May help supervise the classroom and outdoor playground and direct students in safe activities and relationships.
May assist students with taking medication in accordance with prescribed policies and procedures.
Perform routine clerical tasks related to student records and instructional activities.
Perform related duties as assigned.