Substitute Sign Language Interpreter

Downey Unified School DistrictDowney, CA
Onsite

About The Position

Applications are being accepted for substitute positions only. Substitute positions are part-time, work on an on-call, as-needed basis. The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice. Under the general supervision of an administrator, acts as the communicator between student and teacher when the student uses total communication (e.g., sign language), and interprets test responses, recitations and reports into or from total communication. This class is distinguished from the Senior Instructional Assistant – Sign Language class by the additional responsibility of using total communication skills (e.g., sign language) to translate and interpret written and spoken educational information or instructions. The Sign Language Interpreter interprets subject matter and educational concepts for deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream classrooms. The Senior Instructional Assistant – Sign Language functions as a paraprofessional assistant for teachers and deaf and hard of hearing students in special education classrooms.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment, the Educational Sign Skills Evaluation-Interpreter and Receptive, the National Association of the Deaf, American Consortium of Certified Interpreters, or equivalent, with a score 4.0 or above.
  • Basic characteristics of human behavior and basic communication skills
  • Practical learning patterns and behavior
  • Reading, speaking and writing in English
  • Elementary concepts of child development and behavior
  • Basic math
  • High school academic courses
  • Laws, rules, practices and procedures related to the education program to which assigned
  • Recognition and reporting requirements for suspected child abuse
  • Understand and interpret K-12 subject matter
  • Model communication and interaction that respects and includes all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions and cultures
  • Maintain emotional control under difficult situations
  • Interpret written and verbal educational materials through total communication (e.g., sign language)
  • Interpret sign to voice and voice to sign
  • Recognize and report safety hazards
  • Motivate students to participate in learning activities
  • Maintain confidentiality of student information
  • Operate computer technology
  • Establish and effective working relationships with students and staff

Nice To Haves

  • Some positions in this classification may require the availability of private transportation; may occasionally be assigned duties from the class specification for Paraeducator.

Responsibilities

  • Provides interpreter services for students in mainstream classes.
  • Interprets a wide variety of subject matter and instructional materials into total communication (e.g., sign language) for a teacher or student who does not sign.
  • Interprets from sign to voice and voice to sign for comprehension by others in the classroom.
  • Acts as liaison between administration, staff of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and regular classroom teachers.
  • Assists teachers with implementation of student's Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.).
  • Attends in-service and staff meetings as required.
  • May assist in arranging and conducting special activities.
  • May assist with supervision of classroom and outdoor playground to direct students in safe activities and relationships.
  • May assist students with taking medication under prescribed policies and procedures.
  • Performs routine clerical tasks related to student records and instructional activities.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service