Program Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in Sign Language Interpretation, Deaf Studies, Linguistics, or a related field, plus three years of progressively responsible professional experience in program management, academic advising, administrative coordination, or sign language interpretation; or an equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience.
• Considerable working knowledge of ASL interpretation principles, practices, and techniques, including broad knowledge of relevant standard and evolving concepts, principles, and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, theories, and systems associated with higher education, student academic services, or disability and communication access for d/Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf-Blind individuals.
• Ability to resolve complex, wide-ranging problems through creative reasoning and logic, accurately identifying causes and effective, timely resolutions.
• Ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing and verbally, and through reports and other materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and use word-processing software.
• For applicable supervisory work, ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
• Expertise in ASL interpretation, including comprehensive knowledge of the interpreting profession, training pathways (ITPs), and local and national credentialing systems.
• Experience working closely with Deaf communities and ability to network within the professional interpreting field to promote students and programs.
• Ability to manage, organize, analyze, and share program data for tracking and reporting.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends for program-related events and activities.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Sign Language Interpretation, Deaf Studies, Linguistics, or a related field.
• Experience maintaining websites and using social media for public relations.
• Experience planning and executing promotional campaigns, outreach strategies, or recruitment events targeted at prospective students or community stakeholders.
• Fluency in ASL.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch and administration of a bachelor-level ASL Interpreter Training Program.
• Research established ASL Interpreter Training Programs and develop findings and strategic recommendations for a higher-education program model serving students on multiple islands.
• Present program research and recommendations to department and college leadership and community stakeholders.
• Manage administrative logistics for curriculum proposals and process course actions.
• Establish and coordinate administrative requirements for new and expanded concentrations in ASL and Sign Language Interpretation.
• Track ASL ITP data and maintain databases on enrollment, student performance, and student progress.
• Advise students on program requirements, course offerings, orientation, and campus navigation.
• Advise students on the transition from language learning to professional interpreting, including credentials, licensure disclosure, and national standards for interpreter candidates.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement new-student orientation sessions.
• Serve as the program’s primary contact for inquiries and information dissemination, and assist with faculty recruitments.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement recruitment activities and academic events promoting undergraduate and graduate offerings.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, interpreting agencies, and state agencies to support recruitment, practicum and mentorship opportunities, and workforce development.
• Facilitate requests for extramural funding to support the ITP, including funding renewals.
• Resolve operational, academic, and administrative matters in accordance with current policies and procedures.
• Stay current on federal, state, and university policies and professional standards related to ASL interpretation, language access, and academic research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.