2026-27 Substitute Sign Language Interpreter

North Thurston Public Schools; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

North Thurston Public Schools in Lacey, WA is seeking a Substitute Sign Language Interpreter for the 2026-27 school year. The interpreter will translate lectures and discussions for deaf students and support classroom communication under the teacher's direction.

The district emphasizes working with a diverse student population and requires EIPA 4.0 (or NIC with RID and EIPA written test) or equivalent signing credentials, plus high school diploma. This is a substitute, non-exempt position.

Qualifications

• EIPA 4.0 with passing EIPA written test OR NIC with RID certification and passing EIPA written test.
• Experience working with culturally diverse families and communities.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work amid interruptions and changing priorities.
• Strong signing and English language annunciation and usage.

Responsibilities

• Interpret lectures and discussions for deaf students in mainstream classrooms.
• Assist deaf students with interaction and communication with hearing students and staff.
• Interpret for extracurricular events and for parent–teacher conferences.
• Collaborate with teachers on assessment, curriculum and student behavior.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow district policies and procedures.

Skills

EIPA 4.0

RID certification

Signing skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Office software

Student information system

Job description

2026-27 Substitute Sign Language Interpreter

North Thurston Public Schools SUBSTITUTE - Lacey, Washington Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in North Thurston Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5930929
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 17, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Employment Begins: 2026-27 School Year

SUBSTITUTE INTERPRETER

SIGN LANGUAGE

STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTION

Classification: Interpreter Location: Assigned School(s)

Reports to: Principal or Principal Designee FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: NTIA

This is a standard position description to be used for Interpreter positions with similar duties, responsibilities, classification and compensation. Interpreters assigned to the position description may or may not perform all of the essential functions indicated in this position description.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Part I: Position Summary:

Under the direction of the teacher, this position is responsible for the interpretation and translation of lectures and discussions to deaf student(s) as well as other responsibilities assigned by the teacher.

The District represents a diverse community with a population of approximately 40% students with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.

Part II: Supervision and Controls over the Work:

Works under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported, and under the direct supervision of the Principal or Principal Designee. Counselors and teachers provide specific directions and oversight of behavioral support. Principal or Principal Designee and school counselor provides training, direction, and guidance governing the performance of school-wide duties. Interpreters are responsible for being familiar with the school/district policies and procedures which govern their work.

Part III: Major Duties and Responsibilities (depending on specific assignment, duties and responsibilities listed may include, but are not limited to the following):

• Assist hearing impaired students in mainstream classrooms. Includes using fluent signing to interpret the lesson as taught by the classroom teacher, helping the student ask questions of the teacher.
• Assist hearing impaired students in the interaction and communication with hearing students and staff.
• Interpret for hearing impaired students participating in extra-curricular events and for adult deaf in parent-teacher conferences.
• Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of student in the classroom.
• Will interpret behavioral directions and physically assist when necessary; may provide hand-over-hand support as determined by IEP team.
• Communicates with students, parents, and community members with respect and confidentiality and consistent with the direction and guidance of staff, administrators, and school/district policies and procedures.
• Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
• Performs Other Duties as Assigned. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Part IV: Minimum Qualifications:

• Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with a minimum score of 4.0, AND EIPA written test passing score; OR Educational Interpreter Standards Recommendations National Interpreting Certificate (NIC) with RID certification AND Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment written test passing score. If a candidate who has not met this standard is considered for hiring, the candidate must demonstrate adequate signing skills for the position. The interpreter must continue to attempt the EIPA assessment and demonstrate to the school district’s satisfaction their ongoing efforts to successfully achieve the standards as set by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).
• Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing tasks and priorities.
• Able to assist, console, and manage students who may be emotional, distraught, or frustrated.
• Communicates with students, parents, and community members with respect and confidentiality and consistent with the direction and guidance of staff, administrators, and school/district policies and procedures.
• Able to follow written and verbal direction and take the initiative to seek clarity and take action when needed.
• Be or become knowledgeable and supportive of classroom management and student discipline procedures.
• Constantly exhibit command and proper annunciation, spelling, syntax and use of the English language to assist and model proper language usage by students.
• Able to organize work and set priorities for accomplishing work in a timely and effective manner.
• Able to protect the confidentiality of student information consistent with FERPA requirements and good judgment.
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use office and computer equipment and use standard office software and student information system software.

Part V: Desired Qualifications:

• Experience that demonstrates the ability to work successfully with children in a learning environment.
• Second language skills.

Part VI: Physical and Environmental Requirements of the Position:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak.

The employee must be able to restrain students when necessary for their safety or the safety of others.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally works in outside weather conditions. It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties.

The employee may be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students, exposed to student noise and learning resource noise levels.

The employee may be required to travel in school owned or leased vehicles while supervising and assisting students.

Insurance Benefits

Employees who are anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year (September 1 through August 31) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance benefits.

North Thurston Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Click on the link https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees for information on available benefit options.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Eligible employees are required to be a member of the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan. For eligibility information, check on the link to the Department of Retirement Systems ' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in tax deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP). These are supplemental retirement savings programs that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Clink on the link https://www.drs.wa.gov/plan/dcp/ for information on 457 plan (DCP) with the Department of Retirement Systems.

To enroll in an eligible 403(b) plan, employees must consult with their own financial planner that is an approved vendor.

THIS IS A UNION POSITION

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Thurston School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Officer: [e-mail] , 360-412-4453; Section 504 Coordinator at 360-412-4465, [e-mail] Address for both: 305 College St. NE. Lacey, WA 98516.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Effective June 11, 1992, pursuant to Public Law 92544 all new employees must complete a satisfactory fingerprint and sexual misconduct background check. All employment is considered temporary until receipt of satisfactory check. Proof that the fingerprinting process has begun must be supplied to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment.

Position Type: Substitute
Salary: $36.35 to $36.35 Substitute

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Email: [e-mail]

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