American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter (Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer Aided Transcriber)

California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 103,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans with prescription drug

Dental and Vision coverage

Retirement plan through CalPERS

Tuition waiver for employees

15 paid holidays

Job summary

California State University, Fullerton seeks an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter to provide real-time captioning and interpreting for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students and university events. This is a temporary, intermittent position supporting the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) in providing access to instruction, meetings, and campus activities.

The ideal candidate has ASL interpretation training, knowledge of RID codes, and higher education experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ASL interpretation skills and knowledge of sign systems.
• Experience in higher education settings preferred.
• Familiarity with RID code of professional conduct required or preferred.
• Training in interpreter methods and coursework completed.
• Background in court reporting or realtime captioning is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate ASL interpretation between Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing students and campus personnel.
• Deliver real-time captioning and transcription for lectures, meetings, and events.
• Maintain professional standards and confidentiality in line with DSS policies.
• Collaborate with DSS staff to ensure consistent access to programs and services.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department.

Skills

ASL interpretation

Real-time captioning

Court reporting steno

Deaf culture knowledge

Interpreting training

Education

Interpreter training program

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Steno equipment

Realtime software

Dictionary development

Job description

Job Title
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Classification
Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer Aided Transcriber

Auto Req. ID
563487

Salary Range
Classification Range $19.37 - $194.60 per hour
(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $19.37 - $75.00 per hour)

Work Schedule
Monday - Saturday; schedule may vary according to department needs including early morning, evening, and/or weekend hours. This is a temporary, intermittent position to end on or before June 30, 2027, with a possibility of renewal on an annual basis if funds and/or program needs exist. This is a non-benefited position.

Why CSUF
California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.

Department
The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) within the Division of Student Affairs strives to increase access and retention for students with permanent and temporary disabilities by ensuring equitable treatment in all aspects of campus life. The program acts as a catalyst and agent for compliance with Federal and State laws and regulations mandating equal opportunity and access for people with disabilities. Our office provides co-curricular and academically related services which empower students with disabilities to achieve academic and personal self-determination. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter (Hourly Interpreter/Realtime Captioner/Computer Aided Transcriber). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of Disability Support Services (DSS), ASL Interpreters facilitate effective communication access between Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students, faculty, staff, and the campus community. Interpreters provide professional ASL interpreting services in academic and university settings, including classroom instruction, meetings, campus events, and other university-sponsored activities. Responsibilities include accurately conveying spoken and signed communication, maintaining professional interpreting standards, and collaborating with DSS staff to ensure consistent and effective communication access. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Interpreter: Ability to hear spoken English and working knowledge of the process of interpreting ASL and/or English sign system as required by the student(s) or the assignment. Interpret and transliterate between the ASL and sign systems and spoken English at a speed required by the assignment. Must be able to convey accurately the register, tone, intent, and content of the consumer’s message. May work in a variety of settings such as a classroom, conference, and/or one-on-one meetings and work with persons from diverse backgrounds. A demonstrated knowledge of Deaf Culture and knowledge of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of professional conduct is needed. Any combination of formal training and relevant documented interpreting experience that demonstrates assurance of the skills appropriate for the level of the assignment(s) is required. Typically, sufficient interpreting training or experience requires graduation from an interpreter training program and/or relevant documented interpreting experience.

Realtime Captioner: Must be able to caption at a minimum rate of 180 or more words per minute with a high level of accuracy. Proficiently use, maintain, and troubleshoot court reporting steno equipment, Realtime software, and computer systems and equipment. Develop, maintain, and proficiently use a thorough dictionary that enables accurate and fluid translation. Effectively listen for continuity, sense, and detail while translating. Proficiently write in real-time in a conflict- free manner using punctuation and sustaining accuracy in fast-paced situations. Use advanced editing skills; work effectively with consumers and maintain confidentiality. Comprehensive knowledge of the English language, including grammatical structures, syntax, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Requires working knowledge of the language and vocabulary used in the assigned translating situations. Industry recognized code of ethics and general knowledge of Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Culture. Formal training in court reporting and steno methods to meet position requirements is required.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and/or completion of upper-division coursework in a related field. Extensive professional experience providing ASL interpreting services in higher education, particularly within university-level academic and instructional environments. Demonstrated ability to adapt interpreting techniques to a broad range of communication needs, preferences, and settings. Advanced linguistic, cognitive, and technical interpreting skills, including the ability to accurately convey complex academic concepts and specialized terminology across multiple disciplines.

Experience working with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing populations and collaborating with faculty, staff, and other interpreting professionals. Familiarity with university policies, academic procedures, and instructional environments, including the use of technology to support in-person and remote interpreting services. Familiarity with academic higher education through attendance at or graduation from a four-year college or university is necessary to understand and accurately interpret the concepts, language, and vocabulary used in instructional, academic, and administrative settings. Completion of a recognized interpreter training program and/or relevant documented professional interpreting experience demonstrating the competencies necessary to perform assignments. Two years of relevant interpreting experience in a variety of settings is preferred.

Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, including the ability to accurately interpret and transliterate between ASL, English-based sign systems, and spoken English as appropriate to the assignment. Ability to convey complex academic concepts, specialized terminology, and communication accurately while preserving the meaning, register, tone, and intent of the original message. Ability to adapt interpreting techniques to meet communication needs in classroom instruction, individual meetings, campus events, and in-person or virtual environments.

Thorough knowledge of Deaf culture, interpreting techniques, and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound professional judgment, adhere to professional ethical standards, and work effectively both independently and as part of an interpreting team. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners. Ability to prepare for interpreting assignments, manage changing schedules, communicate service-related concerns, and follow established Disability Support Services (DSS) and university policies and procedures.

License/Certifications

Must maintain current Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification throughout employment.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

This position requires flexibility in scheduling and availability to provide interpreting services based on student accommodation needs and departmental assignments. Most courses and university activities are conducted in-person; therefore, interpreters must be available to provide on-campus services.

Benefits at a Glance

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 15 paid holidays

See Our CSUF Benefits Website For Additional Information.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.

California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.

Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Hiring Preference

On-Campus CSUEU Employees