ASL Interpreter

Tacoma Public Schools; Washington; On-site; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools is seeking an ESP-level Sign Language Interpreter to support D/HH students within classrooms and educational settings. The role requires interpretation from sign language to voice and vice versa, in accordance with IDEA, ADA, and legal requirements.

Expected start date is September 2026 or as soon as possible. Salary placements will consider experience and credentials, with ESP-8 to ESP-10 pay scales based on EIPA scores and degrees.

Qualifications

• Interpreting between D/HH students and hearing staff.
• Adapt interpretations for diverse needs and abilities.
• Prepare vocabulary and terminology for subject matter.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to support IEPs.

Responsibilities

• Interprets all communication and dynamics between D/HH individuals to provide access.
• Interprets lectures, meetings, and activities for access to information.
• Prepares materials to ensure accurate terminology.
• Adapts interpretations to diverse needs and abilities.
• Provides interpretation for assemblies, field trips, meetings, and events.
• Supports staff by modeling positive interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Communicates interpretation process and needs of D/HH to staff.
• Adheres to confidentiality and professional guidelines.
• Collaborates with teachers and staff to optimize educational opportunities.

Skills

Sign language interpretation

EIPA 4.0+

RID certification

Education

Interpreter Training Program

High school diploma

EIPA 4.0+ or RID certification

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: September 2026 or as soon as possible

FTE: 0.875

Hours per day: 7

Salary Level: DOE PA-8A-10A - Salary placement is based on verifiable experience, AA or higher degree in Interpreter training program and scores on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)

ESP-8 Sign Language Interpreter (No AA) - $38.63

ESP-9 Sign Language Interpreter (AA / AS + EIPA 3.5) - $44.24

ESP-10 Sign Language Interpreter (BA / BS + EIPA 4.0 or Nat'l Cert) - $46.11

This position performs sign to voice and voice to sign interpretation in the classroom and other educational settings to meet IDEA and ADA and other legal compliances; to facilitate communication between D/deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students, teachers, staff and members of the community; may perform instructional activities under teacher guidance, and may facilitate the education of D/HH students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 1. Interprets all communication and dynamics between individuals who are D/HH; uses appropriate modes of communication to ensure students, and/or teachers and/or community members understand the communication; provides visual access to auditory information in the environment; adapts signing for diverse needs and abilities for the purpose of facilitating communication.
• 2. Interprets information, lectures, discussion, classroom activities, school meetings, trainings and conferences for the purpose of providing communication access.
• 3. Prepares, previews and studies subject matter being taught or presented, such as lesson materials, handouts, and films to research vocabulary and ensure appropriate terminology applicable to the subject or to the forum for lectures or assemblies for the purpose of ensuring that a clear interpretation can be provided.
• 4. Adapts interpretations to the varying and diverse needs and abilities of students, and/or teachers, and/or community members to objectively express the tone and mood of the speaker as well as the content of the material; can clarify as necessary to facilitate understanding for the purpose of ensuring that a clear interpretation can be provided.
• 5. Provides interpretation for various other situations, such as assemblies, field trips, meetings, test administration, phone calls, music, extra-curricular activities, and sports events; interprets informal conversations with students and staff during unstructured time as necessary for the purpose of providing communication access.
• 6. Supports and assists other staff by modeling positive interpersonal skills; participates as a team member for planning and reviewing daily activities, attending in-services and information sharing for the purpose of optimizing the staff and student participation in the educational environment.
• 7. Provides District staff with information regarding the interpretation process as well as needs and concerns of individuals who are D/HH for the purpose of creating a positive Deaf friendly climate.
• 8. Adheres to appropriate District guidelines for confidentiality and professional behavior.
• 9. Collaborates with Teachers of the D/HH, other classroom teachers and other school staff to provide the optimum educational opportunities and in keeping with IEP requirements for the purpose of optimizing the staff and student participation in the educational environment.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• 1. Remains current in the field through involvement in professional activities and continuing educational activities as directed.
• 2. May participate in the educational team to support education of students who are D/HH; may perform tutoring duties under supervision of designated teacher.
• 3. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
• 4. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS

Substantial requirement to listen closely and concentrate on sign language; confined to work station for prolonged periods; occasionally required to deal with distraught students; may be required to sit, kneel, or stand for prolonged periods; may be required to work outdoors; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Education and Experience

High school graduate or equivalent and completion of an Interpreter Training Program; an EIPArating of 4.0 or above, and/or RID certification is preferred; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Completion of Interpreter Training Program.
• RID and/or EIPA assessment score of 4.0 or above, required *
• As of 2023, an EIPA score of 4.0 or above will be required by Washington State law.
• Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
• * The District may consider candidates who successfully meet and demonstrate the District’s Educational Interpreter Performance standards

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of interpreting for the D/HH.

Knowledge of Deaf Culture and education techniques.

Knowledge of educational interpreting and related vocabulary is desired.

Skill throughout the sign language continuum.

Skill with interpreting for individuals who are D/HH, teachers, and community members using a high level of fluency for various educational and cultural backgrounds.

Ability to work without direct supervision.

Ability to obtain, clarify, and exchange information.

Ability to interact with people who are deaf and hard of hearing in a warm, confident and culturally appropriate manner.

Ability to remain flexible and to adapt to changes in work site location, environment and/or schedules.

Ability to promote understanding of Deaf Culture and hearing loss.

Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.