Certified Deaf Interpreter (Pool)

Fort Worth ISD; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 33,672 - 40,567; Full time

Job summary

Fort Worth ISD is seeking a Certified Deaf Interpreter to facilitate communication for deaf or hard of hearing students. The role requires interpreting during classes, school events, and meetings, ensuring accurate communication.

This grant-funded position demands proficiency in ASL and a minimum of 2 years of interpreting experience. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism and the ability to work in diverse educational settings.

The position includes a salary range of $33,672 - $40,567 based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Accredited High School diploma or GED required, Associate’s degree preferred.
• Level I or above Interpreter Certification from Texas Commission for the Deaf preferred.
• 2 years of experience as an interpreter preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and transliterate information for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Communicate with teachers for accurate delivery of vocabulary concepts.
• Adhere to the Interpreter Code of Ethics.

Skills

American Sign Language (ASL)

Pidgin Signed English (PSE)

Signing Exact English (SEE)

Effective communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Accredited High School diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in Sign Language or related field

Tools

Standard office equipment

Instructional equipment

Job description

Certified Deaf Interpreter (Pool)

Pay Grade: 605
Salary Range: $33,672 - 40,567
Duty Days: 183
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.

Position Purpose

Interprets and/or transliterates for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Clearly interprets or transliterates information for staff and students during classroom lectures, school related programs, assemblies, and Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings using recognized sign language systems such as Pidgin Signed English (PSE), American Sign Language (ASL), or Signing Exact English (SEE).
• Reverse (voices) interprets information for staff and students during classroom lectures, school related programs, assemblies, and ARD Committee meetings.
• Communicates with classroom teachers to ensure accurate delivery of vocabulary concepts and accuracy of information interpreted.
• Seeks help from supervisors to problem solve issues in the classroom or issues with staff/students.
• Adheres to Interpreter Code of Ethics.
• Accepts itinerant assignments and arrives to class as scheduled.
• Performs all other duties as assigned which may include working in supplemental assignments under special revenue funds or state compensatory education funds.

Safety

• Performs preventive maintenance on tools and equipment and ensures equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and climbing; operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork. Responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of classroom techniques and professional etiquette.
• Knowledge of ASL (preferably), PSE, and SEE.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills for children.
• Skill in using ASL to sign and/or voice lectures and discussions, while capturing an average of 70% of the important points conveyed in classes and meetings.
• Skilled proficiency in ASL and English language in communication and interpretation between the hearing-impaired and the non-hearing impaired.
• Skill in understanding the preferred form of communication for a person with deafness.
• Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points communicated, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Ability to use software to access databases, email, and status work assignments.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in various educational settings; may require a variety of settings such as extra-curricular events, community, and so forth; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education: Accredited High School diploma, GED, or Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency required; Associate’s degree from accredited college or university in Sign Language or related field preferred.
• Certification/License: Level I or above Interpreter Certification preferred from:
  • Texas Commission for the Deaf, OR
  • Registry of Interpreters for Deaf, OR
  • If no certification, ability to prepare for and pass the interpreting tests within three (3) years of employment.
• Experience: 2 years’ as interpreter preferred; experience with ASL preferred; experience with PSE and/or SEE also desired.
• Language: Proficient ASL sign communicator required; Bilingual (English/Spanish) working proficiency preferred in some settings.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.