Educational Interpreter for the Deaf

Montrose County School District RE-1J; San Jacinto (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Montrose County School District RE-1J is seeking an Educational Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The ideal candidate will facilitate communication for students using sign language, support their educational needs, and collaborate with teachers.

The position requires a High School Diploma, experience working with children, and the ability to effectively communicate in both English and American Sign Language. The role is located in California.

Qualifications

• Previous one year of paid or volunteer experience working with groups of children is preferred.
• Knowledge of child growth and development concepts.
• Understand sign language vocabulary and usage.

Responsibilities

• Interpret oral communication into sign language.
• Assist students in carrying out their individual education plans.
• Collaborate with educators on modifications for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Skills

American Sign Language at a conversational level

Student behavior management strategies

Communication skills in English and sign language

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree in educational interpreting or related field

Job description

Overview

Date Posted: 5/27/2026

Location: District Wide

Date Available: 08/12/2026

Closing Date: 06/03/2026

Position Title: Educational Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Non-Exempt

Direct Supervisor: Director of Special Education

Site: Districtwide

Work Calendar: Instructional Support: 180 Days

Salary Schedule: Building Level Support (range $21.20 - $51.16 based on the 25/26 salary schedules, experience and education/certification)

Start Date: August 12, 2026 (position may be limited term)

District Summary: Nestled within Colorado's gorgeous Western Slope, the towns of Montrose and Olathe are surrounded by an endless variety of prospects for exploration and adventure (Black Canyon National Park, Telluride and the San Juan Mountains to the South, along with rivers, lakes and streams). MCSD is one of the largest rural school districts in Colorado, which means we are small enough to be neighborly, but still big enough to continue growing (with short commutes to school and work).

Benefits: In addition to what MCSD offers its employees with a comprehensive benefits package, the Instructional Facilitator is afforded the following opportunity: As part of our commitment to supporting professional growth and development, Instructional Facilitators enrolled in an MCSD-approved program working toward their Bachelor's degree will be provided dedicated time during their work week to pursue their studies. This opportunity is contingent upon enrollment in an approved program.

Definition

Educational Interpreters are specially trained individuals who facilitate communication between students who use sign language as their primary language and students/teachers who do not.

Examples of Duties

• Interpret oral communication into sign language and signed communication into spoken English
• Convey the content of the message clearly and accurately according to the receptive language level of the student.
• Participate as a member of the IEP Team
• Adhere to the rules of confidentiality required of all school personnel.
• Report student related concerns to the appropriate educational personnel.
• Work collaboratively with the student's educational team.
• Prepare for interpreting assignments including the vocabulary and content knowledge of the subject matter.
• Assist in communication throughout the school day in a variety of settings.
• Tutor (under the direction of the teacher) and interpret for individual and small groups of students to reinforce and follow up instructional concepts.
• Assist students with study activities in carrying out the various aspects of their individual educational plan.
• Report student progress toward the accomplishment of IEP objectives.
• Assist in the shaping of appropriate social behaviors.
• Collaborate with teacher(s) regarding modifications and/or adaptation of materials, curriculum, and environments, for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• May operate and assist students in the operation of a variety of instructional media machines and specialized equipment for the hearing impaired.
• May requisition and maintain an appropriate inventory of textbooks, instructional material, supplies and equipment.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Basic concepts of child growth and development, and developmental behavior characteristics.
• Student behavior management strategies and techniques
• Appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar
• Manual communication language appropriate to the assignment.
• Basic arithmetical concepts
• Routine record management, storage, and retrieval systems and procedures
• American Sign Language at a conversational level.
• Knowledge of some academic vocabulary words in sign language.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups;
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form in English and a second language, as required by the assignment;
• Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office related machines and equipment
• Utilize a variety of appropriate instructional materials and procedures in the enhancement of a positive educational environment.
• Effectively and efficiently tutor students in academic subject areas common to an elementary, middle or high school setting, under the direction of a teacher.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults.
• Continue to acquire sign language skills and vocabulary

Physical Demands

• The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions.
• Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 5 to 100 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry push, pull, or otherwise move objects. This type of work may also require the ability to move another person from one position to another.
• This type of work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve running, walking or standing for brief periods.
• Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far visual acuity, depth perception providing oral information, the manual dexterity to operate business related equipment, and handle and work with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Experience and Education

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Experience: Prefer One year of paid or volunteer experience working with groups of children.

Education: High School Diploma or GED is required; Associate Degree in educational interpreting or related field is required.

Credentials: Must meet current CDE requirements to obtain a CDE Authorization: Educational Interpreter; Or - Must be able to obtain Temporary Authorization Status from CDE and obtain full Authorization within 3 years.

An educational interpreter must have completed one of the following:

• Obtained a bachelor's degree
• Certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deal (RID)
• National Association for the Deaf (NAD) Level IV
• Worked two or more years in an area related to the field of deaf education, which could include interpreting in non-educational setting.