Educational Interpreter Sign Language

Pasadena Independent School District; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A Texas public school district is seeking an Educational Interpreter for Sign Language to facilitate communication between students and teachers in various educational settings. The ideal candidate will have an Associate's degree or 60 credit hours, along with a valid interpreter certification from BEI or RID. Responsibilities include interpreting and supporting student independence while maintaining confidentiality and following individual educational plans. This role requires strong knowledge of both English and American Sign Language.

Qualifications

• Minimum 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university required.
• Valid interpreter certification required.
• Strong knowledge of English and American Sign Language.

Responsibilities

• Interpret for students in educational settings.
• Sign and voice questions during classes.
• Encourage student independence in learning.

Skills

Knowledge of American Sign Language

Communication skills

Knowledge of educational settings

Ability to monitor interpretation

Ability to focus amid distractions

Education

Associate's degree

Valid interpreter certification from BEI or RID

Tools

Personal computer

Audiovisual equipment

Job description

Job Title: Educational Interpreter Sign Language

Duty Days: 187

Pay Grade: N10

Salary Schedule: Click for Salary Schedule

Primary Purpose

Act as a facilitator of communication between students who utilize manual communication (i.e. American Sign Language, Signing ExactEnglish, Conceptually Accurate Signed English, etc.) and mainstream teachers and other campus staff by providing translations of spoken messages for students when appropriate and possible.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Associate's degree and/or a minimum of 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university required
• Associate's degree as part of an interpreter training program from an accredited college or university preferred
• Valid interpreter certification from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) (including but not limited to Basic, Advanced, Masters, or Signing Exact English) or from Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) required

Special Knowledge/ Skills

• Knowledge of the structure and content of both English and American Sign Language
• Knowledge of both the cultural norms of the English-speaking and the American Deaf communities
• Knowledge of interpretation in educational settings
• Knowledge of the educational interpreter's role and RID Code of Professional Conduct
• Knowledge of and willingness to use Signing Exact English 2 System of Communication
• Knowledge of hearing loss and its implications on student learning
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and thoughts in writing
• Ability to analyze communication in order to make adjustments in approaches to interpretation
• Ability to monitor and assess the interpretation during and after the task
• Ability to focus on a single source of auditory or visual information in the presence of other distracting sounds
• Ability to quickly make sense of information even when parts of that information may be missing

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Interpret for students in all formal educational settings where facilitation of communication is needed
• Sign and voice questions and answers by students and teachers
• Render the message faithfully, conveying the content and spirit of the speaker using the Signing Exact English 2 System of Communication for mandatory grade levels
• Provide elaboration and expansion using other modes of communication (I.e. American Sign Language, Conceptually Accurate Signed English) to ensure student comprehension of content when needed
• Maintain confidentiality discussing only major difficulties with the educational team responsible for the student's educational program.
• Remain impartial allowing students freedom to make choices and to learn as independently as possible (including but not limited to texting, sleeping, etc)
• Encourage independence of the student in interaction with his/her peer groups, teachers, and other campus staff
• Familiarize self with materials being taught and prepare for each assignment
• Position self appropriately so student is able to view the interpreter
• Be familiar with and follow the student's individual Educational Plan (IEP) Interpreting goals
• Obtain notes for the student from other students and/or teachers as needed
• Participate in professional learning, faculty meetings, and special events as needed
• Comply with all RID Code of Professional Conduct, Region 4 RDSPD, campus, and district policies
• Follow all Pasadena ISD time management policies and procedures for extra-duty pay
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor

Equipment Used

Personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment

Mental Demands

Involves several hours of unrelieved interpreting, repetitive hand motions, maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Repetitive hand motions; locations include classrooms, labs, auditoriums, gymnasiums, playing fields, as required; occasional in-district and/or out-of-district travel in personal automobile; moderate stooping, bending and lifting