Interpreter

Virginia Beach Schools; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Beach Schools is seeking qualified sign language interpreters to facilitate communication for deaf or hard-of-hearing students across K-12 settings. You will interpret in IEP meetings, parent conferences, and for Deaf staff, and support interpretings during assemblies, performances, announcements, field trips, tutoring, and PTA activities.

Requirements include a High School Diploma or GED, passing the EIPA Written Test, and a minimum EIPA Performance Test level 3.5 or higher.

Qualifications

• Requires successful completion of the EIPA Written Test.
• Minimum required EIPA Performance Test level 3.5 or equivalent recognized by Virginia DHDH.
• Preferred: Associate degree or higher in related field.

Responsibilities

• Interpret content for deaf or hard-of-hearing students in K-12 settings.
• Interpret for IEP meetings, parent conferences, and Deaf staff.
• Interpret assemblies, performances, announcements, field trips, and after-school events.
• Prepare for assignments to ensure accurate representation of material.
• Mentor new interpreters and provide guidance on best practices.

Skills

ASL interpretation

Classroom support

Student relations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

EIPA Written Test

EIPA Level 3.5 or equivalent

Associate degree (preferred)

Job description

Sign language interpreters facilitate communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing students, their hearing peers, teachers, administrators, or other personnel within the school system while adhering to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Interpret all content and special subject areas for deaf or hard-of-hearing students, grades K-12, as deemed necessary by the students' Individualized Education Plan (IEP.)
• Interpret for IEP meetings, parent conferences and Deaf staff members (ASL teacher and assistants.)
• Interpret other activities during the school day to include assemblies, theatrical performances, announcements, musical, and field trips.
• Interpret other assignments outside the school day such as tutoring, club meetings, disciplinary actions, bus situations, sports, PTA meetings, summer school, and weekend summer and evening field trips.
• Interpret interactions of deaf students with administrators, guidance counselors, librarians, and other staff members.
• Interpret for deaf parents attending VBCPS related activities such as Special Education Advisory Committee meetings, plays, musical, college nights, parent conferences, PTA meetings, etc.
• Prepare for all interpreting assignments to ensure accurate representation of the material being presented.
• Serve as a resource for teachers, administrators, and other staff members regarding the role of the interpreter and promote cultural understanding.
• Mentor newly hired interpreters and students from Interpreter Training Programs.
• Serve as a language role model and encourage self-advocacy and independence for deaf students.
• Continue professional development by attending workshops and classes to acquire and maintain state qualification or national certification recognized by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as equivalent to or exceeding the VQAS Level III.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of sign language methods and procedures; general knowledge of classroom procedures and instruction program; ability to sign accurately and rapidly process information for extended periods; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and parents; ability to work independently without direct guidance or supervision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required: High School Diploma or GED. Successful completion of a passing score on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Test. Minimum of a Level 3.5 on the EIPA Performance Test or any other state qualification or national certification (excluding Certificate of Deaf Interpretation) recognized by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as equivalent to or exceeding the VQAS Level III.

Preferred: Associate Degree or higher.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Frequent sitting, walking, bending, grasping, fingering, repetitive motion, and reaching. Occasional standing, stooping, crouching, and driving. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds rarely. Requires timely and regular adherence to established work schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid driver's license. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.