Interpreter - Sign Language Certified

Waco ISD; Ojai (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in California is looking for a Sign Language Interpreter to provide essential communication support between Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and hearing staff. The role requires certification in interpreting and the ability to effectively convey instructions in sign language. Responsibilities include maintaining confidentiality and assisting in educational settings. Candidates should have exceptional communication and organizational skills, with experience in educational environments favored.

Qualifications

• Requires certification in interpreting from DARS or RID.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in educational settings preferred.
• Must demonstrate accurate message interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Interpret instruction for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
• Maintain confidentiality and report relevant information.
• Assist in providing orientation to deafness.

Skills

Knowledge of computer and software applications

Excellent organizational skills

Effective communication

Ability to sign language

Education

High School Diploma

Certification from Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services

EIPA Level 4.0 or above

Tools

Macintosh computers

Dell computers

Printer

Job description

Job Title: Interpreter – Sign Language Certified

Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt/At-Will

Reports To: RDSPD Coordinator Interpreter Services Specialist

Pay Grade/Days: 206 / 187-days

Dept./School: Assigned Campus

Date Revised: April 2016

Date Posted: 11/7/2025

Location: Special Education Office

Primary Purpose

To interpret instruction and communication. To provide equal access between Deaf and Hard of Hearing students/staff and hearing students/staff. To culturally mediate between Hearing and Deaf culture for the purpose of mutual understood communication.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Preferred: 60 Credits or an Associate Degree in or related ASL/English: Interpreting (as required by DARS BEI); Bachelor’s Degree as required by RID; EIPA 3.5 or higher.
• Required: High School Diploma, 60 college hours; Certification from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS BEI) Basic or above or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), RIC or Educational Interpreting Performance Assessment (EIPA) Level 4.0 or above.

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of computer and software applications.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written, oral and sign language.

Experience

Experience working with auditory impaired individuals.

• Preferred: At least 1-2 years working with children in grades PK-12; At least 1-2 years working in an educational setting.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

1. Render the message making sure the fidelity of the message is always accurate.
2. Study or prepare for class appropriately.
3. Relay any concerns or questions concerning interpreting and the student to the classroom teacher and/or Deaf Ed teacher or the Interpreter Services Specialist.
4. Accept special assignments and participate in extracurricular activities on a volunteer basis when needed.
5. Seek to continue development in American Sign Language skills as well as interpreting skills.
6. Maintain confidentiality and report necessary student information only to appropriate school district personnel.
7. Assume responsibility of tutor after consultation with the Interpreter Services Specialist and classroom teacher.
8. Assist in providing orientation to deafness for staff and students.
9. Provide the best possible setting for the student who is deaf or hard of hearing.
10. Attend meetings as needed with appropriate members of the educational team.
11. Assist teachers and serve as a resource for teaching sign language.
12. Interpret for staff members with auditory impairment, as appropriate, during regular working hours.
13. Perform other duties such as supervising students during lunch, bathroom breaks, recess and bus times when not interpreting services.
14. Follow the Code of Professional Conduct for Interpreters.
15. Comply with the Waco Independent School District and the Waco Regional Day School Program for the Deaf philosophy, policies and procedures.
16. Perform other duties related to Special Education as assigned.

Equipment used

Macintosh and Dell computers, typewriter, printer, copier, and fax machine.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Must be able to interact with students and staff individually and in groups; sitting, walking, and standing for lengthy periods, light lifting. Physical condition adequate for signing for extended periods. Hearing adequate for interpreting. School campus environment. People intensive.

Non Discrimination Statement

The Waco Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or genetic information in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.

For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX, contact Waco ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and/or Waco ISD Coordinator of Student Management at 254-755-9410 and/or Waco ISD Director of Athletics at 254-745-2250. For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title VI and Title VII, as amended, contact Waco ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at 254-755-9410. For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, contact Waco ISD Director of Special Education at 254-755-9431 or; P.O. Box 27, Waco, TX, 76703.