Interpreter - Sign Language - NonCertified

Waco ISD; Ojai (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Texas is seeking a non-certified Sign Language Interpreter to provide communication support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Responsibilities include accurate message interpretation and preparation for classes. Candidates should have a high school diploma and be working toward certification from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services. Experience with Deaf individuals is preferred. This role requires effective communication skills and a deep understanding of Deaf culture.

Qualifications

• Working toward Certification from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services.
• Must be certified within 3 years of hire date.
• Experience working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

Responsibilities

• Interpret instruction and communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
• Ensure accuracy of the interpreted message.
• Prepare for classes by researching relevant vocabulary.

Skills

Knowledge of Deaf Culture

Communication skills

Interpreting skills

Education

High school diploma

60 Credits or an Associate Degree in ASL/English

Bachelor's Degree as required by RID

Tools

Macintosh and Dell computers

Job description

Interpreter - Sign Language - NonCertified JobID: 3280

• Position Type: Paraprofessional/Support Staff/ Interpreter - Special Ed - Deaf Ed
• Date Posted: 11/7/2025
• Location: Special Education Office

• Job Title: Interpreter – Sign Language (Non-Certified)
• Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt/At-Will
• Reports To: RDSPD Coordinator/Interpreter Services Specialist
• Pay Grade/Days: 205/187
• Dept./School: Assigned Campuses
• Date Revised: October 2017

Primary Purpose

To interpret instruction and communication. To provide equal access between the 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

Preferred:

• 60 Credits or an Associate Degree in or related to ASL/English: Interpreting (as required by DARS BEI)
• Passed the TEP (Test of English Proficiency)
• Bachelor’s Degree as required by RID
• EIPA 3.5 or higher

Required:

• High school diploma
• Working toward Certification from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS BEI) Basic or above or the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), NIC or Educational Interpreting Performance Assessment (EIPA) Level 4.0 or above.
• Must be certified within 3 years of hire date as acknowledged on the attached “Employee Agreement for Work as an Uncertified Sign Language Interpreter.”

Experience

Experience working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals

Preferred:

• At least 1-2 years of working with children in grades PK-12
• At least 1-2 years of working in an educational setting

Major Responsibilities and Duties

1. Render the message making sure the fidelity of the message is always accurate, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker using language most readily understood by the student.
2. The Waco Regional Day School Program uses and supports the language of the Deaf Community, American Sign Language. However interpreters will need to be able to match the varying communication needs of students and staff.
3. Study or prepare for class appropriately by meeting with instructor, reading lecture outlines, skimming required readings in textbooks, previewing uncaptioned instructional videos, researching/studying specialized instructional vocabulary.
4. Relay any concerns or questions concerning interpreting and the student to the classroom teacher and/or Deaf Ed teacher or the Interpreter Services Specialist.
5. Accept special assignments and participate in extracurricular activities on a volunteer basis when needed, both during school hours and outside school hours with compensation form and in the amount as dictated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
6. Seek to continue development in American Sign Language skills as well as interpreting skills. Participate in professional development workshops whenever possible in order to maintain certification and improve job performance.
7. Maintain confidentiality and report necessary student information only to appropriate school district personnel (deaf education teachers, mainstream teachers, campus administrators, Waco Regional Day School Program for the Deaf administrators) as is required by the RID Code of Professional Conduct.
8. Assume responsibility of tutor after consultation with the Interpreter Services Specialist and classroom teacher. Based on the RID and EIPA Code of Professional Conduct, the Interpreter’s responsibility is to interpret instruction as well as any communication in the classroom. Tutoring cannot take place during classroom instruction. The student and teacher should be informed which role the interpreter is working in if performing both in a given school year during the appropriate time.
9. Assist in providing orientation to deafness for staff and students. Need proficient to expert knowledge of Deaf Culture.
10. Provide the best possible setting for the student who is deaf or hard of hearing through environmental controls such as appropriate dress, placement, distance and lighting, etc.
11. Attend meetings as needed with appropriate members of the educational team.
12. Assist teachers and serve as a resource for teaching sign language to students, staff, parents and other interested friends or family of students with who are deaf or hard of hearing, as assigned, during regular working hours. After hours request will be on a voluntary basis with compensation form and amount as dictated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
13. Interpret for staff members with auditory impairment, as appropriate, during regular working hours. After hours assignments will be arranged on a voluntary basis with compensation form and amount as dictated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
14. Perform other duties, such as supervising students during lunch, bathroom breaks, recess and bus times (ONLY in instances when the interpreter is not performing interpreting services) as determined and assigned by WRDSPD Coordinator, Interpreter Services Specialist and/or campus Principal.
15. Follow the Code of Professional Conduct for Interpreters as established and mandated by NAD-RID, BEI, and EIPA.
16. Comply with the Waco Independent School District and the Waco Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, philosophy, policies and procedures.
17. Perform other duties related to Special Education as assigned.

Equipment used

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

Working Conditions

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.