Sign Language Facilitator

Southern Oregon Education Service District; Medford (OR); On-site; USD 26,907,000 - 37,195,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

9 Paid Holidays

Leave benefits

Job summary

Southern Oregon Education Service District seeks a dedicated Sign Language Facilitator to support deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The role involves working with educational teams, sharing information, and pursuing continued professional development.

The position is developmental and time-limited, with travel between SOESD locations as needed. Responsibilities include facilitating direct communication, guiding classroom staff on interpreter use, and maintaining privacy and professional conduct

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certificate of completion from an Interpreter Training Program preferred.
• Proficiency in sign language and demonstrated ability to support deaf/hard-of-hearing students.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate direct communication with students using sign language.
• Instruct students on how to properly use an interpreter.
• Provide liaison support between PDHH staff and mainstream staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and participate in meetings as assigned.
• Contribute to ongoing professional growth and plan development.

Skills

Sign language proficiency

Interpersonal communication

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Interpreter Training Program certificate

Job description

The Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) is seeking a dedicated and skilled sign language facilitator to join our dynamic team. As a sign language facilitator, you will be supported by highly trained educational interpreters and work towards developing a career of which you can be proud. This position will serve students ranging from Pre-K-12th grade who utilize a variety of communication modalities. Commitment to professionalism, growth and working as a dynamic educational team member, while carrying out your interpreting assignment is vital to the success of our program. As a sign language facilitator, you will be responsible for preparing for classes, working toward ongoing professional goals, following the Code of Professional Conduct, informally assessing student language skills and working to ensure that the educational team operates cohesively via the sharing of information. Working for the SOESD will give the successful candidate a unique experience to change the lives of students. Applicants should understand the importance of positive relationships with students, professional colleagues, and the spirit of teamwork. We are passionate about the importance of inclusion and believe in the power of education to transform lives. If you share these views and are dedicated to bringing positive outcomes for all young people, then this could be the perfect role for you.

About SOESD

Southern Oregon ESD is located in the Rogue Valley, the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Sign Language Facilitator

Position Goal:

To provide access to education for students who are deaf and hard of hearing by facilitating communication. The employee is proficient in sign language and is working toward the remaining qualifications required to become an educational sign language interpreter. This is a developmental, time-limited position.

Essential Functions

The following are the essential functions of this position. Specific assignments, methods, and frequency of duties may vary based on student needs and worksite requirements. Other related duties may be assigned consistent with the general nature and level of the position.

• Facilitate direct communication with students using the signed communication mode required for the assignment and in a manner appropriate to each student's communication level. Do not independently interpret or transliterate between spoken English and a signed language.
• Instruct students in the correct use of an interpreter, as directed by the PDHH teacher.
• Orient regular classroom teachers about the role of interpreters and suggested classroom adaptations, as directed by the PDHH teacher.
• Adhere to all rules and protocols governing students' confidentiality rights.
• Develop and implement an individual ongoing program of professional growth that includes fluency, vocabulary building, and language skills, and participate in an assigned skill-development mentoring program.
• Participate, upon request, in parent conferences and IEP meetings in the assigned facilitator role; do not serve as the interpreter for any participant.
• Demonstrate active participation in staff meetings and in-services.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and job-related training programs as requested.
• Maintain an assigned communication-support log to be available to the PDHH teacher.
• Demonstrate both written and oral command of the English language, including correct use of syntax and grammar.
• Demonstrate a developing comprehension of the assigned course subject matter.
• Provide tutorial support to deaf and hard-of-hearing students as assigned.
• Act as a liaison between PDHH staff and mainstream staff, providing relevant feedback regarding student progress.
• Participate in a daily preventive physical warm-up.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment under the direction of the PDHH teacher and within the permitted scope of this position.
• Implement the written Interpreter Qualification Development Plan and develop increasing proficiency toward qualification for an interpreter position.
• Travels to and works at multiple SOESD, school district, and community locations as assigned, including travel between locations during the workday, and reports to each location as scheduled.
• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with SOESD employees, local education agency representatives, and others contacted during the course of the workday.
• Follow established SOESD policies and procedures.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Prerequisites

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

• At least 18 years of age; high school diploma or equivalent; and any additional instructional‑assistant qualification required for the specific assignment under state or federal law.
• A score of 3.0 or higher on the EIPA Performance Assessment is preferred.
• Certificate of completion from an Interpreter Training Program, or extensive background and experience with sign language, including regular contact with deaf children or adults.
• Demonstrated proficiency in sign language sufficient to perform the assigned facilitator duties.
• Attestation of compliance with the 2005 NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct identified in OAR 816-065-0000, to the extent applicable to the employee's assigned role.
• Travel to and work at multiple assigned SOESD, school district, and community locations during the workday. Some assignments may require the employee to legally operate a motor vehicle and meet SOESD driving requirements.
• Successfully complete all required fingerprinting and criminal records checks and remain eligible for employment under applicable laws, rules, and District requirements.

An equivalent combination of relevant experience, education, training, and certification that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered by the District as an alternative to the stated education and experience qualifications. This provision does not waive any license, certification, background‑check requirement, or other qualification required by law or necessary to perform an essential function of the position.

Interpreter Qualification Development Plan

• The employee and supervisor must create, sign, and follow a written Interpreter Qualification Development Plan for attaining the remaining qualifications required to become an educational sign language interpreter.
• The District will determine the plan's length and final deadline. The plan will identify the remaining Oregon interpreter qualifications, milestones, training or mentoring, review dates, required documentation, and the responsibilities of the employee and supervisor.
• The employee must make timely and satisfactory progress and complete the plan within the allotted time. Any revision or extension must be approved by the District in writing.
• If the employee does not complete the plan by the final deadline, the employee will no longer meet the qualifications for this position. The District will determine the appropriate next steps consistent with applicable law, due process, and the collective bargaining agreement.

Length of Position

Length of Position: 190 days (academic year) / .5 FTE

Pay

Pay: Per Classified Hourly Compensation Schedule, it is $20.56-$28.19 an hour.

Immediate Supervisor

Immediate Supervisor: Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and PDHH Administrator

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE And Over)

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to 2182.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.

Health Insurance

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax

Options

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership

Physical Requirements

The following physical requirements are essential functions of this position:

• Stand/Walk: 4-6 hrs/day
• Sit: 1-4 hrs/day
• Drive: 1-4 hrs/day
• Bending: Frequently
• Squat: Occasionally
• Climb Stairs: Occasionally
• Single Grasping: Frequently
• Pushing: Limited
• Pulling: Limited
• Fine Manipulation: Frequently
• Repetitive Foot Control: Limited
• Lifting (less than 25 lbs.): Limited
• Lifting (25-50 lbs.): Not At All
• Lifting (50-75 lbs.): Not At All
• Lifting (75-100 lbs.): Not At All

Note

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.