Sign Language Interpreter

IRS-babd5cc6; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

IRS in Austin, TX is seeking a bilingual sign language interpreter to perform Sign-to-English and English-to-Sign interpretation for deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. The role requires proficiency in ASL and English, with extensive experience in interpreting and related technologies.

The position emphasizes development of training curricula, coordination with interpreters, and ensuring ethical standards in communications in a federal setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in translating, interpreting, or work requiring use of English and foreign language
• Ability to use English and ASL to perform Sign-to-English and English-to-Sign interpretation
• Familiarity with telecommunication devices and assistive listening technologies

Responsibilities

• Interpret for deaf or hard-of-hearing employees in meetings or training.
• Coordinate schedules and track hours/funds for contract interpreters.
• Assist in development and implementation of sign language training for employees.
• Utilize telecommunication devices and related tech to support communication.
• Adhere to RID Code of Ethics and maintain professional standards in interpreting.

Skills

ASL interpretation

Sign language

Bilingual English/ASL

Education

Ph.D. in Sign Language Interpreting

LL.M. (related field)

Advanced interpreting certification

Job description

What is the taxpayer Services Division, Submission Processing? A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

• Position being filled in the following area(s):
  • e.g. Taxpayer Services Service Center - Submission Processing

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Individual Occupational Requirements

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- the appropriate foreign language from an English-speaking college or university, English from a college or university in the other country, or translating or interpreting where English and the foreign language were prerequisites.

OR

Experience in translating, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other language; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training.

The following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities: translator; interpreter; librarian or information specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; intelligence; writer or editor; international organizational work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, business, or other organizations; or professor, teacher, or instructor work at the high school or college level that required use of the foreign language.

Language requirement: This is a bilingual position. Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in Sign Language and English. You must be able to speak, read, and write English and be able to interpret and transliterate American Sign Language (ASL), Manually Coded English (MCE) and Contact Variety Sign (CVS) to English, and from English to the aforementioned sign languages to be considered proficient. You may be assessed at some point in the hiring process to determine if you possess the required level of proficiency. If you are unable to demonstrate proficiency, you will not be qualified for this position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GRADE-11: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service: Specialized experience for this position must be sufficient to demonstrate: Experience with English, American Sign Language (ASL), Contact Variety Sign (CVS) and Manually Coded English (MCE) to perform Sign-to-English and English-to-Sign interpretation;

• Using interpreting processes to determine the most effective means of communication for each deaf/hard of hearing employee;
• Assisting in the development of training curriculum and utilizing current methods and materials in the instruction of sign language courses;
• Utilizing telecommunication devices, assistive listening devices and other related technology for deaf/hard of hearing employees;
• Dealing with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Ethics in order to maintain ethical standards for professional interpreters;
• Utilizing resources and procedures for contracting sign language interpreter services; and effective written and oral communication skills.

Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Interpreting for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in meetings or training; Coordinating schedules for contract interpreters by arranging, and tracking hours and allocated funds; Assisting with the development and implementation of training for sign language instruction for employees; and Identifying barriers and resolving communication problems between supervisors and deaf/hard-of-hearing employees.

OR EDUCATION: A course of study that includes 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree

OR Ph.D.

OR equivalent doctoral degree in Sign Language Interpreting or a related field of study.

OR LL.M., if related

OR An equivalent amount of combined education and experience as described in paragraphs above.

AND

You must also meet the following requirements:

• MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Minimum age for federal employment is 18 years old, or at least 16 years old and have:
  • Graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
  • Completed a formal vocational training program; or
  • Received a statement from school authorities agreeing with your preference for employment rather than continuing your education.
• BILINGUAL POSITION: Applicants will be required to demonstrate language proficiency (ability to speak, read, and write) in both English and American Sign Language. You may be tested at some point in the hiring process to determine if you possess the required level of proficiency. If you are unable to demonstrate proficiency, you will not be considered for the position.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.