Sign Language Interpreter

Independence School District; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence School District is seeking an Educational Interpreter to support communication for deaf or hard-of-hearing students within classroom settings. The role emphasizes collaboration with teachers and staff to interpret lessons, activities, and assessments, in line with state regulations and ethical standards.

The interpreter will prepare for assignments, coordinate with supervising staff, and maintain professional conduct while fostering language development and participation for

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• State requirements for Educational Interpreter title.
• Missouri Interpreter Certification at Intermediate level or higher.
• Missouri Interpreter License is required.
• Interpreting degree from an accredited program preferred.
• Ability to use email, or willingness to learn with training.

Responsibilities

• To work cooperatively with teachers, staff, administrators, and parents.
• Comply with State Regulations and Interpreters Code of Ethics in professional practice.
• Prepare for interpreting assignments and coordinate with supervisor to schedule time.
• Meet designated students at the correct time and location.
• Position for optimal lighting and visibility for the student and interpreter.
• Interact positively with students and model appropriate dress and behavior.
• Interpret for deaf or hard of hearing students in group settings to promote independence.
• Interpret all classes and activities as presented, using the appropriate sign language system.
• Direct students' questions to teachers to encourage interaction.
• Allow students to work independently and learn from mistakes.
• Team with other interpreters for classes, assemblies, field trips, etc.
• If no interpreting services are needed, may tutor or assist the teacher as assigned.

Skills

Ability to use email

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Missouri Interpreter Certification (Intermediate/Level 3 or above)

Missouri Interpreter License

Degree in Interpreting from an accredited program

Job description

• State requirements for title of Educational Interpreter
• Current State of Missouri Interpreter Certification: Intermediate (level 3), or above (level 4 or 5)
• Current State of Missouri Interpreter License
• Degree in Interpreting from an accredited Interpreter Training Program preferred
• Ability to use email, or willingness to learn skill with training

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• State requirements for title of Educational Interpreter
• Current State of Missouri Interpreter Certification: Intermediate (level 3), or above (level 4 or 5)
• Current State of Missouri Interpreter License
• Degree in Interpreting from an accredited Interpreter Training Program preferred
• Ability to use email, or willingness to learn skill with training

Fair Labor Standards Act Status

Non-Exempt

Reports to

Building Administrator(s)

Job Goal

• To strengthen and facilitate communication in the language most beneficial between students who are deaf or have a hearing loss and their teachers and peers in the educational environment.
• To interpret learning and behavior goals that are in the school district's curriculum so that the student who is deaf or has a hearing loss is able to benefit from these provisions.

Performance Responsibilities For Educational Interpreter

• To work cooperatively and collaboratively with teachers and other staff members, administrators, and parents
• To perform according to State Regulations for Interpreters and to comply with the Interpreters Code of Ethics, as well as perform within the professional guidelines of the Independence School District
• Prepare for interpreting assignments, and arrange with the appointed supervisor an appropriate time during the school day to do so
• Meet their assigned student at the designated time and location
• Consult with the classroom teacher and position themselves so that lighting, location and vision is adequate for the student to see the interpreter and the teacher, as well as the material presented
• Interact positively with all students and model appropriate dress and behavior
• Work with and interpret for a deaf or hard of hearing student in a group setting with hearing students to encourage independence and interaction with peers, and to reinforce skills and language introduced by the teacher
• Interpret any and all classes, social and academic activities, formal or informal, in the spirit and content that is presented, in which the assigned deaf or hard of hearing student is involved during the school day
• Interpret language of learning materials and instruction from teachers in the sign language system that is best understood by the deaf or hard of hearing student, which will be determined by the educational team
• Direct students' questions to the teacher to encourage direct interaction between the teacher and the student. This will foster independence and promote classroom participation
• Allow the deaf student freedom to work on his/her own, make mistakes and choices, so as to learn as independently as possible
• Team with other interpreters when necessary for class assignments, assemblies, field trips, plays, etc
• If no interpreting services are needed, additional responsibilities may include: Tutoring another student who is deaf or has a hearing loss, informal sign language instructions, assisting the teacher in the classroom, and other duties as assigned

Terms Of Employment

The duration of the position is contingent upon the continued funding of the program, project, or assignment for which the appointment is made. The salary and work calendar is to be established by the Board of Education.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy by the immediate supervisor, utilizing Independence School District School Support Staff Performance Based Evaluation.