Sign Language Interpreter

Independence School District; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence School District is seeking an Educational Interpreter to strengthen communication for deaf or hard-of-hearing students within the educational environment.

The interpreter will work with teachers, peers, and staff to interpret lessons, activities, and classroom interactions, ensuring access to curriculum and language. Missouri certification and license are required or pursued, with training available as needed.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Cooperate with teachers, staff, administrators, and parents.
• Comply with State Regulations for Interpreters and the Interpreters Code of Ethics.
• Prepare for interpreting assignments and coordinate with supervisor.
• Meet assigned student at designated time and location.
• Ensure lighting and sightlines for the student to see the interpreter and teacher.
• Interact positively with all students and model appropriate dress and behavior.
• Interpret for deaf or hard-of-hearing students in groups to encourage interaction.
• Interpret classroom, social, and academic activities as presented.
• Direct questions to teachers to promote independence.
• Provide tutoring or sign language instruction when needed.
• Partner with other interpreters for classes, assemblies, trips, and events.
• When not needed, perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Email use

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Educational Interpreter certification requirements (MO)

Interpreting degree preferred

Job description

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 the Independence School District School Support Staff Performance Based Evaluation.