Sign Language Interpreter I at Special Education

Lodi Unified School District; Lodi (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lodi Unified School District seeks a Sign Language Interpreter I to provide in-class sign language interpretation between teachers and deaf or hard-of-hearing students. The role supports certificated staff in delivering instruction and communicating with students in varied school activities.

The position focuses on elementary school settings and involves interpreting tasks, assisting with materials, and reporting progress to classroom staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with demonstrated proficiency in basic sign language interpretation.
• Experience working with deaf and hard of hearing students in an organized setting.
• Knowledge of district methods for sign language interpretation and communication.

Responsibilities

• Interpret between teachers and deaf/hard-of-hearing students in classrooms or related environments.
• Assist teachers in providing instruction to deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Interpret for counselors, administrators, and other staff as needed.
• Provide signing for students during assemblies, field trips and other activities.
• Assist with maintaining records of student progress and class assignments.
• Support classroom teachers with material preparation and labeling.

Skills

Sign language interpretation

Interpersonal skills

Clerical tasks

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description / Essential Elements

CLASS TITLE: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER I

Basic Function

Provide sign language interpretation between teachers and deaf and hard of hearing students in a classroom or related environment; assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to deaf and hard of hearing students.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Sign Language Interpreter I positions are typically assigned to elementary schools. Sign Language Interpreter II positions are typically assigned to high schools when the level of interpretation is more complex due to the needs of the student and the complexity of the academic program. Middle School assignments may vary based upon the needs of the student and the complexity of the academic program.

Representative Duties

Interpret by signing, verbal instructions and discussions for deaf and hard of hearing students. Interpret to assist deaf and hard of hearing students in communicating with counselors, teachers, administrators, psychologists and others as needed. Interpret for students during other school related activities as needed including assemblies, field trips and other activities. Convey auditory environment stimuli to deaf students including bells, drills/alarms, coughing and other sounds to contribute to temporal processing and other cognitive skills. Assist students in regular classrooms according to established procedures and report progress to appropriate staff. Tutor and provide instruction as needed to individual or small groups of deaf and hard of hearing students; reinforce instruction as directed by the teacher. Provide signing for special education students to assist in achieving IEP goals; report student progress to assigned teachers. Assure proper functioning of hearing aids and auditory trainers. Provide assistance to classroom or special day class teacher as required; assist in filing, duplicating and preparing instructional materials; assist with maintaining a clean and orderly classroom environment. Maintain records related to student progress and class assignments. Participate in meetings, conferences and in-service training programs as assigned. Assist deaf and hard of hearing students in the cafeteria, getting on and off the bus and on the playground as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• Sign language interpretation skills according to prescribed District methods.
• Educational implications of hearing impairment. Concerns and problems of deaf and hard of hearing students. Basic subjects taught in District schools including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Child guidance principles and practices. Safe practices in classroom and playground activities. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Ability To

• Assist deaf and hard of hearing students in a flexible and understanding manner. Provide instruction and interpret for deaf and hard of hearing students using sign language. Modify and prepare instructional materials for the deaf and hard of hearing as directed by the administrator.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with adults and children.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, duplicating and maintaining records. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Provide instructional assistance to students in a variety of activities. Speak, read and write clearly and distinctly. Work cooperatively with others.
• Operate instructional and duplicating equipment. Learn the functions, procedures and limitations of assigned duties.

Education And Experience

Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma or equivalent plus demonstrated proficiency in basic sign language interpretation and increasingly responsible experience working with deaf and hard of hearing children in an organized setting.

Licenses And Other Requirements

Satisfactory completion of the California High School Proficiency Examination (Basic Skills Assessment Test).

Environment

Indoor, outdoor and classroom environment.

Physical Demands

Dexterity of hands and fingers to sign and finger spell. Continuous use of elbows, shoulders, neck, back, lips and/or jaw. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Bending at the waist to assist students.

Requirements / Qualifications

BASIC FUNCTIONS

Provide sign language interpretation between teachers and deaf and hard of hearing students in a classroom or related environment; assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to deaf and hard of hearing students.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Sign language interpretation skills according to prescribed District methods.
• Educational implications of hearing impairment. Concerns and problems of deaf and hard of hearing students. Basic subjects taught in District schools including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Child guidance principles and practices. Safe practices in classroom and playground activities. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Ability To

• Assist deaf and hard of hearing students in a flexible and understanding manner. Provide instruction and interpret for deaf and hard of hearing students using sign language. Modify and prepare instructional materials for the deaf and hard of hearing as directed by the administrator.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with adults and children.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, duplicating and maintaining records. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Provide instructional assistance to students in a variety of activities. Speak, read and write clearly and distinctly. Work cooperatively with others.
• Operate instructional and duplicating equipment. Learn the functions, procedures and limitations of assigned duties.

Distinguishing Characterstics

Sign Language Interpreter I positions are typically assigned to elementary schools. Sign Language Interpreter II positions are typically assigned to high schools when the level of interpretation is more complex due to the needs of the student and the complexity of the academic program. Middle School assignments may vary based upon the needs of the student and the complexity of the academic program.

EXPERIENCE

Increasingly responsible experience working with deaf and hard of hearing childrenin an organized setting.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ATTACHED TO APPLICATION

• High School Diploma OR Equivalent AND Proficiency Exam Certificate (Basic Skills Assessment Test)
• Associate's Degree OR Bachelor's Degree OR Higher Education Degree

The Proficiency Exam (Basic Skills Assessment Test) is administered by Lodi Unified School District. Interested candidates need to RSVP by calling [phone].

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS / CERTIFICATES

The successful applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment physical examination. Cost of the exam will be borne by the District.

Comments And Other Information

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

We do not discriminate against or tolerate the harassment of employees or job applicants on the basis of their actual or perceived sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Physically or mentally disabled employees or applicants may request reasonable accommodation.

Lodi Unified School District Maintains a Tobacco Free Workplace.

• Candidates selected for interview will be notified by phone. Applicants not chosen for an interview will be notified by email. ***