Sign Language Interpreter, Office of Accessibility

LaGuardia Community College; New York (NY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Tax-Deferred Savings Plan

Job summary

LaGuardia Community College in New York seeks a skilled Sign Language Interpreter to facilitate communication between Deaf or hard of hearing students and hearing faculty, staff, and peers. The role covers diverse content areas and requires proficiency in ASL and English, with potential growth across levels I–IV.

The interpreter will interpret, facilitate, and advocate for accessibility while maintaining confidentiality and upholding professional standards.

Qualifications

• Fluency in both ASL and English required.
• Levels I–IV with increasing complexity and certification requirements.
• RID or NAD certifications preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse settings.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards in interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Interpret between spoken English and ASL with linguistic integrity.
• Facilitate communication in meetings, lectures, appointments, and events.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity to Deaf and hearing communities.
• Prepare and research subject matter to ensure accurate interpretation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and stay updated on best practices.
• Adhere to ethical standards and RID/NAD guidelines.
• Collaborate with interpreters and stakeholders to support accessibility.
• Advocate for accessibility and inclusive participation.

Skills

ASL fluency

English fluency

Interpreting experience

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree

ITP certificate or equivalent

RID/NAD certification

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Employees in this title provide various interpretation services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. These employees facilitate communication between spoken and signed languages for and between deaf or hard of hearing students and faculty, staff and other students. Employees in this title interpret a broad range of content areas covered in the liberal arts, technical, and other curricula offered by the various CUNY colleges. Employees may perform other related duties, and on occasion may provide similar services to college employees. Assignments are conducted in spoken English and/or American Sign Language. There are four levels of this title, which differ by complexity of work assignments and demonstrated competence. For further information, detailed job specifications are available on: www.cuny.edu (search for 'Classified Civil Service Job Descriptions').

CONTRACT TITLE

FLSA

Non-exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, educates more than 20,000 New Yorkers annually through degree, certificate, and continuing education programs. A Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to educate New Yorkers seeking new skills and careers. As an institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of underserved populations. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education. Visit www.LaGuardia.edu to learn more.

Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating communication between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who can hear. Their primary responsibility is to accurately interpret spoken language into ASL and vice versa, ensuring effective communication in various settings such as educational institutions, workplaces, medical facilities, legal proceedings, and social events. They must possess not only proficiency in ASL and English but also cultural competence to convey messages accurately while respecting the cultural nuances of both communities.

Reporting to the Director of the Office of Accessibility, the Sign Language Interpreter will perform the following functions:

• Interpretation : Provide clear and accurate interpretation between spoken English and ASL, maintaining linguistic integrity, tone, and intent of the speaker. This includes both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation as per the needs of the situation;
• Facilitate Communication : Act as a bridge between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who can hear, enabling seamless communication in diverse settings including meetings, lectures, appointments, interviews, and social gatherings;
• Cultural Sensitivity : Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic differences of both Deaf and hearing communities, adapting interpretation styles accordingly to ensure effective communication and mutual understanding;
• Preparation and Research; Familiarize yourself with subject matter and terminology relevant to the context of interpretation. Conduct research and preparation as needed to ensure accurate and effective communication.
• Confidentiality; Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism at all times, respecting the privacy of all parties involved in the communication process.
• Professional Development : Stay updated on advancements in ASL, interpreting techniques, and relevant regulations or guidelines. Pursue ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and maintain certification.
• Ethical Standards : Adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct and ethical guidelines established by relevant interpreting organizations such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or state licensing boards;
• Team Collaboration : Collaborate effectively with other interpreters, Deaf individuals, hearing clients, and stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and mutual understanding in various environments;
• Advocacy : Serve as an advocate for accessibility and inclusion, promoting awareness of the rights and needs of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals within the community and advocating for their equal participation in all aspects of society.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Level I

All persons must possess a high school diploma, or equivalent, and must have fluency in both English and American Sign Language.

Level II

All persons must meet the Qualification Requirements for Level I (above). In addition, all persons must possess an Associate's degree, or equivalent credits, and have successfully completed a Basic Interpreter Training Program at a recognized institution, or have passed the Interpreter Examination administered by the New York State Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities or equivalent.

Level III

All persons must meet the requirements for Level II. In addition, all persons must be in possession of a certificate of proficiency issued by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) (wwww.rid.org); or a certification of proficiency issued by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) (www.nad.org).

Level IV

All persons must meet the requirements for Level III. In addition, all persons must possess a baccalaureate degree.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, with advanced proficiency in both languages.
• Completion of a recognized interpreter training program (ITP) or equivalent education and training in ASL interpretation.
• Certification from a reputable interpreting organization such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or state licensure where applicable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information accurately and effectively in both ASL and English.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to the diverse needs and experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with flexibility to adapt to changing environments and communication dynamics.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and confidentiality in all aspects of the interpreting profession.
• Continuing education and professional development to maintain certification and stay current with best practices in ASL interpretation.

COMPENSATION

New Hire Salary: $28.53/hour*

Incumbent Rate: $32.22/hour

New Hire Salary: $37.89/hour*

Incumbent Rate: $42.80./hour

Incumbent Rate: $56.93/hour

Incumbent Rate: $75.66/hour

*This amount reflects a 13% salary suppression in effect for the first 24 months of employment only

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

CLOSING DATE

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.