Sign Language Interpreter, Special Education

Intermediate School District 917; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Intermediate School District 917 is seeking a Sign Language Interpreter for Hastings High School to support deaf and hard-of-hearing students. You will provide essential communication services, collaborate with educators, and maintain a positive classroom environment.

The ideal candidate should have certification in sign language interpreting and experience in educational settings. This position requires skills in communication, collaboration, and adaptability to students' needs.

The role offers a chance to make a significant impact in the lives of students within Dakota County.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skill and certification in expressive and receptive sign language interpreting.
• Experience interpreting or transliterating in an educational setting is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to work with special education students.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpreting services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to meet student needs.
• Prepare for assignments and maintain active communication.

Skills

Expressive and receptive sign language interpreting

Team collaboration

Basic computer and email skills

Education

NAD/ACCI, EIPA, or RID certification

Experience in educational settings

Job description

Sign Language Interpreter, Special Education

Location: Hastings High School, Hastings MN

Effective Start Date: August 26, 2026

Hours per day: 7.25

Schedule: 7:30 AM – 2:45 PM, Monday through Friday; follows school calendar and assignments

Salary: Salary dependent on degree, certification, and experience per interpreter contract

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the program's assistant director or principal, the interpreter provides sign language interpreting services to students who are deaf and hard of hearing, ensuring effective communication among students, teachers, and staff in elementary and/or secondary settings within Dakota County. The role includes training teachers and students, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting classroom instruction in accordance with district policy and state/federal laws.

Responsibilities

• Provide sign language interpreting services in classroom settings for deaf and hard of hearing students.
• Follow program direction as provided by the program supervisor; meet to prepare for assignments and ensure effective interpreting and transliterating services.
• Adapt physical conditions to optimize students' visual access to interpreted messages in instructional settings.
• Prepare for interpreter duties by studying subject matter, meeting with teachers and instructors, and practicing related sign vocabulary.
• Adhere to the code of conduct for educational interpreters.
• Become aware of students' language and skill levels, ensuring appropriate interpreting techniques; review and facilitate students' individualized education plans as appropriate.
• Perform classroom assistance, tutoring and supervision of students when not performing interpreting duties.
• Help maintain safety of all students and the environment.
• Collaborate with related service personnel, teachers, assistants, and other program/school staff to meet students' needs and maintain a positive work environment.
• Participate in program assignments, training/in-service as determined by the special education supervisor, in accordance with the contract.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skill and certification in expressive and receptive sign language interpreting; NAD/ACCI, EIPA, or RID certification preferred; provisional certificate required.
• Experience interpreting or transliterating in an educational setting, preferred.
• Ability to work as a team player, accept a variety of interpreting assignments at different locations when assigned, and support the development of student consumers' language, communication, self‑advocacy, and other developmental needs in collaboration with other educational team members.
• Willingness and ability to work with students receiving special education services.
• Effective member of a team with staff, parents, and the community through building and maintaining collaborative and positive relationships.
• Basic computer and email skills; proficiency in core educational subject areas.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to handle up to 25 pounds of exerted force.
• Frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, and repetitive motions, sitting, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling, and lifting.
• Ability to tolerate sudden jarring movement.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and to bloodborne pathogens and may require wearing personal protective equipment.
• Locations are generally moderately noisy.

Intermediate School District 917 is an equal opportunity employer.