Special Education: Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Educational Interpreter
South Bend Community School Corp — Multiple SBCSC Locations, South Bend, Indiana
Job Details
Job ID: 5838965
Application Deadline: Jun 07, 2027 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted: Jul 17, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately
Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Special Education: Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Educational Interpreter
POSITION SUMMARY
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Department of South Bend Community School Corporation serves students with diverse language, communication, and access needs across public and non-public school settings. The Educational Interpreter is a specialized, student-centered role responsible for providing equitable access to instruction, communication, and school-related activities by conveying spoken and signed language in a manner aligned with the student’s communication mode, language level, and developmental needs.
The interpreter works across a variety of academic and non-academic environments and collaborates with multiple staff members throughout the school day. Responsibilities are guided by the student’s IEP, best practices, and direction from the Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TODHH) and Case Conference Committee.
CERTIFICATION / LICENSURE EXPECTATIONS
Candidates must meet or be actively working toward Indiana state expectations for Educational Interpreters, including:
- State Certification as an Educational Interpreter
- EIPA score of 3.5+, or
- EIPA score of 3.0, with recommendation from certification board, with a plan for continued training and reassessment
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED required
- Strong spoken and written English skills
- Enrollment in or graduation from the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) with recommendation(s)
- Demonstrated or developing proficiency in communication modalities used by students with hearing loss, including:
- Sign Language (ASL)
- Manually Coded English (PSE/SEE)
- Cued Speech
- Total Communication
- Auditory/Oral strategies
- Experience working with children with diverse developmental, cognitive, and communication needs
- Knowledge of child development, behavior management, and inclusive educational practices
- Ability to adapt communication and materials to meet individual student needs
- Ability to work collaboratively and follow directions from certified staff
- Ability to collect data and document information accurately
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Communication Access
- Provide accurate, complete, and developmentally appropriate interpretation of instructional content and environmental communication
- Convey the full intent, tone, and content of messages while maintaining objectivity
- Facilitate communication between the student, staff, and peers while preserving message integrity
- Ensure access across all settings, including classroom instruction, discussions, and incidental communication
Instructional & Language Support
- Adjust interpretation to match the student’s instructional vocabulary and language exposure
- Utilize scaffolding and clarification techniques to support comprehension while maintaining accuracy
- Prepare for instruction by reviewing materials, vocabulary, and concepts in advance
- Support both receptive and expressive language development
Student Independence & Development
- Promote independence, self-advocacy, and appropriate use of interpreting services
- Support peer interaction and social participation
- Gradually fade intervention and support as appropriate to encourage autonomy
- Maintain professional and personal boundaries while supporting social and cultural development
Collaboration & Documentation
- Collaborate with TODHH, general education teachers, and related service providers
- Participate in IEP meetings, staffings, and team communication
- Document and communicate student access, present levels, and needs
- Assist in planning, goal setting, and implementation of supports
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- Works in a variety of settings, including classrooms, small groups, assemblies, field trips, and extracurricular activities
- Schedule and assignments may vary throughout the day based on student needs
- Reports directly to the Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TODHH) and General Education administrators and staff on a daily basis
- Follows the SBCSC chain of command: General Education teacher and TODHH, General Education Administration, Special Education Support Team, Special Education D/HH Supervisor, Special Education Administration, and Superintendent
- Adhere to professional and ethical standards for educational interpreting (confidentiality, accuracy, impartiality)
- Serve as a sign language interpreter, ensuring access without independently altering instructional intent
- Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a supportive learning environment
- Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and responsiveness
- Engage in ongoing training related to hearing loss, communication strategies, and educational practices as it relates to students
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This position may include note-taking, instructional support, and assistance with assistive technology (HAT/CAT) as outlined in the student’s IEP
- May include support during non-instructional times (e.g., transitions, lunch, recess) as assigned
- The interpreter will receive a duty-free lunch and a scheduled break, aligned with the student schedule.
- The interpreter will be asked to follow SBCSC employment mandates (mandatory reporting, report times, attendance reporting, service on e-learning days, etc.) and may be asked to complete corporation mandatory training.
IIC- Indiana Interpreter Certificate
EIPA- Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment
Position Type: Full-Time
Job Requirements
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required
Contact Information
- Joel Boehner, Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners
- Multiple SBCSC Locations
- Email: jboehner@sbcsc.k12.in.us
Map
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