Special Education Sign Language Interpreter

Richmond County School System; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond County School System is hiring an Educational Interpreter for Deaf/hard-of-hearing students. The role includes interpreting lectures, assisting in classroom activities, and serving as a liaison between the students and faculty.

Qualifications include a two-year college degree or equivalent skills, relevant experience, and certification. The work environment requires ongoing physical activity and lifting of up to 25 pounds. Ideal candidates will be knowledgeable in instructional techniques and Sign Language proficiency.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or Associate Degree from a two-year Interpreting Program.
• Paraprofessional Certificate with a valid Georgia Educational Interpreter License preferred.
• Two years of experience interpreting for the deaf or hard of hearing.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for supporting Deaf/hard-of-hearing students.
• Interpret lecture material and student responses accurately.
• Liaison between hearing peers, staff, and faculty.

Skills

Knowledge of instructional techniques

Ability to assist with reading, writing, math

Understanding of student needs

Sign Language proficiency

Education

Associate Degree from a two-year Interpreting Program

Bachelor’s degree in Sign Language

Job description

Job Qualifications

Education: Two years College / Georgia Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Quality Assurance Assessment or equivalent skills and/or an Associate Degree from a two-year Interpreting Program. Associate degree with Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or equivalent skills.

Certification or Licensure: Paraprofessional Certificate. A valid Georgia Educational Interpreter License is preferred.

Skills: Knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics. Knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate. Knowledge of the characteristics and needs of students with disabilities. A bachelor’s degree in Sign Language is preferred. Possess Georgia Registry of Interpreters for The Deaf Advanced Quality Assurance Assessment or equivalent skills.

Work Experience: Two years of experience interpreting for the deaf or hard of hearing, preferably in an educational setting, is desired.

Primary Duty

This position is responsible for functions in a support position working with Deaf/hard-of-hearing students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpreting:
• Guards confidentiality in accordance with the Registry Of Interpreters For The Deaf Code Of Ethics.
• Reports to general education class on time.
• Meets with teacher and deaf student(s) before the first class for introduction and explains the role of interpreter.
• Stands in a place that provides the best distance, lighting, background, and angle for student viewing. Consult with teachers and students regarding this.
• Interprets lecture material accurately.
• Voice interprets student responses accurately.
• Directs student questions to the teacher and teacher questions to the student.
• Provides interpreting services on an as‑needed basis for school functions outside the classroom during regularly scheduled school hours. (Assemblies, tutoring, etc.)
• Confers with general education classroom teachers and the teacher of the hearing impaired in order to better prepare to provide interpreting services.
• Serves as liaison to promote good public relations between the hearing impaired, hearing peers, staff, and faculty members.
• Participates in relevant professional growth activities (e.g. workshops, sessions at meetings, conventions, course work, staff development, self‑initiated research).
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervising teacher or principal such as interpreting for a deaf parent/guardian during a meeting.
• The employee shall carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as are assigned or required by such employee’s supervisor, other appropriate school personnel, law, board policy, administrative regulation, department handbook, as are reasonably necessary to the efficient operation of the school system and its mission.
• The employee shall carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as are assigned, or required by such employee’s supervisor, other appropriate school personnel, law, board policy, administrative regulation, department handbook, as are reasonably necessary to the efficient operation of the school system and its mission.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to move around the classroom including stooping, bending, standing for extended periods, and moving heavy objects up to 20 – 30 pounds. Ability to lift and assist with self‑care.