Staff Interpreter (CHI)

Gallaudet University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gallaudet University is seeking a Staff Interpreter (Certified Hearing Interpreter) to support the GIS in delivering communication‑access services for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors on campus and at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. The role requires a minimum of four years of professional interpreting experience, RID/BEI credentials, and fluent ASL.

You will prepare for assignments, collaborate with event coordinators, and adhere to the RID/NAD Code of

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and/or GED.
• Minimum of four years of professional interpreting experience.
• RID Certification and/or BEI credential.
• Ability to communicate in American Sign Language.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional and accurate interpreting services to the Gallaudet community in a wide variety of settings as assigned.
• Prepare for each assignment by reviewing scheduled assignments ahead of time and reviewing all available materials.
• Develop breadth and depth of interpreting competency between one or more language pairs, including ASL and English.
• Adhere to the RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct and maintain confidentiality.
• Coordinate interpreting services for large or specialized events in collaboration with supervisors and scheduling.
• Meet regularly with the supervisor to review performance and opportunities for growth.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

ASL proficiency

Problem solving under pressure

Interpreting in diverse settings

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Overview

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, and multicultural institution of higher education dedicated to the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, a federally funded center, operates exemplary elementary and secondary education programs and provides nationwide outreach, curricula, and professional development.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Interpreting Administrator, the Staff Interpreter (Certified Hearing Interpreter) supports the Gallaudet Interpreting Service (GIS) in providing communication‑access services for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visitors at Gallaudet University and the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional and accurate interpreting services to the Gallaudet community in a wide variety of settings as assigned.
• Prepare for each assignment by reviewing scheduled assignments ahead of time, reviewing all available materials, seeking additional prep if needed, meeting with presenters or event coordinators to review content, discuss logistics, and determine appropriate interpreting needs for the environment, including co‑interpreting needs.
• Develop breadth and depth of interpreting competency between one or more language pairs, including American Sign Language and English.
• Engage in ongoing self‑assessment of skill, collaborate with the supervisor to identify focus areas, and work with the GIS scheduling office to request assignments that provide continued growth opportunities. Incorporate goal setting into the yearly performance evaluation process.
• Adhere to the RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct by maintaining strict confidentiality, demonstrating respect for consumers and colleagues, and abiding by all tenets of the CPC.
• Provide interpreting services without personal benefit and in a manner that fosters consumer autonomy.
• Follow Gallaudet University’s code of conduct as outlined in the University Administration & Operations Manual and conduct self‑appropriately in all interpersonal communications.
• Practice conflict resolution when necessary to maintain a positive environment.
• Submit all required employment‑related documentation in a timely manner by responding to emails from both the University and GIS and completing all necessary training and compliance requirements by the specified deadlines.
• Maintain interpreting credentials and support the Belonging and Engagement missions.
• Meet regularly with the supervisor to review performance, activities, consumer feedback, scheduling input, and opportunities to enhance GIS services for the university community.
• Coordinate interpreting services for large or specialized events (e.g., conferences, graduation, Homecoming) while collaborating with the supervisor and scheduling team.
• Serve on departmental committees and contribute to the effective operations of GIS.
• Participate in mentoring, mentor‑training, and professional development opportunities; engage in reciprocal mentoring with colleagues.
• Develop and apply short‑ and long‑term solutions to current issues facing the interpreting field.
• Establish and maintain a positive and supportive working relationship with co‑workers and supervisors.
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to belonging in the workplace and participate in activities and workshops that foster continuous learning.
• Serve as a mandatory TitleIX reporter, complete TitleIX training and other compliance requirements annually, prioritize workplace safety, and adhere to safety procedures and protocols.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and/or GED.
• Minimum of four years of professional interpreting experience.
• RID Certification and/or BEI credential.
• Ability to communicate in American Sign Language.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience working in a higher‑education setting.

Knowledge,SkillsandAbilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong ability to learn to interpret for deaf people across the life course.
• Strong ability to solve problems in real time when faced with competing demands or ethical dilemmas.
• Strong ability to perform or learn techniques in interlingual interpreting in a variety of settings (platform, teaming, formal, informal, medical, legal, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work with and across university departments, outside constituents, and groups.

Additional Job Details

The incumbent must be able to work evenings or weekends as needed. Applicants should submit a portfolio of professional interpreting experience, including descriptions of experience in various interpreting settings, mentorship/practicum supervision experience, workshops, trainings, professional presentations, classes delivered and attended, a list of any published works, and a list of other contributions to the field of interpreting.

A candidate without a Bachelor’s degree will be required to obtain one within five years of employment (failure to meet the requirement may result in termination of employment).

A “Pass” rating on the GIS interpreting‑skills screening is required before the hire date.

All successful candidates must undergo a background check that must be cleared prior to employment.

EEO Statement

Gallaudet University is an equal‑opportunity employer/educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, marital status, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis. This policy is in compliance with TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and other applicable laws and applies to all procedures affecting applicants and employees.