Sign Language Interpreter

Qualifications :

• High School Diploma or GED required
• State requirements for title of Educational Interpreter
• Current State of Missouri Interpreter Certification : Intermediate (level 3), or above (level 4 or 5)
• Current State of Missouri Interpreter License
• Degree in Interpreting from an accredited Interpreter Training Program preferred
• Ability to use email, or willingness to learn skill with training

Fair Labor Standards Act Status : Non-Exempt

Reports to : Building Administrator(s)

Job Goal :

• To strengthen and facilitate communication in the language most beneficial between students who are deaf or have a hearing loss and their teachers and peers in the educational environment.
• To interpret learning and behavior goals that are in the school district’s curriculum so that the student who is deaf or has a hearing loss is able to benefit from these provisions.

Performance Responsibilities for Educational Interpreter :

• To work cooperatively and collaboratively with teachers and other staff members, administrators, and parents
• To perform according to State Regulations for Interpreters and to comply with the Interpreters Code of Ethics, as well as perform within the professional guidelines of the Independence School District
• Prepare for interpreting assignments, and arrange with the appointed supervisor an appropriate time during the school day to do so
• Meet their assigned student at the designated time and location
• Consult with the classroom teacher and position themselves so that lighting, location and vision is adequate for the student to see the interpreter and the teacher, as well as the material presented
• Interact positively with all students and model appropriate dress and behavior
• Work with and interpret for a deaf or hard of hearing student in a group setting with hearing students to encourage independence and interaction with peers, and to reinforce skills and language introduced by the teacher
• Interpret any and all classes, social and academic activities, formal or informal, in the spirit and content that is presented, in which the assigned deaf or hard of hearing student is involved during the school day
• Interpret language of learning materials and instruction from teachers in the sign language system that is best understood by the deaf or hard of hearing student, which will be determined by the educational team
• Direct students’ questions to the teacher to encourage direct interaction between the teacher and the student. This will foster independence and promote classroom participation
• Allow the deaf student freedom to work on his / her own, make mistakes and choices, so as to learn as independently as possible
• Team with other interpreters when necessary for class assignments, assemblies, field trips, plays, etc
• If no interpreting services are needed, additional responsibilities may include : Tutoring another student who is deaf or has a hearing loss, informal sign language instructions, assisting the teacher in the classroom, and other duties as assigned

Terms of Employment :

The duration of the position is contingent upon the continued funding of the program, project, or assignment for which the appointment is made.

The salary and work calendar is to be established by the Board of Education.

Evaluation :

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy by the immediate supervisor, utilizing the Independence School District School Support Staff Performance Based Evaluation.