GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

 

The individual in this position is responsible for communication among deaf and hard of hearing students and their hearing peers, teachers, parents and other personnel in the mainstreamed educational setting. Must be able to interpret and transliterate at a normal conversational rate. Complies with the Code of Ethics set forth by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Essential Functions:

 

• Facilitates communication/interactions of deaf students with administrators, guidance counselors, librarians, and other staff members, students, and teachers.
• Interprets within the classroom setting and for assemblies, guest speakers, school events, etc.
• Interprets for resource classes, assemblies, theatrical performances, announcements, and field trips per the IEP.
• Interprets other assignments outside the school day such as tutoring, club meetings, disciplinary actions, bus situations, sports, PTA meetings, summer school, and HCPS sponsored summer student workshops.
• Interpret for deaf parents attending school-related activities.
• Prepares a report every 6 weeks for the case manager about student’s progress for report cards generated from EZ-IEP.
• Maintains a copy and is familiar with students’ “IEP At a Glance” for accommodations/ requirements per the IEP.
• Prepares for all interpreting assignments to ensure an accurate representation of the material being presented.
• Requests weekly lesson plans from teachers and copies/links of textbooks used.
• Pre-teaches vocabulary and new concepts prior to introduction in mainstream classes.
• Interprets/tutors lessons to deaf students within group or individual settings.
• Encourages self-advocacy and independence for deaf students.
• Works with the mainstream classroom teachers to provide lesson materials that make concepts as visual as possible.
• Provides/prepares charts, pictures, PowerPoint presentations, other teacher-made materials, etc., including materials for the students to take home for additional practice and to encourage parent participation.
• Plans and creates visual displays within the HI classroom, including decorating the door and changing bulletin boards/displays monthly.
• Attends all staff meetings/training as requested by the building principal.
• Presents sign language workshops as requested; teaches a sign language class to school/community when requested by the school system.
• Reports to HI and curriculum teacher(s) on student’s present level of performance and aids in the development of future IEP goals; attends and participates in IEP meetings.
• Serves as a resource for teachers, administrators, and other staff members regarding the role of the interpreter and promotes cultural understanding.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• High School Diploma required, Associate’s Degree or higher preferred.
• Fluent in American Sign Language.
• Successful completion of a passing score on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Test along with a minimum of a Level 3.5 on the EIPA Performance Test or any other state qualification or national certification (excluding Certificate of Deaf Interpretation) recognized by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as equivalent to or exceeding the VQAS Level III.
• Participate in ongoing interpreter educational opportunities and attend training workshops as available; must have 20 hours of documented CEUs per year to maintain current EIPA score.
• Prior background knowledge of assistive technology (especially Phonak FM systems and equipment) used within the educational setting is preferred.
• Or an equivalent level of education and experience.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of sign language methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of classroom procedures and instruction program.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other District employees and the public. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to sign accurately and rapidly process information for extended periods.

Physical Requirements:

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

The work is sedentary to light work which requires exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking. Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing. Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations. Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching..  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Pushing or Pulling: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward. Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

 

Work Environment:

 

The worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

 

DISCLAIMER:  The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required to employees to this job.

 

Position will be posted until filled.

 

Henry County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Due to limited funds, Henry County Public Schools is unable to sponsor Visas.