JOB TITLE:  Sign Language Interpreter

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  Principal

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the direct supervision of the school principal and Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, the Sign Language interpreter facilitates 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interpret all content and special subject areas for deaf or hard-of-hearing students, grades K-12, as deemed necessary by the students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Interpret for IEP meetings, parent conferences and deaf staff members.
• Interpret other activities during the school day to include assemblies, theatrical performances, announcements, musicals, and field trips.
• Interpret other assignments outside the school day such as tutoring, club meetings, disciplinary actions, bus situations, sports, PTA meetings, summer school, and weekend summer and evening field trips.
• Interpret interactions of deaf students with administrators, guidance counselors, librarians, and other staff members.
• Interpret for deaf parents attending school-related activities.
• Prepare for all interpreting assignments to ensure accurate representation of the material being presented.
• Serve as a resource for teachers, administrators, and other staff members regarding the role of the interpreter and promote cultural understanding.
• Mentor newly hired interpreters and students from interpreter training programs.
• Serve as a language role model and encourage self-advocacy and independence for deaf students.
• Continue professional development by attending workshops and classes to acquire and maintain state qualification or national certification recognized by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as equivalent to or exceeding the VQAS Level III.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of sign language methods and procedures; general knowledge of classroom procedures and instruction program; ability to sign accurately and rapidly process information for extended periods; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and parents; ability to work independently without direct guidance or supervision;

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma required; Associate 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. Classroom interpreting experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact

as defined by the ability to see, read, talk, and hear; may require long periods of standing; significant use of hands and upper body. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Position will be posted until filled.

Henry County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.