Hourly Sign Language Interpreter POOL (Temporary & Intermittent)

About the role

This is an hourly, temporary, intermittent position. Work schedules may vary each academic term depending on operational needs. This position may require working some weekend and evening hours as needed.

The purpose of this position is to provide communication access via sign language interpreting/transliterating services for students, faculty, staff and guests of the campus who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Sign language interpreting/transliterating services may be needed in academic courses, meetings, office hours, student groups, and/or campus events. These services may be required to be provided on-site at one of Cal State East Bay’s three campuses: Hayward, Concord, and/or Oakland.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional level sign language interpreting/transliterating services for students, faculty, staff and guests of the campus who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or deaf-blind in a variety of assignments across campus.
• Interpret or transliterate classroom instruction and campus-related assignments beyond the classroom (i.e., meetings, review sessions, field experiences), as needed.
• Interpret or transliterate for campus-wide events (i.e., Fall Convocation, Honors Convocation, Commencement Ceremonies, etc.), as needed.
• Interpret or transliterate for Accessibility Services department-sponsored events, as needed.
• When available, substitute when other interpreters are absent, as needed.
• Prepare for assignments by reading course materials, reviewing course information in Canvas, etc., as needed.

Requirements

• Certification Requirements: Certification from the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and/or certification from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), or comparable certification.
• Education and Experience: Generally, wide acquaintance with academic higher education through attendance at or graduation from a four year college or university may be essential to provide interpreting services at a level required for the position assignments. Two years (2) of relevant documented interpreting experience in a variety of settings usually are needed to perform at the level required for position assignments.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of the interpreting process. Demonstrated understanding of the special communication needs of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing consumers. Comprehensive understanding of Deaf Culture. Working knowledge of platform interpreting techniques. Working knowledge of the vocabulary, terminology, and basic information in a variety of subjects. Specific knowledge of specialized vocabulary and techniques used in interpreting professional and technical subject matter. Able to interpret effectively at a level that requires using unique terminology and language. Effectively shift between ASL or a manual sign system to spoken English and vice versa in highly interactive situations, such as discussions, workshops, seminars and platform settings. Interpret difficult and complex terms, concepts, ideas and emotions. Learn unique subject matter, theories, and terminology. Provide accurate, thorough, and comprehensive services. Be responsive to students’ communication needs and preferences.
• Education and Experience: Requires broad experience with higher education and/or complex subject matter presented at the university level. Currently attend, or have graduated from, a four-year university in order to effectively understand student needs in various university settings and ensure effective delivery of services. Excellent English vocabulary, grammar, and spelling skills and familiarity with university-level curriculum.

Skills and Abilities

• Possess a high degree of linguistic, cognitive, and technical skills. Skills to convey accurately the register, tone, intent, and content of the presenter’s and consumer’s message while interpreting/transliterating. Skills to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse, multicultural environment.

Knowledge

• Demonstrated understanding of student and classroom needs in a university setting. Thorough understanding of the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience with Deaf culture, rapport with the Deaf community and rapport with the interpreting community. Minimum of three years (3) of university interpreting/transliterating experience. Basic office skills including common office computer software programs, email platforms, and electronic calendaring.