Sign Language Educational Interpreter

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt | Reports To: Assigned Coordinator of Special Education and Teacher

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Ohio interpreter for the hearing-impaired license.
• Documentation of a clear criminal record.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.
• Demonstrated proficiency in spoken English.
• Proficient in communication skills, including but not limited to: American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), and/or Signed Exact English (SEE).
• Strong voicing skills that accurately reflect expression.
• Skilled in using alternative forms of communication (e.g., gestures, mime, etc.).
• Open to the use of a total communication approach.
• Self-directed, congenial disposition, and strong interpersonal skills.

Note: Appointment requires successful completion and periodic renewal of state-mandated and service center training requirements (e.g., state licensure criteria, communicable disease, child abuse, CPR, first aid, and/or behavioral management training).

Job Objectives

Provides interpretive services to facilitate communications between students with hearing and/or communication disabilities and other individuals through oral and signed language. Strives to support a productive learning environment.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Provide interpreting and/or transliterating services.
• Use communication methods that best meet the needs of the assigned students' IEPs.
• Work with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Help maintain a positive learning environment.
• Uphold board policies and follow administrative guidelines and procedures.
• Promote a favorable image of the service center.
• Support community/school partnerships that enhance the service center's operational effectiveness.
• Promote the effective use of interpretative services (e.g., consumer training, etc.).
• Collaborate with the educational team to address supplemental service needs (e.g., remedial or enrichment activities, personal care concerns, etc.).
• Educate staff about using interpreting services and providing visual access to deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Use preparation time to increase knowledge of the classroom to effectively interpret material.
• Offer help when students ask or their behavior suggests they need assistance when appropriate. Avoid being intrusive.
• Help mediate student concerns discreetly.
• Support an inclusive educational environment.
• Facilitate the participation of students with disabilities in appropriate peer group activities as directed.
• Help teachers implement classroom modifications/accommodations as requested.
• Position students to take full advantage of each learning environment (e.g., line-of-sight, proximity to equipment, height of work surfaces, etc.).
• Respect personal privacy. Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Take precautions to ensure staff/student safety. Do not leave assigned students unsupervised.
• Watch for behavior that may indicate a problem. Work with staff to eliminate unacceptable behavior.
• Maintain high standards and uphold the student conduct code.
• Promote the proper use and care of school property. Report student discipline problems, vandalism, and other related concerns.
• Report evidence of suspected child abuse and neglect as required by law.
• Participate in parent conferences, open houses, and other required events when appropriate.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed.
• Accept personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Wear appropriate work attire and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Strive to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Perform other specific job-related duties as directed.

Required Abilities

• Act in accordance with the professional code of ethics.
• Demonstrate professionalism and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Organize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Skillfully manage individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Effectively use listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Address problem situations and intervene to resolve conflicts when appropriate.
• Exhibit consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience.
• Exercise tact and self-control when dealing with other individuals.
• Complete paperwork accurately. Verify and correctly enter data.
• Maintain an acceptable attendance record and be punctual.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances and factors that may not be predictable.
• Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing.
• Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments.
• Duties may require using a computer keyboard and monitor.
• Duties may require working extended hours.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

Conduct

• Each staff member shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance and abuse of any prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the Agency.

Terms of Employment

• Each staff member shall be a role model for students to conduct themselves as citizens and responsible, intelligent human beings.
• Each staff member has a legal responsibility to help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values.
• The employees are responsible for maintaining proper certification/licensure and initiating the renewal process in sufficient time to receive the updated certificate/license before the present certificate/license expires.