Sign Language Interpreter

Apply for this exciting, unique opportunity while spending a year in a great place on a Great Lake! As a designated American Sign Language (ASL) hearing interpreter, you will be working onsite with a Deaf medical student during clinical rotations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This position is the integral third member of a highly qualified, supportive, curious, and engaged team of staff interpreters. The person hired will collaborate to develop best practices for student access and participation in unique situations. An onsite supervisor and the UW Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services team will provide support in navigating logistical and technological issues.

About the role

This is a 13-month position starting in early December 2026, with approximately one month of hybrid onboarding and training, followed by 12 months onsite. Relocation expense reimbursement up to $2,500 provided if applicable. Possibility to extend employment beyond December 2027 is dependent upon the student’s next specialty rotations.

Responsibilities

• Provides consultation and answers questions regarding best practices for interpreting and working with deaf individuals for the University community.
• Prepares for interpreting requests by utilizing provided preparation materials, researching outside sources, and communicating with colleagues.
• Interprets or transliterates for advanced or technically complex academic content or institutional events that include sensitive or high-impact requests, utilizing ethical analysis to determine optimal options in interpreting situations.
• Eager to interpret in a variety of clinical and hospital environments for required rotations, including the Emergency Department, OB/GYN, Surgery, and Primary Care. These rotations are an evaluative part of the medical school curriculum.
• Deeply appreciates the student’s need to be interpreted accurately across patient interactions and in foundational learning environments with faculty and peers.

Requirements

• Minimum three years of experience as an ASL interpreter in postsecondary settings.
• Ability to convey academic concepts effectively, professionally, and accurately in and between both American Sign Language and English.
• Current Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Certification and/or National Association of the Deaf Certification and/or equivalent certification in good standing.
• Wisconsin Sign Language Interpreter-Advanced Hearing State License required or eligible by the start date of the position.
• Ability to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodations: stand for 2-3 hours at a time; wear personal protective equipment while interpreting in specific situations.
• Compliance with all annual health systems and university compliance training and requirements.
• History of rapidly learning and acculturating new work environments, physical spaces, and unique vocabulary.
• Ability to identify and retain critical information to confidentially share with the team as needed to provide consistent services.
• Ability to discern the goal of the setting when making decisions (e.g., general learning and training; evaluation and assessment; patient care and safety).
• Reliable transportation to/from hospitals and clinics in the greater Milwaukee area.
• Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience as an ASL interpreter in healthcare settings.
• Understanding of medical systems, workflows, personnel structure, and culture of healthcare teams.
• Certificate of completion or equivalent from an accredited interpreter training program is strongly preferred, though relevant experience may be considered.
• Ability to set up and utilize related technology, such as assistive listening devices, microphones, and web conferencing tools.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic work environments.
• Flexibility to work a base schedule of 40 hours/week with occasional compensatory time or overtime. Start and end times Monday–Friday may vary depending on hours of rotation. Infrequent weekend work depends on the type of rotation.
• Knowledge of broad accommodation options and services for deaf learners.

Pay

As University Staff, interpreters are paid for their interpreting time, preparation time, and consultative time for a total of 40 hours per week at their hourly rate. The starting salary depends on the experience and qualifications of the applicant. This position also qualifies for shift differentials (between 6:00pm - 6:00am) and compensation time or overtime beyond 40 hours/week. The minimum of $36.06/hour is approximately $75,000 annually. Sign-on bonus of $1,000. Additional bonus up to $1,000 upon successful completion and based on performance at one year.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

About the department

The McBurney Disability Resource Center is the office for students with disabilities and classroom accommodations on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. As part of the student accommodation process, we work collaboratively with students and instructors to provide and support effective student accommodations. We strive to create an inclusive campus environment that allows students to engage, explore, and participate in the Wisconsin Idea. We work with over 6,000 students annually, have a strong collaborative team, and partner with students, instructors, staff, student organizations, and others throughout the campus and community. McBurney is part of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, led by the vice chancellor for student affairs. Our staff is dedicated to serving students and to helping them succeed in and out of the classroom in areas including health and well-being, student success and belonging, leadership and engagement, and student advocacy.