Sign Language Interpreter I at Special Education

Provide sign language interpretation between teachers and deaf and hard-of-hearing students in a classroom or related environment; assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Sign Language Interpreter I positions are typically assigned to elementary schools. Sign Language Interpreter II positions are typically assigned to high schools when the level of interpretation is more complex due to the needs of the student and the complexity of the academic program. Middle School assignments may vary based upon the needs of the student and the complexity of the academic program.

Responsibilities

• Interpret by signing verbal instructions and discussions for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Interpret to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing students in communicating with counselors, teachers, administrators, psychologists, and others as needed.
• Interpret for students during other school-related activities, including assemblies, field trips, and other activities.
• Convey auditory environment stimuli to deaf students, including bells, drills/alarms, coughing, and other sounds to contribute to temporal processing and other cognitive skills.
• Assist students in regular classrooms according to established procedures and report progress to appropriate staff.
• Tutor and provide instruction as needed to individual or small groups of deaf and hard-of-hearing students; reinforce instruction as directed by the teacher.
• Provide signing for special education students to assist in achieving IEP goals; report student progress to assigned teachers.
• Assure proper functioning of hearing aids and auditory trainers.
• Provide assistance to classroom or special day class teacher as required; assist in filing, duplicating, and preparing instructional materials; assist with maintaining a clean and orderly classroom environment.
• Maintain records related to student progress and class assignments.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Assist deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the cafeteria, getting on and off the bus, and on the playground as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge Of

• Sign language interpretation skills according to prescribed District methods.
• Educational implications of hearing impairment.
• Concerns and problems of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Ability To

• Assist deaf and hard-of-hearing students in a flexible and understanding manner.
• Provide instruction and interpret for deaf and hard-of-hearing students using sign language.
• Modify and prepare instructional materials for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as directed by the administrator.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with adults and children.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, duplicating, and maintaining records.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Provide instructional assistance to students in a variety of activities.
• Speak, read, and write clearly and distinctly.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Operate instructional and duplicating equipment.
• Learn the functions, procedures, and limitations of assigned duties.

Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma or equivalent plus demonstrated proficiency in basic sign language interpretation and increasingly responsible experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing children in an organized setting.

Licenses And Other Requirements

Satisfactory completion of the California High School Proficiency Examination (Basic Skills Assessment Test).

Environment

Indoor, outdoor, and classroom environment.

Physical Demands

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to sign and finger spell.
• Continuous use of elbows, shoulders, neck, back, lips, and/or jaw.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Bending at the waist to assist students.