ALBANY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE

Laramie, Wyoming

JOB DESCRIPTION: Educational Sign Language Interpreter 

POSITION SUMMARY:

• The Educational Sign Language Interpreter is responsible for facilitating effective communication between students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their teachers, peers, and other individuals within the educational environment. The interpreter provides communication access through the use of American Sign Language (ASL), signed English, voice interpreting, and other communication methods appropriate to the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Educational Sign Language Interpreter supports student access to instructional content, school activities, and services while maintaining professional ethics, confidentiality, and neutrality.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Educational Sign Language Interpreter:

1. Provides sign language interpreting services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in instructional and non-instructional settings. *

1. Interprets classroom instruction, discussions, presentations, assemblies, extracurricular activities, meetings, and other school-related events. *

1. Utilizes communication methods appropriate to student needs, including American Sign Language (ASL), signed English, transliteration, cued speech, or other communication systems as appropriate. *

1. Facilitates communication between students, staff, peers, and community members while maintaining the integrity and intent of all communications. *

1. Maintains confidentiality of student records, educational information, and sensitive communications in accordance with District policy and applicable law. *

1. Collaborates with teachers, special education staff, administrators and related-service providers regarding student communication needs. *

1. Assists in implementing accommodations and supports identified in student IEPs. *

1. Prepares for interpreting assignments by reviewing instructional materials, vocabulary, and lesson content as appropriate. *

1. Promotes student independence and self-advocacy while avoiding inappropriate prompting or instructional interference. *

1. Participates in IEP meetings, staffing meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as assigned. *

1. Maintains professional interpreting standards, ethics, and conduct consistent with educational interpreting practices. *

1. Follows the policies and procedures of the school(s) and the *

1. Ensures that confidentiality is maintained for sensitive records and other information. *

1. Responds appropriately to student behavior in the total school environment by enforcing school rules in hallways, on the grounds, and other areas of the school. *

1. Participates in professional growth (such as professional organizations, coursework, workshops, and conferences) and other professional activities (such as school and/or District committees, taskforces, in-depth studies, or councils). *

1. Demonstrates a sense of professional responsibility, such as demonstrating ethical behavior; providing accurate data and reports when needed; meeting deadlines; maintaining confidentiality; caring for the equipment and materials; and dressing appropriately; exhibiting sensitivity to those with special needs; maintaining good professional relationships with parents and community members; and presenting a good role model. *

1. Other duties as assigned.

* Denotes essential functions

(The tasks listed under the heading of Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities are examples of the variety and general nature of duties performed by employees in positions allocated to the classification. This specification should not be interpreted to describe all the duties which may be assigned to an employee at this level.)

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture.
• Ability to interpret spoken language into sign language and sign language into spoken English accurately and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Knowledge of educational terminology and classroom procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and special education staff.
• Ability to adapt communication methods to student developmental and educational needs.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and neutrality while interpreting.
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and practices is preferred.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:                  Bachelor's Degree; candidate must hold, or be eligible for hold a permit issued by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board as a Educational Sign Language Interpreter .

Work Experience:      Experience working with children or within an educational setting preferred. Experience interpreting in K-12 educational environment preferred.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

-       The Physical Abilities and Working Conditions listed in this section are representative of but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Working Conditions which may be required for this position.  Albany County School District #1 encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment for this position and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Chief Human Resources Officer for further information.

-                Vision: (which may be corrected) to read small print; view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

-                Hearing: (which may be corrected) to answer telephones and tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

-                Speech: to be understood in face-to-face communications; to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone.

-                Upper Body Mobility: use hands and fingers to feel, grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at the wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower the head.

-                Strength: to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

-                Environmental Requirements: encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors and outdoors.

-                Mental Requirements: read, write, understand, interpret, and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile, and coordinate information and records.

-                Additional Work Conditions and Physical Abilities: May require travel to multiple sites.

EVALUATION

-       Evaluation of this position shall be by the Director of Special Education.

Salary : $63,500 - $95,296