What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interpreter position at American School for the Deaf?
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR
Staff ASL Interpreter (Medical)
TWO OPENINGS AVAILABLE!
CLOSING DATE: Until Filled
REVISED: 01/09/2026
POST: 01/09/2026
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.
ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position: Staff ASL Interpreter (Medical)
Department: ASD Interpreting
Supervisor: ASD Interpreting Manager
Description: 12 months – Benefits Eligible
Union Status: Non-Collective Bargaining
SCOPE OF DUTIES
Reporting to the ASD Interpreting Manager, the Staff Interpreter will be assigned to a variety of work and interpreting situations. The Interpreter will interpret accurately and completely, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration the cultural context that is responsive to the demands of the situation (in-person and/or virtual).
PRIMARY DUTIES
- Provide communication access for the Deaf Community by using formative linguistic, cultural, and life experiences.
- Provide close-vision and/or tactile interpreting services to Deaf Blind community members.
- Adhere to strict guidelines for confidentiality and ethical conduct, including the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Professional Code of Conduct.
- Interpret a wide variety of assignments primarily medical, but also including employment/workforce, sate, educational, legal and more.
- Support effective and equitable communication via in-person or virtual platforms.
- Manage set-up and flow of communication to promote communicative autonomy.
- Facilitate communication across cultural differences and alerts all parties to significant cultural or linguistic disparities that may significantly impact outcomes.
- Mentor individuals working toward ASL Interpreter Certification.
- Other related duties as assigned
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Demonstrates honest & ethical conduct.
- Able to interpret complex concepts into preferred language.
- Demonstrates the ability to maintain confidentiality and understands the interpreter scope of practice.
- Able to adapt to fast-paced technology changes within the working environment.
- Demonstrate personal flexibility to meet community, administration, staff, and student communication needs.
- Demonstrate ability to provide language services with a variety of clinical populations.
- Ability to manage and communicate unanticipated changes throughout the day.
- Ability to provide services in multiple modalities: both in-person and virtually.
- Prompt response to scheduling changes.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Interpreter Certification required: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): CI, CT, CSC, NIC Certified, or National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Level V.
- Must maintain registration with the State of Connecticut Interpreter Registry.
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours.
- Willing to travel and provide interpreting services in multiple locations and settings.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Mentorship experience and training a plus.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
- Compensation range is based on experience and available upon request
- Outstanding benefits package including Retirement 403B with generous school matching, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits.
- $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service, not applicable for re-hires.
ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.
The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).
All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.