EC Sign Language Interpreter

General Definition of Work

An employee in this class is responsible for transliterating/interpreting in the classroom or at school-related activities for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Daily directions are provided by the general education teacher and/or the teacher of the deaf.  The employee consults with the teachers when problems arise.  Errors can seriously inhibit the progress of student learning.  Limited supervision is provided.

Qualification Requirements

• Educational Interpreter/Transliterator I working with sign language requires a minimum of Level 3 on the Educational Interpreter Proficiency Assessment or a passing score on a state level interpreting evaluation and a minimum of a high school diploma.
• No prior experience is required.
• Persons serving as Interpreter/Transliterator I must annually complete 15 hours of training related to interpreting that has been approved by the local education agency.
• Educational Interpreter/Transliterator I working with cued speed requires a minimum of Level 3 on the State Testing, Evaluation and Certification Unit (TEC Unit) Assessment and a minimum of a high school diploma.
• No previous experience is required. Persons serving as Interpreter/Transliterator I must annually complete 15 hours of training related to transliterating that has been approved by the local education agency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Competence in the communication modality used by the student who is deaf or hard of hearing.
• Competence in English grammar, including syntax, spelling and punctuation.
• Working knowledge of typical language development.
• Strong interpersonal skills in relating to students and adults.
• Working knowledge of subjects being interpreted.
• Understanding of deafness and its impact on language development.
• Skill in expressive transliterating/interpreting at a rate commensurate with conversational speech and class lectures.
• Adequate reverse interpreting/transliterating skill while maintaining the integrity of the message.
• Ability to work as part of the Individualized Education Program team.

Salary

Pay Grade NC10

Reports to

Exceptional Children Program Director

Essential Functions

• Facilitates communication between the student and his peers and the student and the adults in the school environment.
• Studies the context of the lessons prior to class to ensure accurate representation of the lesson.
• Tutors students who are deaf or hard of hearing under the direction of the teacher.
• Provides feedback to teachers upon request.
• Serves as a liaison to promote positive and cooperative relationships within the school environment.
• May teach beginning sign language to students or staff.
• Performs related work as required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines including computers, calculators, printers, copiers, etc. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time.
• Work occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires observing general surroundings and activities.
• Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.

Disclaimer The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.