What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education (SPED) American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Paraeducator position at Coupeville School District?
POSITION TITLE: Special Education (SPED) American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter - Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Paraeducator
REQUIRED: Fluent/Certified in American Sign Language (ASL)
LOCATION: Coupeville School District with transport to/from Edmonds School District
JOB NUMBER: 777
*RATE OF PAY: $32.99, Classified - Step 1, *Rate, Commensurate with CESA Salary Schedule -Classified
Job Description
NOTE: This assignment involves providing ASL interpretation and support services for a DHH student during daily round-trip transportation from Coupeville School District to the DHH program at Madrona School in Edmonds School District and return. The position requires accompanying the student on designated transportation routes and ensuring effective communication throughout the journey.
Department: Special Services
Supervisor: Special Services Director or Administrative Designee
Association: Coupeville Educational Support Association
General Description: Provide skilled ASL interpretation and communication support for a DHH student during daily round-trip transportation between Coupeville School District and the DHH program at Madrona School in Edmonds School District. Must be able to communicate with proficiency in American Sign Language at a moderate conversational speed. Ensure student safety, comfort, and effective communication during transit.
Essential Job Functions:
Transportation-Specific Duties:
- Provide continuous ASL interpretation and communication support during transit
- Ensure student safety and appropriate behavior management during inter-district transportation
- Communicate with transportation staff (drivers, aides) regarding student needs and safety protocols
- Assist with loading/unloading procedures and safety checks at both school districts
- Monitor and document student behavior and any incidents during transportation
- Facilitate communication between the student and transportation personnel
- Coordinate arrival/departure times with both Coupeville and Edmonds School District staff
Student Support Duties:
- Provide emotional support and reassurance to the student during travel
- Interpret safety instructions, route information, and schedule changes
- Assist the student with personal belongings and mobility needs during boarding/exiting
- Maintain visual contact and communication with the assigned student throughout journey
- Support the student in emergency situations or unexpected delays
Administrative Duties:
- Maintain accurate records of inter-district transportation services provided
- Complete incident reports and daily transportation logs for both school districts
- Communicate with parents/guardians regarding transportation-related matters
- Coordinate with DHH program staff at Madrona School and Coupeville staff for seamless transitions
- Attend transportation safety meetings and inter-district coordination meetings
- Follow all transportation department policies and procedures for both districts
- Attend MDT and IEP meetings when required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Education and Certification Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- ONE of the following:
- At least two years of study at an institution of higher education (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours, all at 100 level or above), OR
- Associate's degree (or higher), OR
- Successfully pass all six areas of the ParaPro Assessment developed by Educational Testing Service
- ASL Certification required - must demonstrate fluency in American Sign Language
- First Aid and CPR certification required
- Transportation safety training (will be provided)
- Completes State required paraeducator training as identified by the Professional Educators Standards Board
Essential Skills:
- ASL Proficiency: Expert-level American Sign Language skills with ability to interpret at conversational speed
- Transportation Safety: Understanding of vehicle safety procedures and emergency protocols
- Crisis Management: Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in emergency situations
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for working with students, families, and transportation staff
- Physical Requirements: Ability to assist the student with mobility needs and respond quickly in emergency situations
- Technology: Basic computer skills for documentation and communication
Personal Qualities:
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with transportation and educational staff
- Patient, calm, and reassuring demeanor during potentially stressful travel situations
- Flexibility to adapt to schedule changes and route modifications
- Strong judgment regarding student safety and appropriate interventions
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of student information
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness of Deaf community values
Working Conditions:
Physical Environment:
- Primary work location: School transportation vehicles (buses, vans) traveling between districts
- Daily travel between Coupeville School District and Edmonds School District (Madrona School)
- Outdoor exposure during loading/unloading in various weather conditions at both locations
- Occasional work in school buildings at both districts for coordination meetings
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit for extended periods during transportation
- Manual dexterity for continuous ASL interpretation
- Ability to assist the student with lifting up to 25 pounds
- Visual acuity sufficient for monitoring the student and road conditions
- Ability to move quickly in emergency situations
- Stamina for multiple daily routes and varying schedules
Schedule Considerations:
- Daily round-trip transportation schedule between Coupeville and Edmonds School Districts
- Morning transport: Coupeville School District to Madrona School DHH program
- Afternoon transport: Madrona School DHH program back to Coupeville School District
- Flexibility for field trips, special events, and schedule modifications
- Extended travel time due to inter-district transportation requirements
Disclaimer: This job description indicates the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work to be performed by someone in this position. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
Application Procedure:
Apply online at http://coupeville.k12.wa.us/staff-jobs/
Current employees apply as Internal Applicant
All others apply as External Applicant
Candidates of Diversity Are Strongly Encouraged to Apply:
Coupeville School District welcomes, values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This is in alignment with our CSD Equity Commitment Statement: “Whether about race, religion, language, immigration status, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, or ability, or a combination of these, we know that students deserve to be honored and respected for who they are. Coupeville Schools is committed to providing a safe, equitable, and inclusive working and learning community for all.”
Coupeville School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Coupeville School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The board designates the superintendent to serve as the district’s coordinator regarding: Title IX; Section 504/ADA; Civil Rights Compliance and to handle questions and investigate any complaints communicated to the district of alleged discrimination. Superintendent, 501 S Main, Coupeville, WA, 98239, phone: 360.678.2404.
Salary : $33