Interpreter/Communication Facilitator for the Deaf Pool - 2026-27 School Year

Primary Purpose:

Facilitate communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing sign language interpreting and transliterating services in educational settings. Support student learning and engagement by adapting to individual communication needs and assisting with classroom activities as directed.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current certification approved by the Texas Board of Evaluation of Interpreters, or evidence that certification is in process, according to Texas Education Code (TEC) 21.002, 21.003, and 29.304

or

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree
• Current certification approved by the Texas Board of Evaluation of Interpreters

Experience

• Some experience working with children and/or the deaf
• Public school experience (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic knowledge of educational interpreter role and the Interpreter Code of Ethics
• Ability to communicate effectively in sign language, including Signed English (SEE).
• Ability to interpret in sign language in an educational setting
• Ability to work with students who are deaf/hard of hearing
• Ability to read and interpret documents
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively to groups

Key Responsibilities:

Interpretation & Communication Support

• Provide in-class interpretation and transliteration services using sign language communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in educational settings, including classrooms, co-curricular activities, school-related programs and meetings, conferences, staff development, and other situations. Assess student needs and the interpreting situation before and during assignments and adjust as needed.
• Prepare for classroom subject matter by researching or studying, communicating with the teacher, etc., before the assignment.
• Attend and interpret Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s communication needs.

Student & Instructional Support

• Assist students who are deaf or hard of hearing under the direction of a classroom teacher during independent practice activities and/or assignments.
• Help maintain administrative records and prepare required reports, as needed and requested.
• Assist teaching staff with student behavior by implementing classroom management plans and individual behavior management plans.
• Keep teachers informed of special needs or problems of assigned students.

Professional Responsibilities & Compliance

• Exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential information.

• Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Attend any district-required professional development (e.g., Signing Exact English Skillshop) as determined by the RDSPD Supervisor.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development, department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the campus and department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; hearing aids, assisted listening devices

Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; moderate walking

Lifting: Frequent light lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; occasional district-wide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.