What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sign Language Interpreter position at Idaho Department of Health and Welfare?
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
Staff Interpreter - $32.00 hourly - 20 hours per week/part-time with benefits
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Our Mission:
To create an environment in which Idahoans of all ages, who are deaf or hard of hearing, have an equal opportunity to participate as active, responsible, productive, and independent citizens of Idaho.
Summary:
The Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) is a state agency committed to improving the quality of life for Idahoans who are deaf or hard of hearing. We serve as advocates, share vital information, and work to expand and improve access to services statewide.
Job Description:
This role provides professional English/American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services across a variety of settings and serves as a designated interpreter for a Deaf Executive Director and other Deaf staff. The position supports communication access, cultural mediation, and advocacy for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It also contributes to training, video content creation, and interpreter testing functions. This position requires flexibility and professionalism, as it involves interpreting in a wide variety of settings. This position requires frequent travel, both in-state and out of state.
Example of Duties:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Interpret in professional environments such as: Legislative hearings and government meetings, board and council sessions, and public presentations and workshops
- Facilitate communication as a cross-cultural mediator between hearing and deaf communities
- Facilitate communication and serve as a cultural mediator between Deaf and hearing individuals
- Support advocacy efforts for Deaf and hard-of-hearing community members
- Plan and participate in trainings and workshops related to interpreting and Deaf culture
- Maintain professional standards in accordance with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct
- Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to executive-level communication
- Collaborate with interpreter teams and coordinate scheduling or substitutes as needed
- Create and edit video content for outreach or informational purposes
- Manage interpreter testing activities and proctor certification exams
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Part-time Scheduling Expectations:
- Flexibility during legislative session
- Occasional evening/weekend events
- Variable workload depending on agency needs
Minimum Qualifications:
- Considerable knowledge of ASL linguistics, Deaf culture, and cultural mediation practices
Typically gained by formal education or training in American Sign Language and Deaf culture OR equivalent experience through immersive interaction in Deaf and hearing communities requiring advanced spoken, written, and signed communication skills
- Experience providing ASL–English interpretation in professional settings, including governmental or legislative environments, with demonstrated accuracy in both expressive and receptive skills
- Fluent in both English and American Sign Language (ASL)
Typically gained by completion of advanced coursework or certification in English and American Sign Language OR demonstrated bilingual fluency acquired through extensive professional or community-based interpreting experience
- Possess a sign language interpreter license with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses in good standing
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree; example MA in Interpreting Studies or MS in ASL/English Interpreting
- National Certification recognized by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
- Experience in interpreting political, legislative, public policy, or government environments;Typically gained by 1 year of professional experience providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation in political, legislative, public policy, or government settings, including meetings, hearings, and public forums
- Deep understanding of Deaf culture and ASL linguistic elements;Typically gained by extensive hands-on interpreting work within the Deaf community, resulting in a deep understanding of Deaf culture, ASL linguistics, and culturally appropriate communication practices
Special Requirement:
Must meet the licensure requirements outlined in Idaho Statute Title 54-2916A -Speech and Hearing Services Practice Act
Travel Required:
Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel, with overnight stays, is required.
Recruitment Contact:
For more information about the position or the application process, please contact Julie Davis, Human Resourse Business Partner I, julie.davis@vr.idaho.gov or (208) 287-6451.
Benefits:
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:
- One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation ( PERSI ) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
- 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
- Paid parental leave
- Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
- Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
- Employee assistance program
Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/
EEO/ADA/Veteran:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
Salary : $32