Sign Language Interpreter II at Special Education

LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS TITLE: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER II BASIC FUNCTION: Provide complex sign language interpretation between teachers, hearing students and other members of the school environment and students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in a classroom or related environment; assist teachers by providing direct instruction to deaf and hard-of-hearing students under the supervision of a teacher at a level required for access to the curriculum for students grades preschool to high school seniors. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Sign Language Interpreter I positions are typically assigned to schools where the level of interpretation and the vocabulary are less complex. Sign Language Interpreter II positions are typically assigned to schools where the level of interpretation is more complex due to the needs of the student and the complexity of the academic program. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Individual positions may not perform all of the duties listed nor do these examples include all responsibilities of positions in this class. Interpret in sign language to assist students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in communicating with teachers, counselors, administrators, psychologists, hearing students and others as needed. E Assist students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in regular classrooms according to established procedures and report progress to appropriate staff. E Tutor and provide instruction as needed to individual or small groups of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing; reinforce instruction as directed by the teacher. E Interpret for students during extra-curricular and co-curricular activities or any other school-related activities, including getting on and off the bus, assemblies, field trips, and use of cafeteria and playground as assigned. E Convey auditory environment stimuli to deaf students including bells, drills/alarms, coughing and other sounds to contribute to understanding and navigating their environment and engaging with it appropriately. E Facilitate students’ on-going acquisition of sign-language skills. E Consult with classroom teachers to identify students in need of special assistance, identify unusual problems and report to teachers as appropriate. E Work with teachers to develop ways of increasing interaction between students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and all peers. E Sign and interpret for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to assist in achieving their IEP goals; report student progress to assigned teachers. E Participate in IEP meetings, parent conferences and in-service training programs as assigned. E Provide staff and student training on the use of an interpreter. E Assist with filing, duplicating and preparing instructional materials, and maintaining a clean and orderly classroom environment. E Maintain records related to student progress and class assignments. E Assure proper functioning of hearing aids and auditory trainers. E Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Sign language interpretation process Educational implications of hearing impairment Concerns and problems of deaf and hard-of-hearing students Tutoring techniques, such as note-taking, use of visuals, and specialized seating Basic subjects taught in District schools including English-language arts, mathematics, science and social science Information about teaching sign language, and about deafness and hearing impairment to the layperson Cultural and language implications for signing to students whose native language is not English Referral sources relating to deafness, and how and when to use them Promoting an expanded communication environment for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary Behavior management principles and practices Safe practices in classroom and playground activities Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy Basic record-keeping techniques ABILITY TO: Sign fluently in American Sign Language, Signed English and Pidgin Signed English Provide instruction and interpretation for students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing using the appropriate method of sign language Assist students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing in a flexible and understanding manner, conveying the different “registers” of the speaker, e.g., degree of formality, range of emotion, directiveness, and discourse markers which indicate the comment as an “aside” to the main conversation Recognize when communication provided by the interpreter is or is not clearly understood by the student Teach students the skills of using sign language interpretation Modify and prepare instructional materials for the deaf and hard-of-hearing Encourage student independence and participation in activities, including use of communication Establish and maintain effective relationships with adults and children Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, duplicating and maintaining records Understand and follow oral and written directions Speak, read and write clearly and distinctly Work cooperatively with others Operate instructional equipment, computers and assistive technology related to deafness Learn the functions, procedures and limitations of assigned duties EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma or equivalent plus demonstrated proficiency in complex sign language interpretation and increasingly responsible experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing children in an organized setting. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Satisfactory completion of the California High School Proficiency Examination (Basic Skills Assessment Test) Interpreter certification from a statewide or nationally recognized organization or certifying body, e.g., Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or ACCI/NAD Level 4 Valid California Drivers License WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Indoor, outdoor and classroom environment PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to sign and spell Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone See and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids Continuous use of elbows, shoulders, neck, back, lips and/or jaw Stand, walk, bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, move, lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds to waist height Drive to a variety of locations Revised 1/06