Paraeducator-Certified Interpreter I (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

DEFINITION: Under the general supervision of a certificated administrator and direction of a teacher, to act as the communicator between pupil/teacher/parent/communication when pupil/teacher uses manual communication; to assist teacher in determining where special education pupils in integrated classes need help; to provide assistance through tutoring, guidance or arranging for other resources; to assist the teacher in determining the needs of hearing impaired pupils; to interpret test responses; recitations and reports into or form manual communications; to act as a paraprofessional assistant to a teacher in performing assigned tasks.     DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This class is distinguished from the class of Paraeducator-Translator by the responsibility for interpreting subject matter and education concepts to hearing impaired pupils, and in turn, interpreting to the teacher and the pupil’s understanding of educational concepts and primary information for one pupil or for a small group of pupils in a regular or mixed classroom setting. This class is distinguished from the class of Paraeducator-Interpreter (Severe) (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) by the responsibility for providing interpretation services where Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf  (RID) certification or equivalent is required under state and/or federal regulations.     MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: May include, but are not limited to, the following:  

1. Provides interpreter services for pupils in integrated classes.
2. Interprets a wide variety of subject matter and instructional materials into sign language for a teacher who does not sign;
3. Interprets between pupils and teacher to compensate for differences in communication abilities.
4. Interprets from sign to voice (reverse interpretation) manual language so it is comprehensible to others in the classroom;
5. Tutors pupils in academic and elective subject;
6. Finds out from specialists what outside resources are available to assist the student for special needs;
7. Assists in arranging and conducting special activities;
8. Assists teachers with classroom activities for pupils;
9. Attends inservice and staff meetings as required; provides interpretation services at meetings where needed.

 

1. Assists with lifting pupils in and out of wheelchairs;
2. Assists teacher in establishing and maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant classroom and learning environment;
3. Assists teachers in implementing the division course of study through individual and group instruction;
4. Assist with supervision of classroom and outdoor playground to direct pupils with safe activities and relationships;
5. Performs routine clerical tasks, operates duplicating machines, assembles materials for classroom projects, prepares material and master, and performs incidental typing tasks;
6. Confers on a regular basis with a teacher in regard to planning and scheduling activities, instructional goals and objectives, student progress and pertinent health or behavior problems;
7. May participate as a member of the appropriate team or committee to assist staff with developing and implementing individual or site crisis management plans;
8. Assists teachers with implementation of pupil’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) through instruction in a wide variety of activities, such as nature study, playing games, singing, dancing and sports.
9. May administer first aid; under the direction of the school administrator and procedure observed by a certificated school staff member, assists pup0ils with taking medication;
10. Maintains confidentiality of pupil records in accordance with legal requirements and policies;
11. Acts as communicator between learning and teacher when necessary and between pupil and peers as appropriate;
12. Consults with integrated class teachers to determine where pupils need special help and provide the help through tutoring;
13. Acts as liaison between administration, staff of the Hearing Impaired Program and the regular classroom teachers;
14. Performs related duties as assigned.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:               Knowledge of:             Concepts and practices of American Sign Language. Basic characteristics of human behavior;             Basic communication skills;             Personal hygiene practices;             Practical learning patterns and behavior             Reading, speaking and writing English; Elementary concepts of child development and behavior;             Basic math skills;             English grammar and composition;                         Ability to:             Maintain emotional control under difficult situations;             Interpret to pupils written and verbal educational materials through sign language;             Interpret manual communication into oral English;             Recognize and report safety hazards;             Motivate pupils to participate in learning activities;             Develop or modify instruction and instructional materials to meet needs of special needs   pupils;             Instruct pupils by observing and using the methods of teachers and resource persons; Learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to the education program to be assigned; Perform routine clerical work such as incidental typing, sorting, measuring, cutting, filing and duplicating; Communicate with pupils and staff and motivate pupils to participate in learning activities; Learn to operate teaching and office machines, computers, and other devices which aid the pupil or the instructional program; Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with those contacted in the course of work..     EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Any combination of education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:               Experience: Two years of paid experience working with people who can communicate or be  communicated with only by manual communication, one year of which must have been in working with children.                         Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.  Sufficient college coursework to become proficient enough in manual communications to possess the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf  (RID) certification, or equivalent. As outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act, in addition to the above requirement, applicants must meet one of the following:   a)     Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 units from an accredited college or university); b)     Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or c)     Met a rigorous standard of qualify and be able to demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics.                 Licenses/Certifications: Must possess  Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification to provide manual communication interpreter services, or equivalent.     SPECIAL INFORMATION: Some positions in this classification may require the availability of private transportation.  Some positions may require the ability to lift or move pupils who weigh up to 50 pounds.  The employee may be required to use a multi-person lift or learn to use mechanical lifting equipment to lift or move pupils who weigh in excess of 50 pounds, or a pupil of any weight who may present other lifting problems.  Positions in this classification may occasionally be assigned any duties normally assigned from the classification specification for Paraeducator-  Special Education (Severe).

Salary : $30 - $37