Educational Interpreter / Paraprofessional

The Educational Interpreter/ Paraprofessional is responsible for interpreting/transliterating in the classroom or at school-related activities for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Daily directions are provided by the teacher. They support certified teachers in meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students with disabilities in the classroom.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a 3.3 on the Educational Interpreter Proficiency Assessment (EIPA)
• AA degree in Educational Interpreting (or related field) from an accredited program or the Cued Speech Transliterator Training, Evaluation, and Certification Unit (TEC Unit).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience interpreting in an educational setting.
• Verification of Annual Completion of 20 hours of training related to interpreting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Competence in the communication modality used by the student who is deaf and hard of hearing.
• Competence in English grammar, including syntax, spelling, and punctuation.
• Working knowledge of typical language development Strong interpersonal skills in relating to students and adults.
• Working knowledge of subjects being interpreted.
• Understanding of deafness and its impact on language development.
• Skill in expressive transliterating/interpreting at a rate commensurate with conversational speech and class lectures.
• Adequate reverse interpreting/transliterating skill while maintaining the integrity of the message.
• Ability to work as part of an Individualized Education Program team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitates communication between the student and his peers and the student and adults in the school environment.
• Studies the content of the lessons prior to class to ensure accurate representation of the lesson.
• Tutors students who are deaf or hard of hearing under the direction of the teacher.
• Provides feedback to teachers upon request.
• Serves as a liaison to promote positive and cooperative relationships within the school environment.
• May teach beginning sign language to students or staff.
• Supports teachers in meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students with disabilities in the classroom.
• Provides small group and/or individualized instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with the students’ IEP and the supervising teacher’s lesson plans.
• Collects instructional and behavioral data for all objectives being taught for each student.
• Implements Behavior Intervention Plans for students with disabilities.
• Communicates proactively with teachers to inform them of student issues and conversations with parents.
• Responds to emails and phone calls from school leaders and teachers in a timely manner.
• Assists during standardized testing to support state and local testing processes and policies.
• Assists with preparation of daily lesson plan materials and makes copies of materials for students (print or electronic).
• Assists with distribution of food, supplies, materials, and equipment, including technology.
• When in a school-based learning environment, monitors students' movement throughout the building to other classrooms, learning areas and cafeteria.
• Assists administrators and other staff members in the orderly, expedient, and safe transition of students from one location to another.
• Assists students as necessary with physical needs including feeding, toileting, lifting, and mobility.
• Assists students with healthcare procedures including hygiene and medications as needed for daily care.
• Assists students with assistive technology devices, including communication devices, switches and orthopedic devices needed for sitting, walking, or standing.
• Engages in professional learning opportunities in-person.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance and be available to work during school hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.