What are the responsibilities and job description for the Educational Sign Language Interpreter (ASL) position at Portsmouth School Department?
Position Overview
The Educational ASL Interpreter is responsible for providing high-quality American Sign Language interpreting services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing within the inclusive school environment. This role facilitates communication between students, staff, and peers to ensure equal access to all academic instruction, social interactions, and school-related activities.
Primary Responsibilities
- Interpreting Services: Provide sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign interpreting for students in classrooms, assemblies, field trips, and meetings.
- Academic Support: Interpret complex academic vocabulary and concepts accurately, preparing for specialized subjects in advance to ensure the student receives the full curriculum.
- Collaboration: Participate as an active member of the IEP team to discuss the student's communication plan and access needs.
- Professional Conduct: Adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct and maintain strict student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA.
- Environmental Awareness: Monitor the physical and acoustic environment to ensure optimal positioning for the student's visual access to the interpreter and the speaker.
- IEP Implementation: Maintain awareness of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals related to communication and language development.
Qualifications
- Certification: Must hold or be eligible for a New Hampshire Department of Education certification as an Educational Interpreter.
- Assessment: Achievement of a 3.5 or higher on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) or valid RID/NAD certification is preferred.
- Education: Completion of an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) or an Associate's/Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of Deaf Culture and various communication modes (ASL, PSE, etc.) as specified by student needs.
- Experience: Previous experience in a K-12 setting is highly desirable, particularly with middle or high school populations.