ASL Interpreter

Summary:

Interpreters provided by the Contractor shall proficiently interpret for Deaf employees, customers, or applicants. Contractors shall have interpreters on staff that can use American Sign Language (ASL), Signed English (SE), and Manually Coded English (MCE) to perform interpreting for Deaf employees and applicants.

Certification for interpreters shall be from organizations such as RID's National Interpreter Certification [NIC], NIC Advanced or NIC Master; Certificate of Interpretation [CI], Certificate of Transliteration [CT]; Comprehensive Skills Certificate [CSC]); the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) (Level IV or V); or a recognized state agency such as the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) (Level II or III).

The Contractor shall provide quality assignments of Nationally Certified, and/or State Certified sign language interpreter(s) that practice the knowledge of and adherence to the tenets of the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. The complete version of the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct may be found at the following web address: https://rid.org/programs/ethics/code-of-professional-conduct/

Sign language interpreters shall possess fluency of sign language on the entire sign language continuum to effectively facilitate communication between Deaf employees.

Interprets and facilitates communication between those who use visual language, such as sign language, and those who do not use or understand visual language. Converts manual communication, such as sign language, to verbal or written language for hearing individuals or others who do not use sign language. Translates spoken material into sign language to communicate with those who are hard-of-hearing. Aids hard-of-hearing individuals in understanding what is being said in various situations, such as conferences, business meetings, legal proceedings, healthcare appointments, government agencies, or video relay. Recites sign language translations for hearing individuals and practices confidential, accurate, impartial, inclusive, accessible, and dependable interpretation to perform translation assignments. Performs pre-interpretation preparation, including researching the subject matter, terminology, and materials relevant to an assignment. Assesses the communication skills of an audience and adjusts communication methods accordingly. Utilizes a range of communication strategies and techniques to bridge communication gaps between hard-of-hearing and non-verbal communicators and verbal communicators. Accompanies clients and visits works sites to perform translation services. Educates individuals on hard-of-hearing culture and appropriate communication methods.

• RID Registered Interpreter

• Minimum of four years' experience as an ASL Interpreter

• RID Certification.

• Adherence to the RID Code of Professional Conduct

• RID Written Knowledge Exam Required. National Interpreter Certification (NIC) or BEI Preferred.

• At least one year of experience as an ASL Interpreter in the DOD community.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field

• Ability to interpret highly specialized terminology and adapt to a wide variety of interpreting settings, incorporating new signs as appropriate to facilitate a cryptologic-associated vocabulary.

• Effective oral and written communications skills.

• Proficient Experience with Intranet, Internet, Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft TEAMS, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, PowerPoint, and Excel).

• Knowledge of services, equipment, and resources available in accommodating individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to accurately provide an appropriate fit for associated needs.

• Authorization to work in the US

• Secret clearance or ability to receive interim prior to start date

General Job Responsibilities:

• Provide interpreting services for Deaf and the Hard of Hearing in a variety of settings.

• Schedules and assigns each Sign Language Interpreter. Promotes an inclusive team environment with an emphasis on fostering high quality professional skills and client services. Reviews interpreter timecards for accuracy.

• Evaluates prospective Sign Language Interpreters. Assists with hiring and contracting qualified interpreters.

• Receives and reviews invoices from independent contractors and completes monthly expense reporting.

• Maintains records on agency interpreter skillsets and schedules. Reconciles and submits agency invoices for payment.

• Provides onsite interpreting services as needed.

• Provides effective video relay service, video remote interpreting, and on-site interpreting for customers.

• Always exhibit professional behavior, including punctuality and preparedness for shifts, respectful and collaborative interaction with colleagues and supervisors and timely and accurate record keeping.

• Adhere to all policies and procedures as outlined by the company.

• Multitask between interpreting effectively and utilizing video-based technology.

• Demonstrate high quality American Sign Language and spoken English skills.

• Exhibit the ability to meet performance expectations with minimal supervision.

• Thorough knowledge of and adherence to the RID Code of Professional Conduct.

• Must meet regulated licensure and/or state certification requirements.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Be available to travel as needed to fulfill contract requirements.

• Ensure all monthly CDRLS are submitted to the government in a timely manner.

• Effectively manage and prioritize all work assignments, staff and administrative needs.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. A degree in any field is acceptable. 4 years of relevant experience in sign language interpretation with a superior working knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), and Manually Coded English (MCE) in order to simultaneously transliterate/interpret in a variety of settings. RID Certification (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) is required. Consistent experience interpreting in a Federal Government setting is preferred.

Competencies

The candidate must have:

• Minimum of 4- years' experience as an ASL Interpreter.

• Valid RID Certification.

• Adherence to the RID Code of Professional Conduct (CPC).

The ideal candidate should have: -

• At least 1 year of experience as an ASL Interpreter in the DOD or IC community is preferred but not required. -

• Ability to interpret highly specialized terminology and adapt to a wide variety of interpreting settings, incorporating new signs as appropriate to facilitate a cryptologic-associated vocabulary.

• Ability to negotiate and develop informal resolutions with team members and other personnel.

• Superior working knowledge of ASL, Pidgin Signed English (PSE), and Manually Coded English (MCE) to simultaneously and/or consecutively interpret and/or transliterate in a variety of settings.

• Skill indicating nuances and tones associated with verbal communication to convey the intended message accurately.

• Experience with Intranet, Internet, and Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, PowerPoint, and Excel).

Schedule:

Flexible, hybrid schedule based on client needs and requirements, subject to change. Ability to travel as needed.

• Contingent Upon Contract Award*