Sign Language Interpreter

Asheville City Schools Job Description

JOB: INTERPRETER FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED / Credentials Required

JOB STATUS: Full Time / 10 month

LOCATION: Asheville High School

CONTACT: Sarah.Cain@acsgmail.net

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Job Functions

The job of Interpreter for the Hearing Impaired was established for the purpose/s of facilitating communication between persons who are deaf and/or hard of hearing and others; using sign language to convey teacher instruction and intent; assisting students with daily activities; providing voice to sign, sign to voice oral transliterate support; participating as a team member to plan, review and share information; and serving as a resource to other school personnel requiring assistance with hard of hearing and deaf person/s.

Assists deaf and hard of hearing student in academic and nonacademic activities, individually (e.g. classroom instruction, non-captioned movies, tests, library, computer lab, recess, sports, music, assemblies, special events, after school activities, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Implements, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional/behavioral programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students' academic and life skill success through a defined course of study.

Interprets or transliterates all language necessary for student's education for the purpose of facilitating effective communication.

Monitors individual students for the purpose of providing assistance as needed and ensuring a quiet, safe and positive learning environment.

Participates in meetings (e.g. staff inservice, workshops, etc.) for the purpose of receiving or conveying information related to serving the general goals of education to the deaf or hard of hearing.

Prepares for daily classroom lectures and activities (e.g. set up for speaker, review materials ahead of lectures, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a clear understanding and interpretation.

Provides support/tutoring to the deaf or hard of hearing student for the purpose of facilitating communication and/or reinforcing classroom objectives.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the student in the classroom environment.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Job related experience within specialized field is required.

Credentials required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Responds to inquiries from administrators, teachers and other staff for the purpose of providing information or referring to appropriate personnel.

Tutors deaf or hard of hearing student in a variety of subjects for the purpose of supplementing daily classroom learning and promoting student success.

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: expressing oneself through manual communication skills (sign language, expressive, & receptive) and oral support techniques.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems.

Specific knowledge- based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: philosophies and purposes of mainstreaming hearing impaired students; ASL and Signed English; oral support techniques; child development, educational methods; and interpreter's code of ethics. Knowledge of Individual Education Plans and Behavior support plans.

ABILITY : Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.

Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and possessing sound emotional judgment.

Working Environment

Responsibilities include: working in an intensive intervention classroom with a special needs deaf child with very limited language abilities. It will be the interpreters job to teach the child signed language and communication skills, teach the classroom curriculum in sign to the child using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating communication.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 33% sitting, 33% walking, and 34% standing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to sit, stand, walk and drive.

Must be able to lift boxes up to 10 pounds. Physical demand requirements are for Light Work.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read simple forms. Requires the ability to prepare time sheets and supply requisitions using prescribed format.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in standard English.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add, subtract, divide and multiply.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using computers and other technology.

Manual Dexterity: Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors or shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under average levels of stress.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to see, talk, and hear.