JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Job Title

Interpreter for the Deaf, RDSPD/SF

 

Evaluation Type

Support

 

Department

Assigned Campus

 

Pay Grade

A2

 

FLSA

Exempt

 

Date Revised

November 2024

 

Supervisor

Principal / RDSPD Supervisor / Teacher

 

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Provide interpreting services for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in a variety of educational settings.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education/Certification:

High school diploma or GED Associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university Valid certification as an interpreter granted by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters

 

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Ability to work with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Ability to interpret in an educational setting (at all levels) Knowledge and compliance with the RID Code of Professional Conduct Knowledge and understanding of the Educational Interpreters role across different educational settings Command of English and Signing Exact English and other sign language system(s) and vocabulary utilized by the students and their educational program Strong receptive and expressive ASL and SEE skills Basic knowledge of hearing loss and its implication for the educational setting Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to communicate effectively Ability to work effectively with other and to follow verbal and written directives Ability to promote independent skills and self-advocacy with students Ability to interpret/transliterate ARDs and assessments as needed Ability to speak effectively to groups

 

Experience:

Some experience working with children

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

 

Instructional Support:

Interpret in educational settings including classrooms, co-curricular activities, school-related programs and meetings, conferences, staff development, and other situations. Interpret/Transliterate all voice and communication/discussion between students and teachers. Render the message faithfully, conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using Signing Exact English, American Sign Language, and other modes of communication. Perform assigned tasks under the general supervision of a Certified Teacher of the Deaf of RDSPD Lead Teaching Team. Discuss major difficulties with the educational team responsible for the student’s educational programs. Meet with the classroom teachers on a regular basis in regard to the communication needs of the student(s). Prepare for interpreting assignments by studying content areas, lesson plans, outlines, etc. Assist in the preparation, use and care of instructional material, educational media, and assistive technology devices (to include communication devices). Attend and interpret Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings as needed. Tutor deaf or hard of hearing students under the direction of the classroom teacher.

 

Student Management:

Help supervise student throughout school day, inside and outside of the classroom including lunchroom, bus, car, and playground duty. Encourage student participation during interactions with peer groups and teachers. Be familiar with and follow student(s) IEP goal, accommodations, and communication mode to work with the educational team in providing services. Assist the teacher in implementing the educational program by working with individual students or small groups on specifically designed programming or precise units of instruction. Assist in establishing and maintaining high standard of student conduct by following the steps of the behavior management plan, including intervening in crisis situations when necessary. Interpret lectures, discussions, questions, and answers so that individuals or groups of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing may participate in classroom and extracurricular activities. Perform voice interpreting by converting and verbalizing manual signs for the teacher. Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s communication needs. Monitor student understanding and comprehension of materials, directives, and assignments. Student data collection as needed under the direction of the Case Manager/Teacher. Keep Case Manager/Teacher(s) informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s). Escort students to and from various areas on campus as needed to provide access to communication.

 

Professional Effectiveness:

Participate in all professional development that training programs to improve job performance and meet RDSPD program expectations as described in the RDSPD Quality Indicator Handbook guidelines. Must take the ESSE sign skills assessment every 3 years to assess sign skill improvement. Must attend Signing Exact English Skillshop annually until receiving and maintaining a 4.0 on the ESSE sign skills assessment. Complete Sign to Voice ratio at Beginning of Year and End of Year to create and improve upon SEE skills SMART goal. Complete program wide S.E.E. sign family of the week and End of Year assessment. Uphold district expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Exhibit poise, self-control, and accept constructive criticism. Exhibit a positive attitude toward others. Treat other staff with respect and dignity. Interact with others effectively and respond to customer needs in a courteous, respectful manner. Maintain confidentiality. Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned. Work collaboratively with Special Programs and Services Department to develop a common vision of excellence and to ensure attainment of team, department, campus, and district goals. Proactively manage time to fulfill expectations and requirements of the assigned job.

 

Other Responsibilities:

Comply with policies established by federal and state law, including but not limited to State Board of Education and local Board policy. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Proactively manages time to fulfill expectations and requirements of the assigned job.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

 

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; hearing assistive devices such as: hearing aids, HAT systems, cochlear implants, augmentative communication devices, etc. Posture: Moderate standing, kneeling, squatting, stooping, bending, and sitting Motion: Repetitive hand motions; moderate walking Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (15 pounds or less) Environment: Work inside and outside of the classroom, locations include classrooms, labs, auditoriums, gyms, playing field, etc. as required; exposure to noise Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; occasional in-district travel in personal automobile; work with frequent interruptions