Interpreting Coordinator

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as the Coordinator of Interpreting Services. Responsible for the coordination of American Sign Language Interpreting services for consumers, staff, and visitors to ensure effective communication access for direct service activities, remote meetings for the field services, classes, conferences, appointments and special events.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:00pm EST

• Coordinates ASL interpreting services for DeafBlind consumers, staff and visitors, including special events ensuring quality in meeting expressed needs. Develops and maintains an accurate departmental schedule for providing interpreting services.
• Supervises and evaluates work performance of Staff Interpreters and Interns. Provides coaching and mentoring to department members to improve interpreting services.
• Provides consumer education related to interpreting issues, advocacy and SSPs/CoNavigators.
• Assigns and becomes familiar with the instructional programs of the consumers in order to advise, counsel, and guide the delivery of services.
• Provides or collaborates with the initial sign communication assessment for individuals with sign language as preferred method of communication.
• Submits reports to document student progress toward goals of sign language skills development, knowledge of interpreting services and issues and SSP/CoNavigator training as provided by department members.
• Investigates and evaluates new trends in interpreting field and recommends changes in the provision of these services at HKNC.
• Maintains outcome data and writes annual report for the department, identifies appropriate departmental goals and implements activities to support and accomplish these goals.
• Chairs departmental meetings to share information facilitating discussion of meeting concerns. Implement initiatives and support department staff with day to day activities.
• Provides in-service training for staff members, professionals, and family members on related subject areas such as interpreting issues, communication skills, , SSP’s, etc. Conducts workshops on deaf-blind interpreting or SSP services to college programs and seminar participants.
• Participates in supervisory meetings with Director - Direct Services and other department supervisors in order to ensure quality services, program development and consumer satisfaction. 
• Attends conferences, workshops, seminars, etc., where appropriate.
• Flexibility to provide light interpreting 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Reports include: Interpreters

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

RID Certification. CI, CT and CIT preferred.

Five years of interpreting experience.

Knowledge of deaf and deaf-blind culture required.

Two years of supervisory experience preferred.

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees.  we offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• 4 weeks PTO, 12 Paid Sick Time, 2 Personal Days, 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance 
• Short Term Disability/ Life Insurance
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits 
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance 
• Career Advancement Opportunities