Sign Language Interpreter

Definition

Interprets educational and general information exchanged in an educational setting by using manual and oral methods of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Typical Duties

Attends classes, guidance sessions, tutoring sessions, and student activities with deaf and hard of hearing students to interpret educational information, classroom discussions, and activities through the use of manual and oral methods of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Answers general questions regarding the nature and problems associated with deafness and hard of hearing.

Continually assesses a student's communications skills in speech, lip-reading, signs, and fingerspelling in order to utilize the most appropriate communication methods based on the student's needs and preferences.

Observes problems encountered and progress being made by deaf and hard of hearing students and reports observations to instructional and program staff.

May perform a variety of ministerial duties related to the effective operation of programs for the deaf and hard of hearing such as accepting telephone calls, disseminating information, processing correspondence and records, and maintaining files.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

A Sign Language Interpreter Specialist II, in addition to using oral and manual forms of communication to convey the full meaning of a message, achieves and delivers conceptually accurate higher-level academic material utilizing English and/or American Sign Language (ASL).

A Sign Language Interpreter Specialist I conveys the full meaning of a message using oral and manual forms of communication for deaf and hard of hearing people and voices the deaf/hard of hearing person’s message with an oral presentation in proper English syntax.

A Senior Sign Language Interpreter Specialist coordinates and schedules the interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing students and participates in interpreting educational and general information exchanged in an educational setting by using manual and oral methods of communication.

Supervision

General supervision is received from an academic or classified supervisor or administrator. No supervision is exercised.

Class Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Standard methods of manual communication for the deaf and hard of hearing including American Sign Language, Signed English, fingerspelling, and non-manual expression including facial, eye, and body language

The culture and cultural experiences of the Deaf community

Common educational processes and procedures on a college campus

Current developments, trends, and techniques in the field of interpreting for both the deaf and hard of hearing as utilized by the Deaf community

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)-Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct

Basic recordkeeping procedures

Capabilities of computer systems, equipment, and software used in providing interpreting services for the deaf

Skill in:

Conveying the thought, intent, and spirit of a speaker to a deaf/hard of hearing person

Interpreting/transliterating expressively and receptively using manual and oral methods of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing

Ability to:

Utilize sufficient sign vocabulary to ensure proper interpretation for various academic or vocational subject matters

Establish and maintain effective relationships with deaf and hard of hearing students, as well as, with faculty and staff

Observe the progress of a student and adapt or modify methods of communication and/or discuss concerns with the instructional and program staff, as needed

Maintain the confidentiality of information exchanged in an interpreting situation

Communicate effectively by signing, orally, and in writing

Keep detailed and accurate records

Meet schedules and timelines

Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Sign Language Interpreter Specialist II

A. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND 3600 hours of paid, volunteer, or family-related experience as an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing. Completion of an American Sign Language Interpreting program of at least 30 units or its equivalent is desirable.

OR

B. Graduation from a recognized four-year college or university with a major in Deaf Studies with a concentration in ASL/English Interpreting or a closely related field.

OR

C. National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

Sign Language Interpreter Specialist I

A. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND 1800 hours of paid, volunteer, or family-related experience as an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing. Completion of an American Sign Language Interpreting program of at least 30 units or its equivalent is desirable.

OR

B. Graduation from a recognized four-year college or university with a major in Deaf Studies with a concentration in ASL/English Interpreting or a closely related field.

OR

C. National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or a passing score of 4.0 or higher on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA).

Special Note: Certification of Interpretation (CI) or Certificate of Transliteration (CT) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) will be accepted as qualifying.