24/25 - TOPS - Certified Sign Language Interpreter - 1.0FTE 203/7

The Certified Sign Language Interpreter facilitates communication between people who are Deaf and/or hard of hearing and people who can hear. Conveys teacher instruction and intent; assists students with daily activities; provides voice to sign and sign to voice support; participates as a team member to plan, review and share information,and serves as a resource to other school personnel requiring assistance when communicating with hard of hearing and/or Deaf people.

To learn more about our special education service types, please follow this link to the SPS Special Education Department website: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/special-education/services/placement-and-primary-service-types/.  60%

• Interprets *with* deaf and hard of hearing students *and staff* in academic and nonacademic activities, individually or in groups (e.g. regular classroom, library, computer lab, cafeteria, recess, sports, music, art, assemblies, special events, etc.) for the purpose of facilitating communication.

10%

• Interprets or transliterates classroom discourse necessary during classroom instruction for the purpose of facilitating effective communication.

5%

• Monitors students for the purpose of providing assistance as needed and ensuring a safe and positive learning environment, when necessary or as appropriate.

5%

• Participates in a variety of functions, as assigned, (e.g. staff/faculty inservice, workshops, IEP's, parent/teacher meetings, etc.) for the purpose of interpreting information related to serving the general as well as individual goals of education for  Deaf and hard of hearing students.

5%

• Prepares for interpreting daily classroom lectures and activities (e.g. review text, audio visual materials, special vocabulary, etc.) for the purpose of providing a clear understanding and interpretation.

5%

• Provides communication support/tutoring to the deaf or hard of hearing student for the purpose of reinforcing classroom objectives and curriculum content under the supervision of assigned classroom teacher.

5%

• Interprets inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, etc.) for the purpose of providing information or referring to appropriate personnel.

5%

• Facilitates communication with deaf and hard of hearing students for the purposes of: reinforcing classroom objectives and curriculum content, support and tutoring under the supervision of assigned classroom teacher.

0%**

• Demonstrates professionalism in accordance with the NAD/RID Code of Professional Conduct.

 

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Performs related duties consistent with the scope of the position.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Interpret classes ranging from basic to college-level Advanced Placement classes in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to Language Arts, History, Science, and Higher Mathematics.
• Perform algebra and geometry; read and convey technical information; correctly use English grammar and punctuation.
• Understand Deaf culture and ASL grammar.
• Support various education/tutoring methods.
• Compose a variety of documents.
• Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to the welfare of young people.
• Understand classroom content.
• Solve practical problems. 

Skills: 

• Skills are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:
• Fluent expressive and receptive skills in ASL and Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE).
• Familiarity with SEE and oral interpreting.
• Willingness to work across the communication spectrum.
• Understanding of language development.
• Operating standard office equipment using pertinent software applications.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Understanding of and commitment to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct (as outlined by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and National Association of the Deaf).

Abilities:

• Schedule activities, meetings, and/or events.
• Gather, collate, and/or classify data.
• Use basic, job-related equipment.
• Work with others in a wide variety of circumstances.
• Analyze data utilizing defined but different processes.
• Operate equipment using defined methods.
• Work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups.
• Work with data of varied types and/or purposes.
• Problem solve to identify issues, create action plans and interpret guidelines; Communicate with diverse groups.
• Work as part of a team.
• Willingness to accept and carry out work directions provided by the teacher and/or Principal.
• Work across the communication spectrum.
• Demonstrate proficiency in: spoken and written English, American Sign Language (ASL) and Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE).
• Recognize and understand cognitive and linguistic developmental levels of Deaf/hard of hearing students.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and records.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Be flexible; recognize and adjust to different cultural backgrounds.
• Adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct.

CONDITIONS/DISCLAIMERS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this positions and are not be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. District employees are not authorized to make promises of employment for a particular period of time, or promises of a particular level of compensation or benefits to job applicants for certified or classified positions, and that any such agreement must be in writing and signed by the Superintendent. Any verbal or written statement to that effect by District employees other than the Superintendent are null and void.
Additionally, nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

EDUCATION: 

High school diploma or equivalent and at least one of the following:

(a) Have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment as published by PESB; or
(b) Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
(c) Have earned seventy-two (72) quarter credits or forty-eight (48) semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an accredited college or university; or
(d) Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

AND completion of an Interpreter Training Program.

YEARS of RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 

Three (3) years of related interpreting/transliterating experience.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES:

Evidence of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Certification or Educational Interpreting Certificate (EIPA) score of 3.5 or higher.

Valid State of Washington Driver's License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

TESTING:

Must pass a district-devised test for competency prior to employment. Candidate will be asked to demonstrate the ability to interpret ASL to Spoken English, and from Spoken English to ASL or CASE.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Evidence of continued training/professional studies.

CLEARANCES:

Fingerprint and background check.

 

THIS IS A PARAPROFESSIONAL CAREER LADDER POSITION: Current FTE bargaining unit (PARA) employees may apply. Preferential consideration for those who have at least a strong overall rating on their most recent performance evaluation and have appropriate training and experience for a more responsible position.  The SPS and the SEA recognize the need for career development opportunities for employees to improve their abilities and skills and to advance to more responsible positions.

Salary : $57,380 - $78,013