Interpreter DHH

Interpreter DHH (2024-2025 School Year)

Job Title: Interpreter DHH

Position Function: Under the supervision of an administrator and direction of a certificated/licensed staff, Interpreting Services supports student achievement in the academic setting by effectively facilitating signed and/or spoken communication for d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students, parents and staff.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Assesses classroom, assembly hall, and other room setups (e.g. volume level, visibility, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring proper setup to facilitate deaf and hard of hearing students' learning
• Attends in¬services, workshops and training for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information related to job functions and maintaining interpreter certification
• Submits an Interpreting Services report to be included in the IEP
• Attends Individual Education Program meetings, as assigned, for the purpose of providing necessary input into the evaluation of students' communication needs
• Actively collaborates with teachers and IEP team members for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students' progress and/or implementation of students' objectives
• Follows strict code of ethics for the purpose of ensuring that student confidentiality is maintained
• Facilitates all communication in all educational settings (e.g. lesson being taught, teacher interactions, student interactions, students' questions, assemblies, speakers, environmental noises, alarms, announcements, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that student receives equal access to information being presented
• Reviews materials to be presented by teachers and other speakers for the purpose of facilitating unfamiliar terms/materials for the student
• Supports self-advocacy on the part of the student for the purpose of preparing the student to become increasingly independent
• Maintain high level of confidentiality of information regarding students and staff information and issues
• Model appropriate behavior for students
• Develop and maintain a professional rapport with classroom teacher and other staff
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students, staff, and parents
• Communicate with students, parents, instructional and support staff by letter, phone, e-mail, fax or personal contact as directed by the administrator or classroom teacher
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and organize
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and parent conferences as required
• Acquire a minimum of 20 hours of in-service annually. After 3 years a minimum of 10 in-service hours is required. (Interpreting Services staff are encouraged to take advantage of in-services provided by the building or district)

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Daily in-district travel may be required. Some out of district travel may be needed on occasion.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Be able to work in various weather conditions
• Be able to react immediately to an emergency situation for the safety and welfare of the students and staff.
• Be able to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps and reach overhead
• Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability and stamina for a full day of physical activity
• Be able to demonstrate good finger dexterity

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven use of effective collaboration skills
• Proficient oral/signed and written English communication skills required
• Proficient personal relationship skills
• Ability to work with students who demonstrate the need for intensive services in one or more categorical areas
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing and delivering training to meet the targeted needs of the identified audience
• Proficient problem solving skills
• Demonstrated acumen in completing tasks and dealing with situations related to the essential functions of the position
• General knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios
• Read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others
• Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: American Sign Language, Pidgeon Signed English, Manually Coded English, English
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality (e.g. NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct, EIPA Code of Ethics)
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Some positions require in-service, training or course work in first aide, symptoms of child abuse, and/or symptoms and signs of illness
• Some positions may require knowledge of various sign language modalities
• Certification and/or licensure is preferred. Accepted certification are as follows:
• EIPA: 4.0 minimum, must retake every five years unless score is 5.0
• KQAS: 4.0 minimum, must maintain current certification
• RID: National Interpreter Certification (e.g. certified interpreter/transliterator, certified deaf interpreter, certified oral interpreter) must maintain current certification
• Certifications by other states may be accepted, must be current
• A two year Professional Development Plan is available twice for interpreters who scored at least a 3.0 on the EIPA while developing their skills to achieve a minimum 4.0 score on the EIPA

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt