Job Description

Job Summary

The ASL Sign Language Interpreter facilitates communication between students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their peers, teachers, and other school staff. The interpreter uses American Sign Language (ASL) and other communication methods to ensure equal access to education and full participation in the school environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret spoken communication into American Sign Language (ASL) and vice versa for students who are deaf or hard of hearing during:
• Classroom instruction and discussions
• School assemblies and events
• One-on-one or small group settings
• Extracurricular and school-sponsored activities
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
• Work closely with teachers and support staff to understand lesson content and vocabulary in advance for accurate interpretation.
• Support students' understanding of interpreted material and promote self-advocacy and independence.
• Collaborate with special education teams, including teachers of the deaf and speech-language pathologists, to support student learning goals.
• Adapt signing style and method (e.g., ASL, Signed English, tactile signing) to meet individual student needs.

• Provide clarification, when necessary, without altering the original message or interfering with instruction.
• Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to student planning when requested.
• Maintain accurate service logs as required by the school or district.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required); associate or bachelor's degree in interpreting, deaf education, or related field (preferred).
• Certification from a recognized interpreting body (e.g., RID certification or EIPA score of 3.5 or higher, depending on state requirements).
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of Deaf culture.
• Experience working with children or in an educational setting (preferred).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to interpret at a pace consistent with classroom instruction and discussions.

Work Environment:

• Works in various school environments, including general education and special education classrooms, assemblies, and school events.
• May be required to travel between schools within the district.
• Requires physical ability to remain in interpreting position for extended periods.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs