JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title Interpreter for the Deaf, RDSPD/SF		Evaluation Type Support	Department Assigned Campus
Pay Grade A2	FLSA Exempt	Date Revised November 2024	Supervisor Principal / RDSPD Supervisor / Teacher

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Provide interpreting services for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in a variety of educational settings.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university
• Valid certification as an interpreter granted by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters

 

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Ability to interpret in an educational setting (at all levels)
• Knowledge and compliance with the RID Code of Professional Conduct
• Knowledge and understanding of the Educational Interpreters role across different educational settings
• Command of English and Signing Exact English and other sign language system(s) and vocabulary utilized by the students and their educational program
• Strong receptive and expressive ASL and SEE skills
• Basic knowledge of hearing loss and its implication for the educational setting
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work effectively with other and to follow verbal and written directives
• Ability to promote independent skills and self-advocacy with students
• Ability to interpret/transliterate ARDs and assessments as needed
• Ability to speak effectively to groups

 

Experience:

• Some experience working with children

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

 

Instructional Support:

• Interpret in educational settings including classrooms, co-curricular activities, school-related programs and meetings, conferences, staff development, and other situations.
• Interpret/Transliterate all voice and communication/discussion between students and teachers.
• Render the message faithfully, conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using Signing Exact English, American Sign Language, and other modes of communication.
• Perform assigned tasks under the general supervision of a Certified Teacher of the Deaf of RDSPD Lead Teaching Team.
• Discuss major difficulties with the educational team responsible for the student’s educational programs.
• Meet with the classroom teachers on a regular basis in regard to the communication needs of the student(s).
• Prepare for interpreting assignments by studying content areas, lesson plans, outlines, etc.
• Assist in the preparation, use and care of instructional material, educational media, and assistive technology devices (to include communication devices).
• Attend and interpret Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings as needed.
• Tutor deaf or hard of hearing students under the direction of the classroom teacher.

 

Student Management:

• Help supervise student throughout school day, inside and outside of the classroom including lunchroom, bus, car, and playground duty.
• Encourage student participation during interactions with peer groups and teachers.
• Be familiar with and follow student(s) IEP goal, accommodations, and communication mode to work with the educational team in providing services.
• Assist the teacher in implementing the educational program by working with individual students or small groups on specifically designed programming or precise units of instruction.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining high standard of student conduct by following the steps of the behavior management plan, including intervening in crisis situations when necessary.
• Interpret lectures, discussions, questions, and answers so that individuals or groups of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing may participate in classroom and extracurricular activities.
• Perform voice interpreting by converting and verbalizing manual signs for the teacher.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s communication needs.
• Monitor student understanding and comprehension of materials, directives, and assignments.
• Student data collection as needed under the direction of the Case Manager/Teacher.
• Keep Case Manager/Teacher(s) informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).
• Escort students to and from various areas on campus as needed to provide access to communication.

 

Professional Effectiveness:

• Participate in all professional development that training programs to improve job performance and meet RDSPD program expectations as described in the RDSPD Quality Indicator Handbook guidelines.
• Must take the ESSE sign skills assessment every 3 years to assess sign skill improvement.
• Must attend Signing Exact English Skillshop annually until receiving and maintaining a 4.0 on the ESSE sign skills assessment.
• Complete Sign to Voice ratio at Beginning of Year and End of Year to create and improve upon SEE skills SMART goal.
• Complete program wide S.E.E. sign family of the week and End of Year assessment.
• Uphold district expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Exhibit poise, self-control, and accept constructive criticism.
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward others. Treat other staff with respect and dignity.
• Interact with others effectively and respond to customer needs in a courteous, respectful manner.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with Special Programs and Services Department to develop a common vision of excellence and to ensure attainment of team, department, campus, and district goals.
• Proactively manage time to fulfill expectations and requirements of the assigned job.

 

Other Responsibilities:

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, including but not limited to State Board of Education and local Board policy.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Proactively manages time to fulfill expectations and requirements of the assigned job.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

 

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; hearing assistive devices such as: hearing aids, HAT systems, cochlear implants, augmentative communication devices, etc.
• Posture: Moderate standing, kneeling, squatting, stooping, bending, and sitting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions; moderate walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (15 pounds or less)
• Environment: Work inside and outside of the classroom, locations include classrooms, labs, auditoriums, gyms, playing field, etc. as required; exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; occasional in-district travel in personal automobile; work with frequent interruptions