Educational Sign Language Interpreter

ALBANY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE

Laramie Wyoming

POSITION SUMMARY:

• The Educational Sign Language Interpreter is responsible for facilitating effective communication between students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their teachers peers and other individuals within the educational environment. The interpreter provides communication access through the use of American Sign Language (ASL) signed English voice interpreting and other communication methods appropriate to the students Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Educational Sign Language Interpreter supports student access to instructional content school activities and services while maintaining professional ethics confidentiality and neutrality.

The Educational Sign Language Interpreter:

1. Provides sign language interpreting services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in instructional and non-instructional settings. *

1. Interprets classroom instruction discussions presentations assemblies extracurricular activities meetings and other school-related events. *

1. Utilizes communication methods appropriate to student needs including American Sign Language (ASL) signed English transliteration cued speech or other communication systems as appropriate. *

1. Facilitates communication between students staff peers and community members while maintaining the integrity and intent of all communications. *

1. Maintains confidentiality of student records educational information and sensitive communications in accordance with District policy and applicable law. *

1. Collaborates with teachers special education staff administrators and related-service providers regarding student communication needs. *

1. Assists in implementing accommodations and supports identified in student IEPs. *

1. Prepares for interpreting assignments by reviewing instructional materials vocabulary and lesson content as appropriate. *

1. Promotes student independence and self-advocacy while avoiding inappropriate prompting or instructional interference. *

1. Participates in IEP meetings staffing meetings trainings and professional development activities as assigned. *

1. Maintains professional interpreting standards ethics and conduct consistent with educational interpreting practices. *

1. Follows the policies and procedures of the school(s) and the *

1. Ensures that confidentiality is maintained for sensitive records and other information. *

1. Responds appropriately to student behavior in the total school environment by enforcing school rules in hallways on the grounds and other areas of the school. *

1. Participates in professional growth (such as professional organizations coursework workshops and conferences) and other professional activities (such as school and/or District committees taskforces in-depth studies or councils). *

1. Demonstrates a sense of professional responsibility such as demonstrating ethical behavior; providing accurate data and reports when needed; meeting deadlines; maintaining confidentiality; caring for the equipment and materials; and dressing appropriately; exhibiting sensitivity to those with special needs; maintaining good professional relationships with parents and community members; and presenting a good role model. *

1. Other duties as assigned.

* Denotes essential functions

(The tasks listed under the heading of Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities are examples of the variety and general nature of duties performed by employees in positions allocated to the classification. This specification should not be interpreted to describe all the duties which may be assigned to an employee at this level.)

SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture.
• Ability to interpret spoken language into sign language and sign language into spoken English accurately and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students staff and parents.
• Knowledge of educational terminology and classroom procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers administrators and special education staff.
• Ability to adapt communication methods to student developmental and educational needs.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and neutrality while interpreting.
• Knowledge of special education laws regulations and practices is preferred.

Education: Bachelors Degree; candidate must hold or be eligible for hold a permit issued by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board as a Educational Sign Language Interpreter .

Work Experience: Experience working with children or within an educational setting preferred. Experience interpreting in K-12 educational environment preferred.