ASL Interpreter - ACSD

Multiple Positions

ALABASTER CITY SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER/LANGUAGE ACQUISITION SPECIALIST

QUALIFICATIONS: To provide interpreting services for a student who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing requires an educational interpreter to show evidence of:

• Valid renewable permit or license following the Alabama Board of Interpreters and Transliterators (ALBIT) state requirements.
• Fluency in American English and American Sign Language (ASL).
• Good physical and emotional health as well as the ability to implement a behavioral management program with students of varying ages and sizes.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Alabaster City School Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable.

REPORTS TO: Principal and Supervisor of Special Education

JOB GOAL: To provide Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with interpreting/transliterating services thus allowing for effective communication in the classroom and across educational settings.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interpret/Transliterate for students utilizing the students preferred mode of communication as documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Provide interpreting during the school day in academic and non-academic settings including auditory and signed information such as environmental sounds, teacher instruction, student questions and peer communication as described in Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment (EIPA) Code of Ethics for Educational Interpreters and the Registry of Interpreters (RID) Standard Practice Paper for Educational Interpreting.
• Collaborates with general education staff/teachers and other school personnel to provide access to all instruction and materials.
• Prepares for daily classroom lectures and activities (e.g. set up for speaker, review materials ahead of lectures, learns appropriate vocabulary etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a clear understanding and interpretation.
• Provides academic support, such as tutoring/support to the Deaf/hard of hearing student, as outlined in the IEP and under the guidance of a certified teacher.
• Assists Deaf/hard of hearing students in academic and nonacademic activities, individually or in groups as well as Deaf/hard of hearing staff and parents (e.g. classroom instruction, non- captioned movies, tests, library, computer lab, recess, sports, music, assemblies, special events, after school activities, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Implements, under the supervision of the assigned teacher, instructional/behavioral programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students’ academic and life skill success through a defined course of study.  Gather data when needed for purposes of documenting and improving instruction.
• Respects confidentiality in all areas of interpreting/transliterating assignments; as well as maintains an appropriate interpreter/transliterator – student relationship at all times in accordance with Alabaster City Schools Board of Education.
• Demonstrates professionalism in all interactions with individuals within the educational setting.
• Demonstrates and understands the educational process of interpreting by attending professional development including county provided interpreter training during staff development.
• Assume other duties as assigned by the supervisor that do not impact the effectiveness of the interpreting service to the Deaf or hard of hearing student.

DUTIES: 

• Report for duty as assigned.
• Dress professionally.
• Educate consumers (students and staff) about working with interpreters. 
• Promote direct communication between the student, teachers, and others. Encourage developmentally appropriate student independence.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to ensure preparation for classroom instruction.
• Develop a folder of information necessary for a substitute interpreter.
• Guard against the development of inappropriate dependence in the student/interpreter relationship. Model, teach, and encourage student independence, self advocacy, independence in both academic and non academic settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Capable of being trained in the Alabaster City Schools Board of Education approved behavioral management program (e.g. Managing Crisis Safely (MCS)
• The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require physical abilities, physical dexterity, cognitive abilities, cultural and linguistic abilities and certain professional attributes as defined by the following:
  • Physical Abilities
    • Hearing Acuity
    • Visual Acuity
    • Articulate Speech
  • Physical Dexterity
    • Facial
    • Manual
      • finger
      • wrist-finger speed
      • limb movement and speed
      • dual-limb coordination
      • head control
      • physical stamina
  • Cognitive Abilities
    • Critical Thinking
    • Self-monitoring of interpreting process
    • Selective, auditory, and visual attention
    • Mental stamina
    • Working memory
    • Sequencing information and patterns
    • Multi-tasking
    • Problem solving
    • Knowledge in broad variety of topics
    • Interpreting expansion techniques
  • Cultural and Linguistic Abilities
    • Knowledge of both American English and ASL or CASE
    • Knowledge of cultural norms of both American English Speaking and American Deaf Community
  • Professional Attributes
    • Appropriate interpersonal and intrapersonal skills
    • Adaptability and flexibility
    • Organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills
    • Resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner at all times

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Nine-month contract (187-Day)

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy.

SALARY: Salary placement based on current salary schedule.