Advanced Interpreter for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Position Overview

Under the general supervision of the classroom teacher and school administrator, the interpreter/ interprets spoken information to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the educational environment. 

Roles and Responsibilities

The interpreter is responsible for voicing for students when necessary in similar situations.  The educational environment includes classroom, field trip, assembly, extracurricular activities, and other educational sites that are deemed appropriate for student learning.

• Acts as the facilitator of communication between Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, school staff, fellow students, and others, as appropriate
• Accurately voice interprets for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
• Interprets the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker, using the student’s primary mode of communication within the educational setting, and all communication (i.e., lectures, classroom discussions, conversations, PA announcements, school assemblies, etc.).
• Respects confidentiality in all areas of interpreting assignments; maintains an appropriate interpreter– student relationship at all times.
• Avoids advising, counseling, or interjecting personal opinions into the interpreted instruction or within the educational assignment
• Participates as an integral part of the educational team, consistently monitoring the student’s comprehension of the interpreted material, clarifying the message by altering the interpretation to more appropriately match the child’s language level if needed
• Learns signs for special vocabulary prior to need; conferences with student to discuss new signs for class related vocabulary
• Strives to maintain high professional standards in compliance with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
• Strives to further professional knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, classes, professional meetings, and interaction with professional colleagues
• Demonstrates knowledge of LCPS employment rules and regulations
• Performs related work as required

Qualifications 

Graduation from high school preferably supplemented by training in sign language; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the following knowledge, abilities, and skills: Personnel providing educational interpreting services for children using sign language shall have one of the following:
 

• A valid Virginia Quality Assurance Screening (VQAS) Level III or Level IV; or
• A passing score on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Written Test along with a minimum of a Level 3.5 on the EIPA Performance Test; or
• Any other state qualification or national certification (excluding Certificate of Deaf Interpretation) recognized by the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of hearing (VDDHH) as equivalent to or exceeding the VQAS Level III.
• Experience as an educational interpreter preferred
• Ability to relate to children, teachers, and other school staff and work collaboratively to support student
• VQAS Level II or EIPA 3.0 or better will be considered with the provision that a VQAS III or EIPA 3.5 be achieved within one year of hire.

Reports to: Supervisor, Special Education

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months/Days/ Hours: 10 Months/ 184 Days/ 7 Hours

Salary Level: Auxiliary Level 1

Salary Scale:  https://www.lcps.org/compensation

Salary Range: $50,216-$84,832