POSITION GOAL:  

The interpreter for the deaf provides services for students with disabilities in a local school district, an intermediate school district (MARSE). The primary function is to facilitate communication among deaf or hard of hearing students and their peers, the classroom teacher, and other personnel in the school system or larger community.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Responsibility of employee to obtain and maintain all training(s), certificate(s), approval(s), etc. and provide documentation to the business office before expiration date of said document(s).
• Fully qualified education interpreter with either an EIPA performance score of 4.0, EIPA elementary or secondary endorsement and, if the EIPA 4.0 is first obtained after August 31, 2018, a passing score on the EIPA written test or a similar written test adopted by the division in cooperation with MDE or a Michigan BEI2 OR the ability to achieve The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) score of 4.0 or above
• Must be fluent in various forms of communication including ASL or the form of sign language determined by the educational team.
• Demonstrates a command of both written and oral English including correct syntax, semantics and spelling.
• Completes continuing education units required by the state of Michigan in order to maintain licensure.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds.
• Required to have a physical presence at the designated job site each scheduled work day.
• Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Interpret all verbalized language in the classroom using American Sign Language (ASL).
2. Provide explanation of new concepts for students using ASL.
3. Assist in increasing ASL vocabulary of student(s).
4. Tasks may evolve based on the needs of the student(s).
5. Interpreting the total class environment or activity to maximize the student’s opportunities to obtain all information and communication.  Besides voicing transliteration and voice interpreting, the interpreter will paraphrase, redefine and summarize when necessary – both verbally and written communications.
6. Interpreting a variety of materials in American Sign Language and may include providing some tutoring, supportive duties and related work as required.
7. Providing language instruction (preview of language concepts) during classroom time.
8. Providing interpreting for school functions outside of the classroom, during regularly scheduled school hours.
9. Participating as an educational team member to serve the needs of ALL students (including but not limited to making copies, filing, cutting, preparing materials, supervising, toileting, etc.).
10. Serving as a liaison to promote good public relations between the deaf/hard of hearing students, hearing peers, staff, faculty members and parents.
11. Participating as a part of the instructional team to provide continuity of instruction for students as identified in their Individual Education Plan or as assigned by the teacher.
12. Acting as a member of the educational team by providing the Teacher Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with input relative to the student’s use of the interpreter.
13. Monitoring student comprehension of communication.
14. Work cooperatively with other ISD and local district staff, parents and community service agencies, as needed.
15. Other duties as assigned by the St. Joseph County ISD Administration.

REPORTS TO:  Special Education Supervisor

PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS:  Special Education Supervisor

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  This is a 191 day position. Salary and conditions of employment are determined by the Board of Education.