Classified Educational Interpreter

Job Title: Educational Interpreter

Job Code: 900

Grade: E

Department: Special Education

Prepared By: Ann Bounds

Prepared Date: April 15, 1999

Approved By: David Barr

Approved Date: April 4, 2001

SUMMARY

Facilitates communications among deaf and hard of hearing students and their hearing peers, teachers, and other personnel involved in the student's education through the act of interpretation and transliteration. The interpreter is a contributing member of the educational team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide interpreting/transliterating services as assigned including, but not limited to, classroom, counseling, field trips, assemblies, extracurricular activities, PTSA, etc.
• Assess individual student's linguistic competence and modify interpreting services accordingly.
• Provide in-service to students, faculty, staff and parents/families regarding the role and responsibilities of the interpreter and the legal rights as they relate to Sign Language interpreting.
• Participate in meetings related to individual students who require interpreter services.
• Meet with teachers to coordinate communication of classroom material.
• Participate in IEP meetings as a team member, providing insight on the use of communication strategies.
• Participate in appropriate faculty/staff meetings.
• Interpret at meetings for parents and staff who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Abide by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of ethics as it applies to Educational Interpreters.
• Assist in the maintenance of a safe learning environment, including upholding school policies and procedures.
• Maintain anecdotal reports and submit reports as required.
• Neat, well-groomed, appropriately dressed appearance.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma required. Willingness to seek certification within five years of being hired. BA degree or AA in interpreting preferred. Completion of an interpreter preparation program, or equivalent experience.

Score a level of 3.5 or above on the Educational Interpreters' Assessment Performance (Administered by the Louisiana State Department of Education). Interpreters desiring to be hired by Caddo Parish School Board must attain a level 3.5 within the first year of employment or be terminated.

SKILL RELATED

Competency in understanding and expressing American Sign Language and/or related Manually Coded English systems. Ability to interpret at a conversational rate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to write informational handouts, reports, procedures, and letters that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Ability to work tactfully and harmoniously with State Department of Education, schools, staff, students, parents and/or the public.
• Physical stamina and emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and to keep all aspects of the job under control.
• Ability to hold records, reports, and conversations in confidence.
• Ability and initiative to plan, organize, and carry out assignments under minimum supervision.
• Neat, well groomed, appropriately dressed appearance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Interpreters will be given one hour for planning per day to prevent repetitive motion injury. When an assignment is over one hour, a relief interpreter will assist the classroom interpreter. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and use his/her hands to sign. It is necessary for the employee to be able to hear clearly to interpret the teacher's lessons effectively.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Employee acknowledges that he/she is required to maintain a high standard of professional conduct. Breach of said professional conduct includes but is not limited to: neglect of duty, dishonesty, engagement in acts that are contrary to CPSB policy, unlawful activities, or any other conduct which is seriously prejudicial to the school system.

CHAIN OF SUPERVISION

Reports to Instructional Specialist for Sensorially Impaired

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

182 days

Employee Name: _____ SSN: ____-____-____

(Type or Print)

____ ___

Employee Signature Date

Starting Salary Information

No College Degree $19,120.

Associate''s Degree (2 year) $20,076.

Bachelor''s Degree (4 year) $21,032.