Interpreter for the Deaf

Interpreter for the Deaf at Berkeley Unified School District

Share on X Print Application Deadline: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted: 2/26/2026 Contact Erin Arinez Number of Openings: 2 Salary: $35.60 - $43.39 Per Hour Addl Salary Info: $35.60 - $43.39 Hourly Length of Work Year: 10 Month School year Employment Type: Full Time

Job Summary

Under the direction of an assigned certificated administrator, assist in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of Deaf and/or hard of hearing students in a classroom or other learning environment by performing translating tutorial and interpreting services, interpret for students using sign language and/or manual communications.

Essential Elements

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of an assigned certificated administrator, assist in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of Deaf and/or hard of hearing students in a classroom or other learning environment by performing translating tutorial and interpreting services, interpret for students using sign language and/or manual communications.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Essential Duties

• Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of Deaf and/or hard of hearing students in a classroom or other learning environment.
• Monitor and reinforce student drills, practices, and assignments in various subjects.
• Assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans.
• Enhance student understanding and learning activities by interpreting a variety of instructional exercises and presenting various instructional materials designed to enhance the learning process.
• Interpret instructional directions to students and facilitate communications between student and teacher.
• Modify instructional materials to meet student needs.
• Tutor and interpret for individual and small groups of Deaf and/or hard of hearing students to reinforce and follow-up instructional concepts utilizing sign language and manual communication techniques.
• Interpret from spoken language into sign language and from sign language into spoken language.
• Take detailed class notes as appropriate.
• Interpret class lectures, class discussions, tests, and conferences.
• Assist students with study activities in carrying out the various aspects of their Individual Education Programs.
• Attend meetings and report student progress related to Individual Education Programs.
• Assist students in completing assignments, homework, and projects in various subject areas.
• Ensure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures.
• Assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, and general guidance.
• Provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper supplies and materials.
• Confer with teachers concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.
• Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment, including a copier, computer, and assigned software.
• Operate audiovisual and specialized equipment for the Deaf and/or hard of hearing, including hearing aids.
• Communicate with faculty, staff, administrators, and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities, such as preparing keyboarding, duplicating, and filing instructional materials.
• Maintain routine records and student files as assigned.
• Observe and redirect behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures.
• Report progress regarding student performance and behavior.
• Follow health and safety practices and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining learning environment in a safe, orderly, and clean manner.
• Attend a variety of assigned meetings, conferences, and special events.
• Accompany students on field trips and other activities as designated.

OTHER DUTIES

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge Of

• American Sign Language or other sign systems required by assigned students.
• Concerns and problems of Deaf and/or hard of hearing students.
• Guidance principles and practices related to students who are Deaf and/or hard of hearing.
• Safe practices in classroom activities.
• Basic subjects taught in local schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Operation of standard office and specialized classroom equipment, including a computer.

Ability To

• Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
• Perform translating tutorial and interpreting services for Deaf and/or hard of hearing students.
• Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of Deaf and/or hard of hearing students as directed by the teacher.
• Interpret for students using sign language, miming, and manual communications.
• Understand and relate to Deaf and/or hard of hearing students.
• Perform routine clerical duties, including keyboarding, filing, and duplicating materials.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Monitor, observe, and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate standard office and specialized classroom equipment, including a computer.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Maintain routine records.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by the completion of an interpreter training program issued by an authorized agency or community college and one year experience working with Deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid first aid and CPR certificates issued by authorized agency preferred.
• Incumbents must meet requirements specified under the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Successfully pass the appropriate Educational Interpreter Assessment, EIPA, or Essential Skills of Signed English, ESSE, or possession of a valid certificate of proficiency issued by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf - Level I or equivalent.
• Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read, and write in a designated second language.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Classroom and other indoor or outdoor learning environments.
• Physical demands:
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to sign for students.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials and interpret the sign language of others.
• Bending at the waist and/or kneeling to assist students.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Hazards:
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS

For more information on Requirements, please contact the employer.

COMMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION

For more information on Comments and Other Information, please contact the employer.

Links Related To This Job

• BUSD Human Resources
• Union Contracts
• Calendars and Salary Schedules
• CalPERS
• Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only.

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