Description | Summary/Objective:
Support the education process for a student who is deaf or hard of hearing by assuring that accurate communication occurs between the student and teachers, hearing peers, and other school personnel. In addition, the Interpreter will serve as an educational team member for the student on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.
Essential Functions:
- Interpret/translate lectures, discussions, tests, films, assemblies and extracurricular activities for students who are deaf and hard of hearing utilizing student’s most beneficial communication mode and adjusting the language level to meet student needs.
- When necessary, provide tutoring in the form of expansion of background knowledge, language and vocabulary (spoken and or signed) used in a lesson.
- Work closely with Teachers of the Deaf and collaborate with school staff. Participate in educational team meetings, providing input on student’s use of interpreting services and proficiency in communication and general functioning in the mainstream setting.
- In collaboration with Teachers of the Deaf, provide staff orientations on hearing loss and the use of an Interpreter.
- Improve knowledge of, and skill in, interpreting through participation in workshops, in-services and seminars to meet state requirements for professional development.
- Promote self-advocacy by helping the student understand his/her needs related to interpreting, language, social opportunities and rights.
- Prepare for assignments as necessary
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.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, 185-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are contingent upon school(s) assigned.
Travel:
Travel is dependent on the assignment within Bucks County and is reimbursed in accordance with current IRS guidelines and rates.
Education and Experience:
Level of Degree:
- Bachelors or Associates degree in Educational Interpreting
- EIPA minimum score of 3.5 required
- Experience in school based setting a plus
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Provides interpretation and transliteration services as assigned, using sign language communication for deaf and hard of hearing students in classes and/or laboratories which may require presentation and exchange of highly complex and technical information.
- Assesses student needs and the interpreting situation before and during assignments and makes adjustments as needed
- Interprets from deaf and hard of hearing students’ contributions, reports, or discussions to the instructor and to the class; and interprets deaf and hard of hearing students’ questions directed to the instructor.
- Establishes and maintains a good working relationship with students, staff and/or off-site agencies as may be required by the assignment.
- Assists with providing for the deaf and hard of hearing student’s communication needs, including assessing and adjusting lighting, seating arrangements and access to visual aids.
- Preps for classes by reading and becoming familiar with technical vocabulary and content.
- Stays abreast of new developments and techniques in the interpretation field by attending workshops and conferences and reviewing current literature, legislation and technology,
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- The Educational Interpreter is a related service provider on a student’s IEP, which means that the Interpreter is a legally-defined member.
- The Educational Interpreter must understand and implement a student’s IEP in coordination with the assigned Teacher of the Deaf.
- The Educational Interpreter is obligated to inform and discuss students’ programs with the educational team. The Interpreter is accountable for student progress, as is all other members.
- Educational Interpreters can provide information and advice to the educational team.
- Educational Interpreters should understand basic information regarding schools, learning, development, and teaching.
EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer:
The Bucks IU provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type regarding race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the practice of the Bucks IU to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The practice of providing reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed at any point during the recruiting, hiring, or at any time during employment with the Bucks IU, please contact the Director of Human Resources at HR@bucksiu.org
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