Educational Interpreter

Job Purpose: The Educational Interpreter transmits messages and environmental cues via a language or code that best meets the needs of the receiver in both academic and non-academic settings. The interpreter is expected to establish and maintain effective, appropriate working relationships with students, parents, and staff. The position calls upon the interpreter to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in performance of duties. The Educational Interpreter is guided by best practice and by Mississippi Teacher Codes of Ethics.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Requires the ability to display knowledge of techniques for communicating nonverbally using body language, mime, facial expression, gestures, and cues;
• Requires the ability to display knowledge of methods used in reverse interpretation of the manual communication of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (sign to voice techniques);
• Requires the ability to display knowledge of broad sign language vocabulary;
• Requires the ability to display knowledge of the impact and implications of hearing loss on the student's comprehension of language;
• Requires the ability to display knowledge of the use of specified computer applications involving word processing, data entry, and/or standard report generation;
•Requires the ability to understand and utilize a variety of communication modes used by hearing impaired students;
• Requires the ability to display knowledge of reverse interpreting (sign to voice) the signed communication of students;
• Requires the ability to recognize symptoms of abuse and documenting/reporting observations;
• Requires the ability to use routine word processing software and familiarity with computer operations;
• Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of an "Interpreter training program" of at least two (2) years in duration that is accredited by the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, the Mississippi institutions of higher learning or a comparable agency in another state.
• Must possess two or more of the following certifications listed below:
• National Association of the Deaf (NAD); or
• the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID); or
• Mississippi Office on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH); or
• Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC); or
• Certificate of Interpretation (CI); or
• Certificate of Transliteration (CT); or
• Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI).
• Educational Interpreter Performance Appraisal [EIPA] Level 3 or 2 in Emergency circumstances:
  • A provisional permit is allowed
    • Permit must be provided annually
    • Must provide documentation of improved interpreting skills

Reports To: Building Administrator & Director of Special Education

Supervises: N/A

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance;
• Interprets teacher's and other students' comment to program students during classroom activities;
• Interprets program students' comments to teachers during classroom activities;
• Researches and chooses signs to convey clear meanings in all settings;
• Provides note-taking or arranges note-taking services;
• Facilitates academic and personal communication for program students by providing interpreting services during tutoring sessions, counseling sessions, school assemblies, and after school activities;
• Provides information about students' communication and language needs consistent with the teams direction to teachers in mainstream classes;
• Exhibits knowledge of the language and communication needs of students who are deaf/hard of hearing and the ability to communicate with students who are deaf/hard of hearing;
• Exhibits exemplary interpersonal skills in dealing with students, staff, and parents;
• Projects a positive image of the district to students, staff, and parents as well as exhibiting a positive and collaborative attitude on the job;
• Educates students and staff in the strategies, processes, and protocol for using an Interpreter;
• Advocates for communication access and models self-advocacy skills;
• Participates in professional growth activities;
• Participates in staff and building meetings as appropriate and as requested by teachers or administrators;
• Perform other job related tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor or superintendent;
• Limited travel to and from meetings may be required;
• Supports the George County School District Core Beliefs and Mission.

If you feel that would be right for this SLP position, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application so that we can review your information. We look forward to meeting you!

ABOUT PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Pediatric Developmental Services (PDS) provides the nation's public school districts, charter schools, and communities at large with highly qualified teachers and pediatric therapists, including Special Education Teachers; as well as speech, occupational, and physical therapists. At PDS, we want to make a difference in the lives of children. From finding and training the best pediatric therapists to partnering them with the right schools and clinics in need, PDS supports win-win initiatives for all. From speech-language therapy to Special Education Teachers, our children deserve the best care possible, and at PDS, we make that happen.

For every therapist that works for us, we offer real support by the PDS Client Services team. We know that they are essential in our mission to make a difference in the lives of children. This is why we also offer competitive compensation and great benefits.