Humboldt County Office of Education: Sign Language Interpretor

Notice: In July 2022 HCOE classified job descriptions were re-classified. We are working to get the classifications changed on individual job descriptions. A PDF mapping these changes can be found here. For questions please contact the HCOE Personnel Office at (707) 445-7039.

HCOE Job Description

Sign Language Interpretor

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education, serve as the facilitator of communication between students, teachers and others; interpret from spoken and written English to sign language for DHH individuals and sign language to voice for English speakers. Sign language interpretation can occur in a variety of settings including classroom instruction, and other school related activities including school events and meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide interpretive assistance to facilitate communication between deaf and hard of hearing students, student peers and instructors
  • Tutor DHH students in various subjects
  • Utilize sign language and other appropriate systems to interpret classroom lessons and assignments
  • Interpret lectures, assemblies and other school related activities for particular students
  • Modify curriculum and prepare materials to meet the needs of DHH students
  • Establish and maintain rapport with students and school staff
  • Directs learning activities in the classroom under the direction of the teacher
  • Conveys auditory environmental stimuli to deaf/HH students including bells, alarms, computer signals etc.
  • Takes notes in general education classes and re-writes notes if required.
  • Participates with a team in the implementation of behavioral and/or treatment plans
  • Interprets for deaf participants at meetings and school related activities
  • Monitors student progress and completes records accurately
  • Participate in staff development events and trainings
  • Perform related duties, as assigned.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

  • Proper English usage, grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation
  • American Sign language and interpreting skills including sign to voice, voice to voice sign and transliteration ability.;
  • Registered Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Ethics;
  • Basic concepts of child growth, development and behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to the needs of deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
  • General classroom procedures, purposes, goals and methods of education
  • Positive discipline and behavior management techniques
  • Operation of assistive equipment and devices

Ability to:

  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children and adults contacted in the course of work;
  • Maintain the highest level of confidentiality in all matters relating to students;
  • Communicate effectively in English language both orally and in writing;
  • Physically participate in activities both inside and outside the classroom such as: vocational training, recreational activities and field trips;
  • Use correct procedures for lifting and correctly positioning of student in specialized equipment when necessary;
  • Operate a variety of office machines including copier and computers;
  • •Exercise sound judgement and work independently without close supervision;
  • Be flexible with a positive attitude and possess excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Work under varying degrees of stress;
  • Be physically agile and possess sufficient strength and stamina to work with children and adolescents;
  • Learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to public education for children and related to the program to which assigned.
  • Accept periodic changes in assignment to different school locations and a variety of students
  • Learn and adapt to new procedures and conditions.

Minimum Requirement

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Possess a Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or Educators Interpretive Performance Assessment (EIPA) equivalent test score certification of 4.0 or above;
  • Education or experience related to working with individuals with hearing impairments in educational setting preferred;
  • Possess a valid California Driver License;
  • Meet the psychical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties effectively;

Requirements

  • Must be fingerprinted with a satisfactory DOJ records check
  • TB testing will be required upon employment
  • Must have normal Vision, corrected or uncorrected
  • May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within first 6 months of employment
  • May be required to drive for work. Must have a current CA driver’s license and proof of insurance.

License, Certificate and Testing Requirements

  • Valid certificate of competency from a California Department of Education approved organization at Level 4.0 or above or equivalent;
  • Possess a valid California driver license and maintain insurability.

Physical Requirements

  • See, read and distinguish colors on a computer screen, educational materials, books and other printed mater, with our without vision aids;
  • Hearing and speaking to exchange information
  • Speaking so that others may understand at normal levels and on the telephone
  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other equipment
  • Sitting, standing , walking, twisting, stooping, crouching, kneeling, bending over at the waist, grasping reaching overhead, pushing, pulling and moving, lifting and/or carrying 0-50 pounds to waist height;
  • Move quickly on uneven terrain, play yards and school grounds.

Personnel Commission Approved 11/13/2018

Administration Office

Natalie Carrigan
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
707-445-7022

Press Inquiries

Natalie Carrigan
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
707-445-7022

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