Job Description

Definition Interprets educational and general information exchanged in an educational setting by using manual and oral methods of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing. Typical Duties Attends classes, guidance sessions, tutoring sessions, and student activities with deaf and hard of hearing students to interpret educational information, classroom discussions, and activities through the use of manual and oral methods of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing. Answers general questions regarding the nature and problems associated with deafness and hard of hearing. Continually assesses a student's communications skills in speech, lip-reading, signs, and fingerspelling in order to utilize the most appropriate communication methods based on the student's needs and preferences. Observes problems encountered and progress being made by deaf and hard of hearing students and reports observations to instructional and program staff. May perform a variety of ministerial duties related to the effective operation of programs for the deaf and hard of hearing such as accepting telephone calls, disseminating information, processing correspondence and records, and maintaining files. Performs related duties as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics A Sign Language Interpreter Specialist I conveys the full meaning of a message using oral and manual forms of communication for deaf and hard of hearing people and voices the deaf/hard of hearing person’s message with an oral presentation in proper English syntax. A Sign Language Interpreter Specialist II, in addition to using oral and manual forms of communication to convey the full meaning of a message, achieves and delivers conceptually accurate higher-level academic material utilizing English and/or American Sign Language (ASL). A Senior Sign Language Interpreter Specialist coordinates and schedules the interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing students and participates in interpreting educational and general information exchanged in an educational setting by using manual and oral methods of communication. Supervision General supervision is received from an academic or classified supervisor or administrator. No supervision is exercised. Class Qualifications Knowledge of: Standard methods of manual communication for the deaf and hard of hearing including American Sign Language, Signed English, fingerspelling, and non-manual expression including facial, eye, and body language The culture and cultural experiences of the Deaf community Common educational processes and procedures on a college campus Current developments, trends, and techniques in the field of interpreting for both the deaf and hard of hearing as utilized by the Deaf community National Association of the Deaf (NAD)-Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct Basic recordkeeping procedures Capabilities of computer systems, equipment, and software used in providing interpreting services for the deaf Skill in: Conveying the thought, intent, and spirit of a speaker to a deaf/hard of hearing person Interpreting/transliterating expressively and receptively using manual and oral methods of communication for the deaf and hard of hearing Ability to: Utilize sufficient sign vocabulary to ensure proper interpretation for various academic or vocational subject matters Establish and maintain effective relationships with deaf and hard of hearing students, as well as, with faculty and staff Observe the progress of a student and adapt or modify methods of communication and/or discuss concerns with the instructional and program staff, as needed Maintain the confidentiality of information exchanged in an interpreting situation Communicate effectively by signing, orally, and in writing Keep detailed and accurate records Meet schedules and timelines Entrance Qualifications Education and Experience: Sign Language Interpreter Specialist I A. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND 1800 hours of paid, volunteer, or family-related experience as an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing. Completion of an American Sign Language Interpreting program of at least 30 units or its equivalent is desirable. OR B. Graduation from a recognized four-year college or university with a major in Deaf Studies with a concentration in ASL/English Interpreting or a closely related field. OR C. National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or a passing score of 4.0 or higher on the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA). Special Note: Certification of Interpretation (CI) or Certificate of Transliteration (CT) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) will be accepted as qualifying. Benefits Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents. A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee. New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave. 19 paid holidays per year. Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days. Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty. Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security. Employee Assistance Program Selection Process The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview. Reasonable Accommodations Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about his or her ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, he or she should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.  

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