Job Title: Sign Language Interpreter

Reports to: Site Administrator

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: Classified

Tenure Track: No

Social Security Contribution: Required

Salary: Board Approved Schedule, IN42

Purpose Statement

The Springfield, Missouri Public School District is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Sign Language Interpreter.

The Springfield School District is Missouri’s largest public school district and has built a reputation of academic excellence based on the outstanding performance of our students and schools. About 25,000 students attend 36 elementary schools, an intermediate school, 9 middle schools, 5 high schools and a variety of alternative education and choice programs.

The job of Sign Language Interpreter is done for the purpose of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities for assisting in the instruction or supervision of students identified with hearing impairment/deafness; providing voice to sign and sign to voice support; and serving as a resource to other school personnel requiring assistance with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Essential Functions

• Adapts language to clarify classroom work under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing a method to support and/or reinforce lesson plans to assigned students.
• Interprets subject specific tests and skill assessments under the guidance of a classroom teacher or resource teacher for the purpose of evaluating students' language ability and subject.
• Assesses classroom, assembly hall, and other room setups for students identified as hearing impaired/deaf (e.g. noise level, visibility, ) for the purpose of ensuring proper setup to facilitate students' learning.
• Attends Individual Education Program meetings with assigned student(s) for the purpose of providing necessary input into the evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing/modifying students' objectives through the conversion of conversation to sign.
• Conducts, and participates in, in-service meetings for the purpose of conveying information and upgrading classroom skills necessary for the successful educational process for students identified as hearing impaired/deaf.
• Provides reinforcement of lesson objectives to students (individual or small groups) (e.g. reading, spelling, self-esteem, behavioral skills, daily living skills, ) for the purpose of implementing goals for remediation of student deficiencies (removed: and ensuring students success) by the conversion of voice to sign.
• Interprets in meetings and activities with students and other individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing for the purpose of providing content understanding and communication between voice to sign and sign to voice.
• Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential manual and electronic lists and records for the purpose of documenting activities and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors student activities in the educational environment under the supervision of certified personnel for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides teachers with input for the purpose of assisting in evaluating student progress and/or student objectives.
• Interprets to students identified as hearing impaired/deaf, under the supervision of the teacher, in accordance with lesson plans (e.g. reading, spelling, self-esteem, behavioral skills, daily living skills, ) for the purpose of supporting student comprehension and assisting the teacher in improving students' academic success through a defined course of study.
• Uses adapted classroom work/homework/assessment instruments under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing voice to sign and sign to voice support and/or supporting learning.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements (Minimum Qualifications)

Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent’s, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: student behavior management strategies/techniques; and ASL or other manual communication language.

Skills are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating equipment used in instructional media machines and specialized equipment for the hearing impaired; operating standard office equipment using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Ability is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings and/or events; gather, collate and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job- related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with   data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: developing  and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders; setting high expectations for self and others; setting and monitoring progress toward goals; utilizing and offering effective feedback to continuously improve; collaborating and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders; applying critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes; being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; displaying tact and courtesy; being empathetic and nonjudgmental; and establishing and maintaining effective relationships, especially with students.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Springfield School District and is appropriate for their position.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; and utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Terms of Employment

The terms of employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Missouri public school and Board of Education policy, as those laws and policies may change from time to time.  If your position is represented by Collective Bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between SPS and that Collective Bargaining representative.

Experience

Job related experience as an interpreter for the hearing impaired/deaf, required

Education

Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area, required

Clearances

Background clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required

Certificates and Licenses

• Missouri Interpreter’s License, required
• Missouri Certification, or Restricted Certification in Education (RCED) through Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), required

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking and 33% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.