BASIC FUNCTION:

Apply ASL interpreting, English transliterating and/or other communication modalities in the educational environment to ensure access to information and maximum learning between students who are deaf or hard of hearing and faculty, staff, and other students.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The levels of Interpreter are distinguished by both the level of comfort, skill, and knowledge in service delivery and encouraging effective communication and interaction in the educational setting. The Interpreter III serves in a supportive capacity in the classroom.  The Interpreter II clearly interprets all communication. The Interpreter I functions in strong coordination and leadership with teachers and school staff to ensure achieved intent of instruction.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Attend and interpret the educational environment including but not limited to:
  • Classrooms
  • Laboratories
  • Field trips
  • Assemblies
  • Sports practices / competitions
  • School-sponsored extra-curricular activities
  • Meetings / conferences
  • Graduation ceremonies
  • All other educational opportunities provided to students.
• Encourage deaf and hard of hearing students to communicate with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and others.
• Utilize planning time to meet with teachers and staff as deemed appropriate by the educational team and/or supervisors.
• Prepare for demanding course material as necessary for successful interpreting and/or transliterating.
• Participates as a professional member of the educational team in the Admission and Release Committee (ARC) process.
• Meet with teachers and staff to coordinate efforts in achieving instructional goals of the educational team; and
• Perform other duties as assigned that do not interfere with the communication accessibility of assigned student(s).

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• American Sign Language, Signed English, Signed Exact English and other recognized modes of communication within the deaf and hard of hearing community.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Kentucky Core Content and Program of Studies.
• Applicable sections of the law, including Kentucky Administrative Regulations.
• Special Education, language development of, and effective strategies for educating students with hearing loss.
• Values, behavior, and language of the American deaf culture; and
• NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.

      ABILITY TO:

• Interpret from spoken English to the IEP specified modality (ASL, Signed English, etc.) and from the IEP specified modality to spoken English.
• Ability to fully implement knowledge of the field of interpreting.
• Relate well to deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Provide instructional staff with relevant information regarding student’s functional abilities in the classroom.
• Communicate effectively orally, in writing and across the signing continuum.
• Work independently with little direction; and
• Maintain current knowledge of school rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s degree preferably from an Interpreter Training Program; and
• Minimum of 2 years of experience interpreting.

        OR

• 5 years interpreting experience may be accepted.

        OR

• Full license from the Kentucky Board of Interpreters (KBI).

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Temporary license from the Kentucky Board of Interpreters (KBI); and
• Actively working with a mentor to achieve full licensure.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL (FBI) AND STATE (KSP) FINGERPRINT SUPPORTED CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK AND A LETTER FROM THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES STATING THE EMPLOYEE IS CLEAR TO HIRE BASED ON NO FINDINGS OF SUBSTANTIATED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT FOUND THROUGH A BACKGROUND CHECK OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT (CAN) RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. An FBI, KSP & CAN background check(s) performed for another school district of current employment or within a 6 month separation period may be accepted. KRS 160.380

As a condition of initial employment, all employees shall pass a medical examination. The medical examination shall be reported on the form required by Kentucky Administrative Regulation available at the Board of Education office. The examination shall be provided by a licensed physician, physician assistant (PA), or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Each medical examination shall include a risk assessment for tuberculosis as required by Kentucky Administrative Regulation. Individuals identified by that assessment as being at high risk for TB shall be required to undergo a tuberculin skin test. A Medical exam & TB screen performed for another school district of current employment or within a 6 month separation period may be accepted. 702 KAR 001:160

All applicants being considered for employment shall be required to submit to a urinalysis test for the detection of illegal use of drugs and alcohol. An applicant refusing to complete any part of the drug testing procedure will not be considered a valid candidate for employment with the District, and such will be considered as a withdrawal of the individual’s application for employment. If substance screening shows a confirmed positive result for which there is no current physician’s prescription, a second confirming test may be requested by the HRC. If the first or any requested second confirming test is positive, any current job offer will be revoked. The applicant will not be permitted to reapply for employment with the District for at least twelve (12) months and not until the applicant shows proof of successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program or proof that the applicant is no longer engaging in illegal drug use. A drug screen, which includes our 5 required panels, performed for another school district of current employment or within a 6 month separation period may be accepted. DSISD School Policy 03.23251

As a condition of initial employment, all employees shall complete training for the use of physical restraint and seclusion in school districts. 704 KAR 7:160