BENICIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sign Language Interpreter
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, to translate or interpret class discussions and lectures for hearing impaired students using sign language; and to perform related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Positions in this class serve the needs of hearing impaired students by accompanying one or a small number of students to classes and social situations to interpret using sign language and other forms of communication.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The tasks listed in this section are representative of duties assigned to positions in this class. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the tasks assigned to positions in the class, and it is not expected that all of the tasks listed are necessarily assigned to all positions in the class.
Translate and interpret class discussions, lectures, and social conversations for hearing impaired students. Repeat and interpret instructions, as needed; clarify assignments, information, and concepts; reverse interpret to support communication of hearing impaired student with classmates, teachers, and school staff.
Maintain contact with teachers and parents to monitor student progress. Attend assemblies, IEP's and meetings to interpret and to give input.
Tutor and provide instructional reinforcement during in-class individual and group work time. Accompany students to classes, assemblies, lunch, physical education and other activities.
Perform the full range of duties of an Instructional Assistant as assigned.
Participate in employer-mandated training and retraining programs; serve on assigned committees and teams; perform related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
General concepts presented in K-12 curriculum
General needs and behavior of students at the assigned age level.
Sign language, such as SEE signs and ASL at a fluent level, as needed by student.
English usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Numbers concepts and general arithmetic to basic algebra level.
Operation of standard office equipment, as needed.
Ability to:
Translate and interpret effectively using sign language used by student.
Use vocabulary appropriate to the curriculum.
Read, write, speak, and sign English fluently.
Speak tactfully and courteously with students, staff, and public.
Use body language to communicate.
Work patiently with students.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Perform routine clerical work and utilize classroom technology, audio/visual equipment and other instructional equipment, as needed.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training, education, and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above, and the ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical qualifying entrance background is graduation from high school or GED equivalent and experience interpreting for hearing impaired individuals.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT
The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment which may be required of positions in this class. Benicia Unified School District encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Personnel Department for further information.
Vision: (which may be corrected) to read normal print and a computer screen.
Hearing: (which may be corrected) to hear sounds which warn of potential danger; to hear speech in a classroom setting.
Speech: to be understood in face-to-face communications.
Upper Body Mobility:use hands and fingers to feel, grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; twist and bend at torso; turn, raise, and lower head.
Lower Body Mobility:to walk on even surfaces; bend at waist; stoop; stand for prolonged periods of 50 minutes; and step over objects.
Strength:to lift and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 10 pounds on a regular basis; to push/pull objects which weigh as much as 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
Smell:to distinguish strong odors.
Environmental Requirements: work cooperatively with others; work independently; work around dirt/dust.
Mental Requirements:read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a 12th grade proficiency level; math skills at a 12th grade proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; copying, coordinating and demonstrating.