T itle :

Sign Language Interpreter

Reports to :

Senior Manager and Clinical Lead - Speech Language and Hearing Services

Department :

Inclusive Student Services

Job Purpose :

Facilitates or provides access to communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing within the classroom and educational school setting using American Sign Language (ASL) through the school day. Functions as part of the educational team supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Accountabilities :

INTERPRET : Provide sign language interpretation services in a variety of settings, including working with a variety of students who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and / or oral, empowering students to advocate for themselves and their needs with their peers and educators, accommodating Individualized Educational Plans (IEP), and documenting daily anecdotal notes to help facilitate the integration of students who are deaf / hard of hearing with their peers in regular classes and maintain curriculum access across the Kindergarten to grade 12 setting within Durham District School Board (DDSB).

COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE AND EDUCATE : Communicate and collaborate with, and educate others to ensure DDSB learning goals and educational objectives are met with respect to hearing loss, deafness and or deaf culture by providing education to staff and students regarding the needs of students with hearing loss and the interpreter’s role, actively participating in team, area, Identification, Placement and Review meetings as well as meetings with itinerant teachers and speech pathologists and other relevant professionals, and staying current with board / ministry initiatives on curriculum / standards as needed / requested by the school.

ENSURE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY : Ensure professional accountability by maintaining active membership with AVLIC and upholding the highest standards of professional integrity, competence and ethics as outlined in AVLIC’s code of Ethics, submitting proof of membership to the Chief Speech Language Pathologist, ensuring administration of daily operations related to assigned work, completing assignments, and following DDSB’s guidelines and procedures to ensure the safety and success of all student

PURSUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT : Seek and maintain professional development by attending regular Professional Development (PD) hosted by DDSB and that provided by AVLIC and researching concepts, new and old to keep abreast of changes in the sector.

DOCUMENT : Document daily student logs and supply specific strategies and notes on how students access education through an interpreter.

PREPARE MATERIALS : Request preparation materials in a timely manner to ensure accurate and meaningful interpretations for the involved parties, and rehearse materials to be interpreted. Request that all audio materials are accessible and include subtitles and closed captioning and have ongoing dialogue with educational partners to address scheduling, programming, field trips, special events and presentations.

Knowledge and Skills :

Knowledge of computer software and programs as directed on a student’s IEP

Knowledge of a student’s hearing loss and use of equipment (FM Systems, sound fields)

Knowledge of Deaf culture

Sign language skills such as ASL

Demonstrate the ability to be flexible for a variety of interpreting assignments, organizational skills, the ability to work independently without close supervision, and pay attention to detail

Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines

Develop and maintain positive relations with others

Work collaboratively with staff and promote teamwork with co-workers

Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality

Communicate and collaborate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public

Education :

Completion of Secondary School Graduation Diploma with a recognized community college diploma or university degree from an accredited interpreter training program or a combination of education, training and experience deemed to be equivalent.

Experience :

A minimum of 1-2 years field experience required

500 hours of practical clinical experience required

Current First aid and CPR preferred

The DDSB is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment and hiring of qualified staff who reflect the diversity of our region. We encourage submissions from candidates who represent the various dimensions of diversity. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.