Interpreter Deaf Co-Op Intern

Job Overview
The Intern, Interpreter for the Deaf will participate as a member of the educational team as an intern interpreter for the deaf to successfully interpret/translate for the deaf/hearing impaired. This incumbent will also assist teachers in the classroom in order to provide educational opportunities ensuring student success.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with interpreting/translating for individuals with hearing impairment in instructional settings
• Prepare for interpreting assignments by study of subject matter and sign language vocabulary
• Assist in providing information about deafness and the role of the educational interpreter
• Participate as a member of the educational team to review assigned student/classroom information and provide input as well as attend educational team meetings
• Attend district professional development courses related to educational interpreting and/or education for the deaf
• Support RDSPD teachers with materials and provide clerical duties as assigned
• Provide lunchroom supervision and supervise students’ rest periods (as appropriate to educational setting)

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• Associate's degree related to interpreting for the Deaf or in the field of Deafness
• Minimum of 60 college hours in lieu of the degree requirements
• Certificate in interpreting for the deaf issued by the Texas Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (BEI) or the Registry of Interpreters (RID) or will obtain within 3 years of hire
• Knowledge of the Code of Ethics established by the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf and endorsed by Texas DARS Division for Rehabilitative Services, Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS)
• Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and in sign language
• Texas Educational Aide Certification preferred or will be able to obtain
• Experience working with children preferred

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.

Additional Information

• The employee frequently is required to stand and use repetitive hand motion. May lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus. Hearing abilities required by this job include listening in small and large group settings in order to interpret information for deaf/hard of hearing individuals in an educational setting. Must be able to handle situations that may be stressful at times.
• This position is funded through grant funds. This position may be discontinued if grant funds are no longer available.