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Interpreter Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Schools Jurisdictional Class: Non-Competitive Adopted 8/14/96 Amended: 9/10/02; 12/1/06 INTERPRETER DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves translating or interpreting verbal communication into manual language (sign language) with the purpose of facilitating the communication process for the deaf. Incumbents are responsible for interpreting presentations, instructions, and assignments in a variety of settings. Incumbents are also responsible for instructing in the use of sign language and collecting data for IEP interpreting goals. Reports directly to the teacher of the hearing impaired. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Translates or interprets into sign language all academic and special area classroom activities (teacher language, peer conversations, student contributions, films, assemblies, etc.) for hearing impaired students; Does reverse interpreting as needed; Instructs and aids students in the use of an interpreter; Tutors hearing impaired students in subject area of integration; Instructs sign language classes for hearing students; Meets briefly with classroom teachers to determine information which may need explanation; Serves as a liaison to promote positive public relations between hearing impaired students and their hearing peers and teachers; Attends appropriate in-service training programs and staff meetings; Meets on a regular basis with appropriate teacher of the hearing impaired; Assists teacher of the hearing impaired with normal classroom routines when not interpreting; Dresses in a manner which will assist the student in reading signs; Collects data for the IEP interpreting goals; Participates in parent conferences and IEP development under direction of the teacher of the hearing impaired; Provides regular written logs of student's mainstream program; Facilitates regular interpreter meetings; Interprets all special situations including testing situations and counseling sessions); Troubleshoots auditory training equipment. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the English language; ability to translate oral and written communication into Manual English and reverse interpret; Ability to define abstract ideas into understandable manual language; Knowledge of the nature of deafness and its effect on language development of the hearing impaired child; Good knowledge of the communication problems confronting the deaf within mainstreamed environments; ---PAGE BREAK--- Interpreter Page 2 I 2 Exhibits an interest for self-improvement in signing ability; Familiarity with classroom routine; Ability to establish good relationships with students, teachers, and co-workers; Ability to communicate effectively; Patience, endurance, tact, judgment, courtesy, dependability; Initiative and resourcefulness; Good moral character; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Completion of 60 credit hours at a NYS registered or regionally accredited college or university which must have included at least 12 credit hours of interpreting or signing courses; OR Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma AND two years of full-time paid (or the equivalent part-time volunteer, and/or personal) experience as an interpreter for the deaf using oral and manual forms of communication. NOTE: Education beyond high school in signing/interpreting/education for hearing impaired may be substituted for the experience requirement. Each related course completed may be substituted for three months experience.