American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter/Coordinator 2024-02594

$51,542 - $57,262/Yr

State of Wyoming - Casper, WY

Full-time - Entry Level

Casper, WY

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter/Coordinator plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility for Wyoming's Deaf, Blind, and hard-of-hearing citizens. This position involves providing professional sign language interpretation and transliteration for state agency staff and the communities they serve. The role also includes coordinating contract interpreter services, developing policies, and conducting outreach efforts to improve interpreting services across the state.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality ASL interpretation/transliteration services during meetings, hearings, presentations, and events as needed.
• Identify, recruit, and support contract interpreters.
• Coordinate interpreter schedules and assignments.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for accessibility issues within the organization.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to freelance contract interpreters, offering constructive feedback and guidance on interpreting skills and professional development.
• Conduct outreach activities, workshops, and training sessions on finding and using ASL interpreters, communication basics, Deaf culture, ASL interpretation techniques, ethics, and best practices.
• Analyze data on interpreter service demand, utilization, gaps in services, barriers, and industry trends.
• Generate reports and recommendations based on data analysis to optimize interpreter services.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to ASL interpretation services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
• Engage in advocacy efforts to promote awareness and understanding of Deaf culture, ASL, and the role and use of professional sign language interpreters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in interpretation, American Sign Language/English, Deaf Studies, rehabilitation, government or public administration, education, social work, or related field.
• Four years of paid experience as an interpreter for the Deaf.
• Valid and Current certification(s) recognized by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), including strong signing and voicing skills.
• Highly proficient in spoken and written English.
• Thorough understanding of deaf culture.
• Comprehensive understanding of the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.
• Knowledge and skills to interpret in various settings, including rehabilitation, mental health, business meetings, legislative meetings, conferences/training, community events, medical appointments, and legal proceedings.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high level of professionalism, impartiality, and confidentiality.
• Proven experience as a mentor or trainer in the field of ASL interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability in policy development, implementation, advocacy, and collaboration.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws that affect the provision of sign language interpreting services.
• Skill in analyzing communication modes as used by sign language users.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience providing interpretive services virtually using a variety of videoconferencing equipment, software, applications, and platforms.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous pension plan for financial security upon retirement.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Generous paid time off and flexible schedule arrangements for work-life balance.