About the position
The City of Waterbury is seeking a qualified Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide essential interpreting services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals within the educational district. This role is crucial in assisting teachers and other professional educators in delivering instructional and related support services to hearing-impaired students through the use of sign language, as well as written and verbal materials. The Interpreter will work under the direct supervision of teachers and certified professional educators, effectively collaborating as part of an instructional team to ensure that students receive the necessary support to thrive in their educational environment. The primary responsibilities of the Interpreter include promoting positive relationships between deaf and hard of hearing students and their hearing peers, assisting students in understanding and using sign language, and collaborating with classroom teachers and other service providers to prepare for interpreting services. The Interpreter will also be involved in motivating students, operating technology and adaptive equipment, and participating in the educational team to provide continuity of instruction as outlined in students' Individual Educational Plans (IEPs). Additionally, the Interpreter will prepare for daily lessons and school-related activities, provide interpreting services for school functions outside of the classroom, and conduct research on topics to ensure accurate translation of information. Candidates for this position must possess a National Interpreting Certification and be registered with the State of Connecticut. The role requires a strong understanding of the forms of interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing, familiarity with the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. The position also demands proficiency in sign language, strong listening and memory skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. A valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license is required, and incumbents may be required to travel as part of their duties.
Responsibilities
- Assist in promoting good relationships between deaf and hard of hearing students, hearing peers, staff, faculty members, and parents.
- Assist the student in understanding and using sign language.
- Assist with the instruction of students in academic subjects.
- Collaborate with regular classroom teachers, teachers of hearing impaired, and other service providers to prepare for interpreting services.
- Confer with special and general education practitioners about student schedules, instructional goals, progress, and performance.
- Motivate students to work.
- Operate computers and use technology and adaptive equipment to enable students with special needs to participate in general education.
- Participate as part of the educational team to provide continuity of instruction for students as identified in their Individual Educational Plans (IEP).
- Participate in transitional planning and vocational assessment of students.
- Prepare for daily lessons, school-related activities, and media by reviewing necessary information prior to interpretation.
- Prepare reports and correspondence as needed.
- Provide interpreting for school functions outside of the classroom during regularly scheduled school hours.
- Provide sign language interpreter services for deaf or hard of hearing students in all areas of the educational environment.
- Research topics or subjects to accurately translate information.
- Attend Planning Placement Team (PPT) meetings as needed.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Possess and maintain a National Interpreting Certification.
- Be a registered Interpreter with the State of Connecticut in accordance with Sec. 46a-33a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
- Knowledge of the forms of interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing.
- Familiarity with the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
- Some knowledge of resources available for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Problem-solving skills and proficiency in sign language.
- Strong listening and memory skills, along with research skills.
- Ability to assess sign language proficiency and collaborate with staff.
- Ability to follow directions and carry out assignments.
- Ability to interpret and translate language at a normal conversational rate of speed.
- Ability to schedule and prioritize workflow.
- Ability to use computer software and systems.
- Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working in an educational setting with deaf and hard of hearing students.
- Knowledge of additional languages or dialects.
- Experience with technology and adaptive equipment for special needs education.
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Retirement plan
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid personal days
