Sign Language Interpreter III
Santa Monica College - Santa Monica, CA
posted 6 months ago
About the position
As a Sign Language Interpreter III at Santa Monica College, you will play a crucial role in supporting D/deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students by facilitating effective communication and the exchange of ideas. This position requires you to interpret and transliterate using American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English across a variety of classes, including those with highly technical content that necessitates specialized signs. You will also be involved in college-related activities and events, ensuring that all students have equal access to educational opportunities. The role is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work per week for 11 months each year, with variable work schedules based on student needs. It is important to note that this position is exclusively in-person, with no remote work options available. All candidates must have authorization to work in the United States, as the District does not provide sponsorship. The ideal candidate will have prior experience interpreting in a higher education setting, particularly for advanced courses that involve technical or specialized terminology. You should hold national certification from NIC, RID, or NAD, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and skill development in the field of sign language interpreting. Knowledge of relevant laws and professional codes of conduct is essential to ensure ethical decision-making and adherence to standards. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to build and maintain effective relationships with coworkers, faculty, students, and other stakeholders, as well as to navigate conflicts with tact and discretion. In this role, you will also be expected to provide mentorship and technical guidance to lower-level interpreters, work effectively as part of a team, and adapt to a changing work environment. Basic proficiency with standard computer applications is required, along with a willingness to travel to satellite campuses as needed to support students. At Santa Monica College, you will be part of a diverse team dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals, contributing to a vibrant educational community.
Responsibilities
- Interpret and facilitate communication between deaf and hard of hearing students and hearing faculty, staff, and students in various settings including classes, meetings, and campus events.
- Convey the meaning and spirit of the hearing speaker using American Sign Language or signed English, and vice versa for deaf or hard of hearing signers.
- Adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct in all duties performed.
- Mentor and provide technical sign support and ethical advisement to lower-level interpreters.
- Assist the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Supervisor with scheduling, payroll, and activity planning for deaf and hard of hearing students.
- Research and establish special signs and vocabulary for uncommon scientific or technical terms to maintain an updated office dictionary of technical signs.
- Proctor exams as necessary and perform routine clerical duties when not interpreting, such as answering phones and scheduling appointments.
- Attend workshops and conferences to improve interpreting skills and stay updated on interpreting trends.
Requirements
- Associate's degree or equivalent and graduation from an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) or equivalent.
- Three years of paid work experience interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing in various settings, with experience in an academic setting being highly desirable.
- Proof of national certification from NAD, RID, or equivalent at Level 3 or higher.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience interpreting for high-level courses involving technical or specialized terminology.
- Ability to exercise flexibility and initiative in a changing work environment.
- Basic proficiency with standard computer applications and the ability to learn new systems.
Benefits
- 18 paid holidays
- 12 paid vacation days
- 12 paid illness days
- Fully paid medical, dental, and vision-care coverage for employees and eligible dependents
- Free mental health assistance through the Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) program
- Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CALPERS)
- 5% increase in base pay for every 5 years worked with SMC, up to 40 years of service
- Waived tuition fees for classes taken at Santa Monica College
- Reimbursement for related classes, conferences, or workshops
- Free Big Blue Bus access and monthly incentives for eligible employees through the Sustainable Transportation Incentive Program
- CSEA Chapter 36 Union Membership Option
