Sign Language Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

The Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) seeks a dedicated and skilled interpreter to join our dynamic team. As an interpreter, you will be supported by highly trained educational interpreters and work towards developing a career of which you can be proud. This position will serve students ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade who utilize a variety of communication modalities. Commitment to professionalism, growth, and working as a dynamic educational team member while carrying out your interpreting assignment is vital to the success of our program. As an interpreter, you will be responsible for preparing for classes, working toward ongoing professional goals, following the Code of Professional Conduct, informally assessing student language skills, and working to ensure that the educational team operates cohesively via the sharing of information. Working for the SOESD will give the successful candidate a unique experience to change the lives of students. Applicants should understand the importance of positive relationships with students, professional colleagues, and the spirit of teamwork.  We are passionate about the importance of inclusion and believe in the power of education to transform lives. If you share these views and are dedicated to bringing positive outcomes for all young people, this could be the perfect role for you.
About SOESD
Southern Oregon ESD has locations in the Rogue Valley, Grants Pass, and Klamath Falls. The Rogue Valley is the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festival, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Grants Pass is a beautiful river town with access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and rafting on the Rogue River. The town also boasts a lively downtown, a close-knit community, and a rich history. Klamath County is proudly the home of Crater Lake National Park. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, outdoor sports are unlimited for all ages and all seasons.
For more information on living in the area, please see:

• Education: http://vimeo.com/5495231
• Cultural Opportunities: http://vimeo.com/5702777
• Recreational Opportunities: https://vimeo.com/5734731
• Health Care: https://vimeo.com/5510082
• Klamath Falls: https://www.klamathfalls.city/307/Why-Klamath-Falls
• Grants Pass: info@travelgrantspass.com

Sign Language Interpreter
Position Goal: To provide access to education for students who are deaf and hard of hearing by facilitating communication. 
Essential Functions:

1. Interpret/transliterate information accurately, conveying the thought, intent, and spirit of the sender in a manner appropriate to the student's communication level.
2. Instruct students in the correct use of an interpreter.
3. Orient regular classroom teachers about the role of interpreters and suggest classroom adaptations.
4. Adhere to all rules and protocols governing the confidential rights of all students.
5. Develop and implement an individual ongoing program in professional growth to include fluency, vocabulary building (technical/general signs), and language skills, and participate in a skill development mentoring program
6. Participate, upon request, in parent conferences and IEP meetings.
7. Demonstrate active participation in staff meetings and in-services.
8. Attend conferences, workshops, and job-related training programs as requested.
9. Interpret for students, parents, and/or professionals in conferences or other school-sponsored activities when sanctioned by the supervisor.
10. Maintain an interpreter log, when assigned, to be available to the PDHH teacher.
11. Demonstrate both written and oral command of the English language, including correct use of syntax and grammar.
12. Demonstrate a functional comprehension of all subject matter.
13. Provide tutorial support to deaf and hard-of-hearing students as assigned.
14. Act as a liaison between PDHH and mainstream staff, providing relevant feedback on student progress.
15. Assist in the professional development of other interpreters within the program through assigned mentorship duties.
16. Participate in a daily preventative physical warm-up.
17. Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment under the direction of the PDHH teacher.
18. Develop increasing proficiency in all essential functions for Interpreter III prior to advancement to that level.
19. Comply with local district and ESD rules and policies.
20. Complete and document 12 hours of continuing professional development related to sign language interpretation each school year.
21. Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Prerequisites

1. High School diploma or GED.
2. Score 3.5 or above on the EIPA Performance Assessment or hold RID NIC, CI, or CT Certification and meet one of the following criteria:

           a.   Hold a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or related field
           b.   Achieve a passing score on the EIPA Written test

1. Certificate of Completion from an Interpreter Training Program or extensive background and experience with sign language, including regular contact with deaf children or adults.

 
Location:  In person at assigned schools.
Length of Position: 190 days (academic year) calendar
Pay: Per Classified Hourly Compensation Schedule.  $24.61/hour to $33.75/hour for 2026-2027 school year.  
Immediate Supervisor: Department Administrator

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE and Over):  

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2185.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including an additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation, and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.  

Health Insurance:  

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax  

Options:  

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership  

The following physical requirements are essential functions of the Interpreter job description.
1.   Stand/Walk: 6-8 Hrs/Day
2.   Sit: 1-4 Hrs/Day     
3.   Drive: 1-4 Hrs/Day     
4.   Bending: Occasionally    
5.   Squat: Occasionally   
6.   Climb Stairs: Frequently                 
7.   Single Grasping:  Frequently              
8.   Pushing: Limited              
9.   Pulling: Limited                 
10. Fine Manipulation: Frequently   
11. Repetitive Foot Controls: Not At All  
12. Lifting (less than 25 lbs): Limited  
13. Lifting  ( 25 - 50 lbs): Not At All  
14. Lifting  (50 - 75 lbs): Not At All   
15. Lifting  (75 - 100 lbs): Not At All  
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable. 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  
SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.