Visual Interpreter Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Deaf Interpreter, DHH

Position Function: Under the supervision of an administrator and the direction of certificated/licensed staff, Wichita Public Schools Interpreting Services employees provide interpreting services that ensure equitable access to communication by facilitating effective signed and spoken communication among students, staff, and families who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing.

The Deaf Interpreter is a Deaf professional with specialized expertise in visual language and communication strategies. The Deaf Interpreter provides communication access for students whose language use or communication needs require specialized interpreting techniques that extend beyond traditional hearing interpreter services. The Deaf Interpreter often works collaboratively with a Hearing Interpreter using a dual interpreting model.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

         Provide specialized interpretation using ASL, modified ASL, gestures, tactile signing, close-vision signing, protactile communication, home signs, visual imagery, or individualized communication systems.

         Work independently or in partnership with a Hearing Interpreter.

         Assess communication effectiveness and adapt interpreting strategies while preserving message meaning.

         Facilitate communication during classroom instruction, assessments, therapies, meetings, environmental cues, peer interactions, field trips, extracurricular activities, and school-sponsored events.

         Provide linguistic and cultural mediation when appropriate to support accurate communication.

         Participate in interpreter preparation, teaming, and post-session debriefing.

         Maintain confidentiality and comply with the RID/NAIE Code of Professional Conduct.

         Maintain required credentials and continuing education.

         Provides communication access-not instruction.

         Functions as an impartial interpreter.

         Does not reteach lessons or modify curriculum.

         Does not provide educational interventions while interpreting.

         May recommend communication strategies but does not determine educational programming.

         Support equitable access to educational opportunities.

         Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and district policy.

         Demonstrate professionalism and effective collaboration.

         Participate in professional development.

         Promote respectful relationships with students, families, and staff.

         Follow district policies and safety procedures.

         Support inclusive educational environments.

         Participate as a member of the IEP team and provide necessary input regarding communication needs and services.

         Extracurricular and summer rate of pay will be equivalent to employee's current hourly rate.

         Additional responsibilities as defined by specific role.

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by Supervisor/Administrator.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use interactive technology and devices in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with Wichita Public Schools guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Daily in-district travel may be required. Some out of district travel may be needed on occasion.

Physical and Mental Demands:

         Be able to work in various weather conditions

         Be able to react immediately to an emergency for the safety and welfare of the students and staff.

         Be able to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps and reach overhead

         Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability and stamina for a full day of physical activity

         Be able to demonstrate good finger dexterity

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

         Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information

         Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed

• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building 
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude

         Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments

         Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality

         Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance

         Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

         Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors

         Will be working under the direct supervision of the building principal and department supervisor to complete day to day tasks

         Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy

         Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues

         Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

         For schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave

         Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator

         All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of WPS and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

         High School Diploma or GED equivalent required

         Post-Secondary degree in ASL/English Interpreting or other coursework preferred

         Native or near-native fluency in ASL and specialized visual communication systems

         Extensive knowledge of Deaf culture

         Experience working with students with complex communication needs preferred

         State interpreter licensure, registration, or authorization

         Certification is preferred at the time of hire. Employees hired without the required certification must make an initial attempt to earn the required certification within one (1) year of employment. Accepted certification are as follows:

o   ASLPI or equivalent: 4.0 minimum active status

o   BEI: Advanced (4.0) minimum in active status

o   RID: Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) credential

         Certifications by other states may be accepted, must be in active status

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt