THE POSITION BELOW IS VACANT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION:
POSITION TITLE: SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER (Special Education)
LOCATION: St. Croix District
Interested persons should contact: DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Deadline for applying: Until Filled
Salary: $44,000 - $48,475
Classification: American Federation of Teachers - AFT
DESCRIPTION
The Sign Language Interpreter will work closely with hearing impaired students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning activities; to provide the conversion of spoken language into sign language, and sign language into spoken language as requested and required. This position will work within the Special Education Division to provide appropriate educational opportunities and instruction for each student, according to the guidelines established by the VI Department of Education. Under the direct supervision of the principal, director and/ or instructional personnel, the individual will perform routine and specialized work relating mainly to instructional activities in a school. An employee in this role is required to work in collaboration with other Teachers and staff in providing supportive learning environments that facilitates inclusion of learners with diverse learning needs, and protects the safety, health, and well-being of learners and staff. The scope of work to be performed by the Sign Language Interpreter impacts students from preschool to high school.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)
- Participate in the implementation of educational and other services designed for children with various levels of disabilities;
- Interprets information for hearing impaired students during student orientation;
- Assist hearing impaired students with learning materials and instructional exercises;
- Accompanies students to and from their homes when required;
- Assists with personal and hygiene care of male and female students;
- Maintains open communication with parents, faculty and staff;
- Works closely with health services and guidance personnel to assist students with special needs or circumstances.
- Instructs individual or small groups of learners following approved lesson plans.
- Obtains and reviews related instructional materials prior to providing interpreting services as requested;
- Provide individual learners with supplementary / independent study projects and assists with the interpretation of additional assignments.
- Participates in staff development trainings, workshops and meetings
- Prepares learning/ instructional material bulletin boards and maintain learning centers;
- Translates simultaneously with the classroom lectures and/ or other presentations and events from English into sign language and translates students responses from sign into English;
- Interprets at special events (e.g. field trips and student instructor conferences);
- Maintains, as directed by an occupational or physical therapist, nurse, or speech-language pathologist, adaptive equipment required by learners with physical and sensory disabilities, or health related needs;
- Collaborate with educational professionals /providers in functional assessment activities to determine a child’s developmental level and learning needs, including documenting the data and maintaining learner records required by the state, district, or agency;
- Administers standardized assessment instruments scored and analyzed by teachers or other professional practitioners;
- Supervises students in community-based learning environments to prepare them to make the transition from school-to-work and to participate in the adult world (if required by learner or program needs);
- Familiarizes employers and other members of the community of the needs of individual learners (if required by the program or learner needs);
- Assist student(s) with transportation needs such as pushing, guiding, and maintaining their wheelchair, walker, etc;
- Participates in Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) planning team meetings as required by learner needs;
- Performs related work as required.
FACTOR I: KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of American Sign Language, Signed English and/ or other tools of communication;
- Knowledge of basic school subjects and ability to communicate knowledge to others;
- Knowledge of the special behavior patterns pertaining to student age and growth process;
· Knowledge of and interest in the community and the welfare of its children;
- Knowledge and awareness of ethical and confidential conduct in personal relationships on the job;
- Knowledge, patience and understanding of mentally handicapped children and a sincere desire to assist in their educational development;
· Ability to read and write in grammatically correct sentences;
· Ability and willingness to work with educational professional and technical supervisors as a team in the development of children;
· Ability to assume the role of teacher and playmate in directing the play of children toward desired objectives;
· Ability to follow clearly written lesson plans; create and revise lesson plans while meeting the required guidelines
· Ability to establish, cooperate and maintain effective working relationships with all persons contacted during the course of work;
· Ability to follow oral and written directions, maintain simple records, absorb training and apply learned skills;
· Ability to manage class room time and group control;
· Ability to be tolerant, and patient under stressful situations.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in Communications, Early Childhood, Education or a related field. A minimum of 12 semester units of sign language studies, child development and a minimum of one (1) year of work experience signing with children or young people with disabilities
- Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language, Communications, Early Childhood, Education or a related field. A minimum of 12 semester units of sign language studies, child development and a minimum of three (3) years of work experience signing with children or young people with disabilities.
Interested persons should apply by visiting our website at www.vide.vi and select the appropriate application for submission procedures.
Send your complete application package to careers.stx@vide.vi for consideration.Application documents required: (1) Completed Application, (2) Resume, (3) Cover Letter, (4) Official College Transcripts, (5) Certifications, (6) Licenses, (7) Three Letters of Recommendation, (8) Police Background Check and (9) Doctor’s Statement of Good Health.
Travel, transportation and relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. Any travel, transportation and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the sole responsibility of the selected candidate.