Teacher Assistant - Education Interpreter

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: To work collaboratively with general and special education teachers and other teacher assistants to provide interpreting assistance to students. Provide for basic needs of students, and other duties as may be assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (Does not include all tasks employee may be expected to perform.)

1. Interpret/transliterate communication between hearing persons and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
2. Assist instructors by translating academic instructional material for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in the classroom.
3. Attend classes with students and interpret instructions on a one-to-one or small group basis in vocational subject areas.
4. May interpret textbook materials for reading and non-reading students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
5. Serve as an interpreter for students who attend IEPs.
6. Provide interpreting assistance to health care staff and other personnel in communicating with students.
7. Aid staff in the vocational evaluation process by interpreting standardized tests for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
8. Provide interpretation during telephone communication.
9. Interpret the processes and meetings for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as student clubs and other activities.
10. Prepare reports for individualized educational plan (IEP) about student use of interpreting services.
11. Serve as a member of the educational team by interpreting, translating and assuring through the instructor's questions, testing procedures and other indicators that the student has understood the message. Provide feedback to teaching staff regarding the students' understanding of material.
12. Interpret meetings, hearings, workshops and other presentations regarding a variety of topics including advanced vocabulary and theories.
13. Interpret for persons with varying levels of communication skills including persons with minimal language skills, persons who are deaf/blind and professionals.
14. Perform related work appropriate to the classification as assigned.
15. Regular and predictable in-person attendance is required for this position.

Qualification Requirements : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be qualified to perform essential duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Knowledge of the problems of the deaf culture and the deaf community.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.
• Knowledge of methods of working with children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Knowledge of a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and of emotional and/or developmental disabilities.

• Knowledge of instruction methods.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand and get along well with hearing persons and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Ability to fluently interpret communications between hearing person and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Ability to interpret at varied vocabulary, language and educational levels.
• Ability to interpret work-related information, such as instructions on how a particular tool operates.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, parents and staff.
• Ability to interpret the terminology of instructional material meaningfully to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to promote harmonious relationships with students, parents, staff and administrators.

Education, Experience, Certificates and/or Licensure: Must have an Educational Interpreters' associate's degree from a state-approved program. A valid EIPA Performance score of 4.0 or higher, and obtain EIPA Elementary or Secondary Endorsement; or valid Michigan BEI-II certification; or valid Deaf Interpreter credential and Certification recognized by the Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DODHH). National certification recognized by the RID preferred.

Desired Attributes:

• Positive attitude.
• Ability to relate/communicate well with hearing persons and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Enjoys children.
• Patience and understanding.
• Will to participate in continuing education.
• Expert customer service skills.

Employment Date, Salary, and Fringe Benefits: Anticipated employment date is August 21, 2026. Placement on the Special Education Assistant Salary Schedule depends on qualifications and experience. A new employee hourly pay range is $23.86-$34.96. Paid health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurances, sick, and personal business days.

To Apply: Interested parties should go to our website, to complete an online application.

Pre-employment Screening : Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment for a position with JCISD will be required to successfully complete a background check, a pre-employment physical to determine ability to perform the desired position (with or without reasonable accommodations) and a drug test.