SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Personnel Commission

CLASS TITLE: Education Interpreter/Tutor, Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HOH) Program

DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform highly specialized functions in the interpreting/transliterating classroom lectures, instructional materials, media, mainstream classroom instruction, informal conversation discussion, interpreting and tutoring Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in assigned academic or elective subject areas.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The class of Education Interpreter/Tutor, Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HOH) Program exercises independent judgment and responsibility for the accurate interpretation/transliteration of both formal and informal classroom/school instructional and extra-curricular activities. Employees in this class receive direct supervision within a well-defined framework of policies and procedures.

This class requires a high degree of proficiency in the application of recognized and designated sign languages and finger spelling and at the speed required to successfully execute and facilitate communications between hearing and Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons.

ESSENTIAL/TYPICAL DUTIES

• Performs specialized duties requiring the application of and proficiency in accepted and designated sign languages such as American Sign Language (ASL), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), Contract Sign Language (PSE), Signing Exact English (SEE II), and finger spelling
• Recognizes and adjusts interpretive language to match the student’s preferred language and language mode to ensure that the student comprehends the interpretation
• Interprets/transliterates mainstream and self contained classroom lectures, group discussions, movies, plays, videotapes, audio recording, guest speakers, general classroom instruction and extra-curricular activities
• Interprets/transliterates informal conversations, telephone calls, and other verbal communications for assigned Deaf/HOH students/staff; communicating intensity/feelings of both originator and receiver
• Voice interpret for Deaf/HOH students, staff and parents
• Assists students in learning/practicing appropriate living/social skills and behaviors such as safety procedures, communication skills, independence, decision making and problem-solving techniques necessary for "mainstreaming" and life skills
• Tutors and assists Deaf/HOH students, individually or in groups, in academic or elective subjects; and assists teachers in self contained classroom with instruction as assigned
• Prepares, designs, and develops instructional materials to assist Deaf/HOH students in a learning environment under the direction of a certificated teacher
• Researches specific terminology and signs appropriate to classroom material/lectures
• Interprets/transliterates for assigned Deaf/HOH student(s), staff, and parents at extracurricular activities/events, during meetings, student orientations, work shops, and other related events
• Trains certificated and other staff members in simple signing methods as directed; enhances communications between Deaf/HOH students and mainstream participants
• Serves as a resource to Deaf/HOH students and mainstream staff on appropriate use of interpreting services
• Serves as a positive liaison between mainstream staff and Deaf/HOH program
• Assists in ordering appropriate instructional materials for Deaf/HOH program
• Accompany Deaf/HOH students to and from means of transportation including the supervision of students while loading and unloading buses; supervises students during student unstructured time including recess, breaks, lunch, between classes and before and after school
• Observes Deaf/HOH students on day-to-day basis; provides feedback to staff as necessary
• Orients substitute teachers/education assistants to classroom routine/procedures and individual student's needs as necessary
• May perform routine clerical duties including typing, duplicating, collating, filing, taking attendance, grading papers, etc.
• May operate specialized communication equipment for Deaf/HOH students
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Various modes of sign language, finger spelling, and gestures as required by assignment including American Sign Language (ASL), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), Contact Sign Language (PSE), Signing Exact English (SEE II) and American Manual Alphabet (finger spelling) methods and techniques used in communicating with deaf and hard of hearing persons
• Team interpreting
• Code of Ethics prepared by the National Registry for Interpreters for the Deaf
• Basic child guidance principles and effective management techniques
• Basic social/emotional need and challenges associated with Deaf/HOH students
• Deaf culture
• Effective record-keeping practices and procedures
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Ability to:

• Effectively and accurately interpret/transliterate classroom lectures/instruction/discussion, videos and other related activities using sign language/voice and appropriate vocabulary
• Voice interpret for Deaf/HOH students/staff
• Team interpret in a mainstream environment providing support as needed
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions in an independent manner
• Understand the basic social/emotional needs associated with Deaf/HOH students
• Effectively tutor Deaf/HOH students in assigned subject areas
• Accurately analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action under established guidelines
• Operate standard office and specialized equipment including a desktop computer, typewriter, copier, communications equipment, etc.
• Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination related to job duties/assignments and in accordance with applicable law, statutes, bargaining unit agreements, and merit system rules.

REQUIRED EXAMINATION(S) AND/OR CERTIFICATION

• A passing score on a proficiency examination for reading, writing and mathematics skills test of the County Office of Education
• Possess valid certification issued by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or at least a Level 4.0 assessment from National Association of the Deaf (NAD); Educational Sign Skills Evaluation (ESSE); or other statewide or nationally recognized organization or certifying body.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way of demonstrating these qualifications would be:

• Completion of any interpreter training program equivalent to an Associate’s Degree with coursework in sign language, psychology of deafness or a related field.
• One year of experience as an interpreter in an educational setting with proficiency to accurately interpret spoken English for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and interpret designated sign language to spoken English.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Indoor and outdoor environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to perform assigned duties; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate special equipment (including a keyboard) and perform the duties of the position; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; and lifting light objects.

Approved by the Personnel Commission: September 12, 1984
Revised: 06/24/95; 04/05/93; 04/27/93; 08/27/98; 01/27/05, 06/11/09