] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER/TRANSLITERATOR

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Educational Interpreter/Transliterator

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Educational Interpreter/Transliterator CODE: 6560 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Educational Interpreter/Transliterator GRADE: 17-18 MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under general supervision, the role of the educational interpreter/transliterator is to provide equal access of communication for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HOH) in the public schools at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Interpreters/transliterators require a high degree of skill to provide a critical communication link and to provide to D/HOH students equal access to the classroom environment and experience and provide voicing for D/HOH students who do not use speech for expressive communication. The work performed by this position impacts D/HOH students, general education teachers and students, parents, deaf staff, and the community at large.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Demonstrated ability to provide deaf or hard of hearing (D/HOH) students access by accurately interpreting/transliterating curriculum and media content at the student¿s level of understanding and conveying language and context of hearing staff and peers in academic and social situations. Thorough knowledge of various interpreting/transliterating modalities, strategies and tools to successfully evaluate and gauge student¿s understanding and needs, and adjust methods or adapt the language to be accessible. Proficiency in expressive and receptive interpreting/transliterating including providing voicing for the client. Ability to differentiate services to multiple D/HOH students in a general education classroom or community setting; ability to adjust the language register to provide effective interpretation/transliteration to D/HOH students who have developed little to no formal language or whose home language is not English. Ability to work collaboratively with staff to effectively provide services in a variety of instructional models which may involve interpreting/transliterating for D/HOH adults as well as students. Experience with all age d consumer groups and knowledge of the deaf community and culture. Strong interpersonal communication skills and effective human relations skills. Considerable knowledge and understanding of the role of an educational interpreter/transliterator; ability to maintain students¿ confidentiality and provide professional interpreting/transliterating services in accordance with the Registry of Interpreters for Deaf Code of Professional Conduct; the National Association of Interpreters in Education Professional Guidelines; Cued Speech Transliterator Code of Conduct. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: High School or GED diploma required; two years of Interpreting experience required. Three years of experience in K-12 interpreting is preferred. College coursework applicable to the position is highly desirable, including evidence of participation in a recognized interpreter training program. Other combinations of applicable education, training, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in a K-12 public school setting will be considered including experience working with D/HOH persons, practical experience in an interpreting/transliterating role and experience in child development settings. Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Grade 17: noncertified Grade 18: certified: for sign language interpreters, certification via Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment;for cued speech transliterators, certification obtained through the Testing, Evaluation, and Certification Unit (TECUnit).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) A high level of concentration and repetitive motions for extended periods is required. May be required to provide services in extended standing or sitting positions.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Use of own transportation required to travel to multiple locations as necessary (with mileage reimbursement in accordance with MCPS practices/processes). May have opportunities to provide services outside of the school day with overtime if eligible.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or ability associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the core job elements.)


Grade 17 and Grade 18:
1. Facilitates communication in a variety of academic, social and assessment settings between the hearing and deaf students and staff, adjusting the methods or adapting the language based on the various needs of each.
2. Utilizes a variety of visual media (white boards, mime, props) to effectively communicate clear information and vocabulary and technical terms to a diverse D/HOH student population.
3. Collaborates with staff to ensure interpreting/transliterating services are identified and appropriate to the needs of the student.
4. Conveys the statements of a speaker (either literally or in slightly paraphrased form) at a comparable rate of speed as the original spoken message.
5. Provides reverse interpretation for individuals who do not use expressive speech.
6. Provides necessary vocabulary, definitions and background information to enhance previously learned concepts to ensure the goals of the IEP are being addressed.
7. Ensures students thoroughly understand concepts presented by creatively using accepted communication techniques.
8. Facilitates communication for students or staff in emergency or crisis situations including working with outside public agencies, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to the Code of Conduct.
9. Participates in professional development opportunities on specific interpreting skills, effective communication techniques and current technology including interpreting during remote instruction.
10. Trains students and/or staff in skills necessary for communicating with the D/HOH population, as necessary.
11. Performs related work as required and other responsibilities assigned, which may include scheduling and coordinating last minute needs.
12. Collaborates with external contractors.
13. Consults supervisors and staff on deaf culture and interpreter services.
14. Provides backup interpreting services with minimal notice.


Grade 18:
1. Utilizes higher level receptive and expressive skills to engage students with complex needs.
2. Provides interpreting/transliterating services in more demanding or challenging situations and/or settings.
3. Engages D/HOH students, staff, parents or community members using more technical signs, classifiers and sophisticated vocabulary.
4. Performs platform interpreting and/or receive televised assignments.
5. Provides services for sensitive meetings, such as counseling sessions or meetings with outside agencies or meetings that may involve student discipline.
6. Provides services for programs, conferences and evaluations and MCPS meetings that may be broadcast.
7. Helps mentor and train new interpreters.
8. Researches and provides strategies to expand services for the deaf consumers.

Class Established: 11/78
Date(s) Revised: 8/81, 9/85, 6/87, 3/89, 7/92, 7/93, 7/2010, 7/2021
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.