Educational Visual Language Interpreter - MJ Shannon Elementary

Temporary Full Time Assignment with Mary Jane Shannon Elementary until June 30, 2027

THE ROLE

An Educational Sign Language Interpreter (ESLI) works as part of a collaborative team within the school system and provides interpreting and support services for deaf and hard of hearing students, consistent with the Ministry of Education guidelines. The duties involve facilitating communication between deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students and staff by providing educational interpreting services in and out of the classroom, adjusting to the communication and educational needs of the student as specified in the students’ Individual Education Plan (I.E.P). The ESLI receives direction from a District Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with regard to implementation of the students’ Individual Education Plan goals, and the Classroom Teacher with regard to implementation of the regular curriculum. The ESLI works collaboratively with a District Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Classroom Teacher to perform duties and responsibilities. The ESLI reports to the School Principal or designate.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides interpreting services for school functions including classroom instruction, activities, assemblies, counselling sessions, parent-student meetings, field trips, tutorials, musicals and other situations throughout the school day as required.
• Prepares as necessary for interpreting by previewing material, vocabulary, and concepts
• Participates as a member of the I.E.P. team
• Reviews previously taught concepts with deaf and hard of hearing students one-to-one or in small groups as requested and when interpreting is not required as indicated in the I.E.P.
• Operates equipment such as FM auditory equipment, close captioning, and computers upon request
• Assists with the implementation of behaviour management or social skills programs as defined in a students’ I.E.P.
• Ensures proper functioning of hearing aids, cochlear implants and other auditory equipment by performing daily listening checks and reporting any equipment malfunctions to the District Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Assists student(s) in maintaining, cleaning and troubleshooting hearing aids, cochlear implants and other auditory equipment
• Assists with the preparation of learning materials for deaf and hard of hearing students upon request
• Assists with implementing language development strategies as provided by the Speech Language Pathologists
• Works with the student on language development including use of American Sign Language
• Respects the confidential nature of information regarding students
• Performs other assigned related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY & SKILLS

• Demonstrated fluency in American Sign Language
• Knowledge of Deaf culture and community resources
• Experience working and/or interacting with Deaf or Hard of Hearing people, especially children
• Understanding of the language implications in the education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
• Ability to adjust the signing, education and communication levels required, in accordance with students needs
• Ability to support student(s) in the implementation of his/her IEP
• Ability to understand and work with curriculum at the appropriate grade level (s)
• Ability to be flexible in order to meet the varying academic, social, emotional and behavioural needs of students
• Knowledge of the basic aspects of student’s physical, educational, social and emotional development
• Knowledge of the basic principles of educational practices, the function of support services, and the role of interpreters as a member of an educational team
• Effective interpersonal skills

Qualifications include:

• Successful completion of a two (2) year post-secondary program in Sign Language Interpretation and at least one year related experience
• Successful completion of grade 12, active member of Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI)
• Must have experience as an interpreter
• Very high level of fluency in ASL required

All successful applicants are required to join CUPE Union Local 728.

Qualified and interested applicants can apply by clicking "apply" to the right of the posting. Ensure to include your cover letter, resume, references and supporting documentation. Posting will remain active until filled.

Note: Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those persons selected for interview will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.

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This job is classed under Translators, terminologists and interpreters (NOC 51114) in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). Here’s how NOC describes the work in general; the posting above has the details for this job.

Translators translate written material from one language to another. Interpreters translate oral communication from one language to another during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals. Terminologists conduct research to itemize terms connected with a certain field, define them and find equivalents in another language. Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances. Translators, terminologists and interpreters are employed by government, private translation and interpretation agencies, in-house translation services, large private corporations, international organizations and the media, or they may be self-employed. Sign language interpreters work in schools and courts, and for social service agencies, interpretation services, government services and television stations, or they may be self-employed.

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