VISUAL LANGUAGE INTERPRETER

SCOPE OF POSITION

Under the direction of the Director of Instruction, Inclusive Education or designate, the primary role of the Visual Language Interpreter is to facilitate communication between individuals who do not share a common language. This includes interpreting for Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing student(s) and their hearing peers, classroom teachers, parents/caregivers, school staff, and administrators.

Interpretation services are provided in classroom settings as well as during school activities such as meetings, assemblies, field trips, athletic teams, clubs, and other educational experiences.

This is a district-based position. As such, interpreters may be assigned to one or more school sites and should expect to travel between locations based on where student support needs arise.

Employees in this role also support student learning by assisting individuals or small groups with a variety of tasks. The position requires specialized skills to effectively support students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

This work demands a high degree of initiative, emotional regulation, empathy, and an understanding of the diverse and complex needs of students. The interpreter must exercise sound judgment in responding to a variety of situations while working under the direction of classroom teacher(s) and District Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher (DDHHT) and supervised by the Director of Instruction, Inclusive Education or designate.

JOB FUNCTION:

• Provide interpreting services to facilitate communication between students, peers, teachers, staff, and families, using appropriate modalities (e.g., ASL, contact signing, spoken language) as outlined in the student's IEP
• Support student learning and participation by working collaboratively with the educational team
• Consult regularly with DTDHH and subject teachers to support achievement of learning goals and reinforce concepts and vocabulary
• Prepare for interpreting by reviewing course materials, technical language, and instructional approaches
• Promote student independence and understanding of the interpreter's role
• Support staff understanding of the interpreter's role and Deaf culture
• Interpret assessments, including test questions and student responses, as required
• Implement and support Individual Education Plans (IEPs), personal care plans, and other individualized programs
• Provide insight into cultural and linguistic factors affecting student learning and behaviour
• Maintain and manage amplification and assistive equipment
• Complete required documentation and adhere to district policies, procedures, and professional standards
• Participate in relevant professional development and team meetings
• Other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Grade 12 graduation
• ASL–English interpreting Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution
• Active membership in WAVLI (Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters) or meets eligibility criteria for membership
• Fluency in ASL, with ability to adapt to a range of signing styles and communication needs
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities and diverse abilities;
• Minimum one year of interpreting experience with children or youth in educational or community settings
• Knowledge of child development (educational, physical, social, emotional) and the impact of hearing loss on learning
• Understanding of language development and communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing students
• Knowledge of educational practices, inclusive supports, and the role of interpreters within a school team
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively
• Ability to maintain records and collect/monitor student-related data
• Proficiency with technology, including adaptive and assistive tools (e.g., computers, tablets, captioning software)
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development specific to interpreting
• First Aid certification considered an asset
• This position may require movement between school sites during the school day. Class 5 Driver's license and reliable transportation is required.

HOURS OF WORK & SALARY:

• 32 hours per week, 8:15am – 3:25pm, Monday-Friday at $39.60 per hour (inclusive of July 1, 2025 & 2026, rate increases)
• As this is a new bargaining unit position, the wage placement will be subject to review by the Joint Job Evaluation Committee (JJEC) as per the terms of the CUPE 409 Collective Agreement.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for this position, click on the APPLY ONLINE button at the bottom of the page. Please include your resume, including copies of relevant certificates or diplomas and references.

Note: Faxed resumes will not be accepted. Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. New Westminster Schools values the time you have taken to submit your application; however, only those applicants selected to move forward will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.

About New Westminster Schools

Serving the community of New Westminster, the New Westminster School District provides high quality educational programs to over 7,000 students in a variety of learning environments. New Westminster is in the center of Metro Vancouver between the larger communities of Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Richmond. Despite its location the city is relatively small and has retained a strong sense of history and community. The total population is approximately 82,000 and expected to grow to 104,000 by 2041. District schools are in general, fully subscribed, and a steady increase in student enrolment is expected over the next ten years.

New Westminster School District has a rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and needs. Together, we are a caring, inclusive, and committed learning community dedicated to supporting each of our unique learners.

The New Westminster School District recognizes and acknowledges the Qayqayt First Nation, as well as all Coast Salish peoples, on whose traditional and unceded territories we live, we learn, we play and we do our work.

New Westminster Schools welcomes and encourages applications from women, visible minorities, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, any gender identity or gender expression. If you require an accommodation through our hiring process, please include your request in the application email to equity@sd40.bc.ca.

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.

All jobs in this occupationFull NOC profile