Position Type: Interpreter/Interpreter
Date Posted: 9/17/2024
Location: Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Executive
EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER Location: As assigned by the administration of Educational Programs & Services
Reports to: Supervisor, as assigned by the Chief Education Officer
Terms: Hourly as Needed
Labor Status: Non-Exempt
Job Classification: Per Current Non-Bargaining Unit Compensation Plan
Certification: Non-Certificated, See Requirements
Company Overview: The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is one of the 29 intermediate units that provides a vast array of services for member school districts, including student services, training and technical assistance, online learning, and customized programs and services. IU8 includes four counties comprised of 35 school districts (approximately 98 schools) and five Career Technical Centers. Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 serves approximately 47,000 students across four counties within 3500 square miles. Our service area includes four counties: Blair, Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria. We have five different office locations within our service area: Altoona, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Richland, and Somerset. AIU8 has opportunities for everyone and our service area offers a broad range of living environments from rural to more densely populated city areas.
Job Summary: This position facilitates communication between deaf/hard of hearing students and others in the educational setting. This position is the communication link between the deaf/hard of hearing student and all those with whom interactions occur during the school day within the school environment to ensure access to education and educational activities by interpreting spoken information.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Key Responsibilities: - Facilitate the instructional process for students who are deaf.
- Assure communication between deaf students and people not fluent in sign language including teachers, hearing peers, and other school personnel.
- Communicate the content of the course in a manner that will be understood by the student. It is essential that the intent of the speaker be conveyed and that key course-related vocabulary be used at all times.
- Interpret all possible information, including but not limited to teacher instruction.
- Provide input to the multidisciplinary Team (MDT) on decisions related to the student's mode of communication, utilization of interpreter, functioning in classroom/school related activities.
- Seek from the teacher or other appropriate person(s) information that is necessary for the interpreting assignment.
- Exhibit confidentiality in all areas of assignment.
- Provide interpreting to assigned students for class lectures, discussions, tests, films, assemblies, and other school sponsored activities as required.
- Assist students with regular education sign language vocabulary or structuring of grammar under the guidance of the classroom teacher or HIS teacher.
- Consult with educational staff and participate in educational team meetings to provide input on students' use of interpreting services, proficiency in communication, and functioning in the general education environment.
- Serve as a communication link between general education teachers and HIS teachers about student's progress.
- Participate in orientations for general education staff on hearing loss and the use of an interpreter.
- Discuss concerns regarding interpreting with the individuals involved.
- Earns required training hours, annually, as required to retain eligibility to work as an educational interpreter in PA.
- Adheres to the EIPA Guidelines of Professional Conduct for Educational Interpreters.
- Demonstrates regular and timely attendance
- Must have personal vehicle for reliable transportation to all work locations.
- Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with IU8 Board policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.
Requirements: - High School Diploma or Equivalency
- Minimum score of 3.5 on EIPA Examination for the respective grade span of assigned student or Qualify as Interpreter according to the Sign Language Interpreter Act, Act 57 of P.S. 1725.1-1725.12 and its implementing regulations
- Current and acceptable clearances: Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History), Act 114 (PDE Finderprinting), PDE6004 (Arrest & Conviction), and Act 168 (PA Sexual Misconduct background)
- Upon hire, all new employees must obtain a certificate of medical examination as well as a tuberculosis test as required under Chapter 14 of the Public School Code, 24 P.S. 14-1416, 14-1418; 22 PA Code 49.12(b) (regarding education); and 28 Pa Code 23.44 (regarding health and safety).
Desired Qualifications: - Advanced Skill in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Advanced Skill in Manual English Codes
- Advanced Skill in Total Communication
- Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Work Environment and Physical Demands: The work environment is school and classroom settings, with some community settings based on need. The work of an educational interpreter could require work with learners outside the school building in locations around the school or in the community.
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
- Ability to move about various work environments
- Ability to position self to manage and retrieve various job materials and supplies
- Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 25 pounds
- Ability to operate a computer for extended periods and other office equipment as needed and work-related
- Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange information with others in a variety of ways for understanding.
- Must be able to interpret, analyze, and problem solve. Must be able to read and understand complex documents relating to federal, state, and local mandates.
- Ability and willingness to travel as necessary to fulfill job duties and requirements
- Converse and interact with individuals with diverse levels of education and abilities
- Work cooperatively with individuals whose responsibilities may overlap with those of the interpreter
Benefits: - Pennsylvania Public Schools Employee's Retirement System (PSERS)
How to Apply: Online at:
Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is an equal opportunity employer.