SOESD - Advanced Interpreter

Advanced Interpreter The Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) is seeking dedicated and skilled interpreters to join our dynamic team. We have a variety of different sign language skill level positions available. This position will serve students ranging from Pre-K-12th grade who utilize a variety of communication modalities. Commitment to professionalism, growth and working as a dynamic educational team member, while carrying out your interpreting assignment is vital to the success of our program. As an advanced interpreter, you will be responsible for preparing for classes, working toward ongoing professional goals, following the Code of Professional Conduct, informally assessing student language skills and working to ensure that the educational team operates cohesively via the sharing of information. Working for the SOESD will give the successful candidate a unique experience to change the lives of students. Applicants should understand the importance of positive relationships with students, professional colleagues, and the spirit of teamwork. We are passionate about the importance of inclusion and believe in the power of education to transform lives. If you share these views and are dedicated to bringing positive outcomes for all young people, then this could be the perfect role for you.

About SOESD Southern Oregon ESD is located in the Rogue Valley, the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

For more information on living in the Rogue Valley, please see:

• Education: http://vimeo.com/5495231
• Cultural Opportunities: http://vimeo.com/5702777
• Recreational Opportunities: https://vimeo.com/5734731
• Health Care: https://vimeo.com/5510082

Advanced Interpreter Position Goal : To provide access to education for students who are deaf and hard of hearing by facilitating communication. Work in collaboration with the Lead Interpreter to promote professional growth and development in support staff.

Essential Functions

• Interpret/transliterate information accurately, conveying the thought, intent, and spirit of the sender in a manner appropriate to the student's level.
• Instruct students in the correct use of an interpreter.
• Act as a liaison between PDHH staff and mainstream staff, providing relevant feedback as to student progress.
• Adhere to all rules and protocol governing the confidential rights of all students.
• Demonstrate functional comprehension of subject matter and develop technical signs specific to class curriculum.
• Provide tutorial support to deaf and hard of hearing students.
• Interpret for students, parents, and/or professionals in conferences or other school-sponsored activities when sanctioned by supervisor.
• Consult with educators, administrators and support staff in providing awareness of deaf culture, the etiology and psychology of deafness, and the special communication needs of deaf students through yearly orientation and ongoing information presentations.
• Develop and implement an ongoing program in professional growth to include fluency, vocabulary building (technical/general signs), and language skills, and participate in a skill-development mentoring program.
• Maintain an interpreter log, when assigned, to be available to the PDHH teacher.
• Demonstrate both written and oral command of the English language including correct use of syntax and grammar.
• Participate, upon request, in parent conferences and IEP meetings.
• Assist interpreters in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of staff meetings and in-services when requested.
• Work in collaboration with Lead Interpreter to plan agendas, help conduct in-services, implement appropriate skills assessment tools, provide professional growth assistance to support staff, and assist support staff with developing annual goals.
• Share information gained through professional growth activities with appropriate staff and apply current trends in the profession to upgrade the program services.
• Attend conferences, workshops and summer job-related training programs as requested.
• Participate in daily preventative physical warm-up.
• Develop and maintain complete and accurate records and reports as appropriate.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment under direction of the PDHH teacher.
• Comply with local district and ESD rules and procedures.
• Complete and document 12 hours of continuing professional development related to sign language interpretation each school year
• Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation (see reverse).

Minimum Prerequisites: These requirements apply to individuals hired on or after July 1, 2008.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Score of 4.0 or above on the EIPA Performance Assessment or hold RID NIC, CI or CT Certification and meet one of the following criteria:
• Hold a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or related field.
• Achieve a passing score on the EIPA Written test.
• Certificate of Completion from an Interpreter Training Program or extensive background and experience with sign language including regular contact with deaf children or adults.
• Three years successful experience as an Interpreter in an educational setting (K-12 preferred).

Location: In person at assigned school(s)

Length of Position : 190 days (academic year) calendar

Pay : Per Classified Hourly Compensation Schedule. $26.93/hour to $36.90/hour for 2026-2027 school year.

Immediate Supervisor : Department Administrator

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE And Over)

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to 2185.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.

Health Insurance

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax

Options

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership

The following physical requirements are essential functions of the Advanced Interpreter job description.

• Stand/Walk: 6-8 Hrs/Day
• Sit: 1-4 Hrs/Day
• Drive: 1-4 Hrs/Day
• Bending:Occasionally
• Squat: Occasionally
• Climb Stairs:Frequently
• Single Grasping: Frequently
• Pushing: Limited
• Pulling: Limited
• Fine Manipulation:Frequently
• Repetitive Foot Controls: Not At All
• Lifting (less than 25 lbs): Limited
• Lifting ( 25 - 50 lbs): Not At All
• Lifting (50 - 75 lbs):Not At All
• Lifting (75 - 100 lbs):Not At All

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.