NJSBA MANUAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS		
G-7
Paraprofessional

TITLE:			Educational Sign Language Interpreter

Qualifications:
1.	Completion of an accredited interpreter training program, or equivalent

2.	Experience as a sign language interpreter. Work experience in a post-secondary educational setting preferred

3.	Certification by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

4.	Must be skilled in American Sign Language and appropriate forms of manually coded English

5.	Required criminal history background check (if position requires contact with the students) and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status 
6.	Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one year of employment

REPORTS TO:		Certified classroom teacher, principal and school counseling services director

JOB GOAL:		
1.	Educational interpreters are specially trained individuals who facilitate communication between students who use sign language due to hearing loss and students/teachers who do not.
2.	The educational interpreter’s duties are not only specific to the student assigned, but they also serve as a member of the educational team of that student. 
3.	The educational interpreter has specialized skills and training in the area of sign language. The interpreter’s role is not to perform duties as a licensed teacher or to replace a teacher.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.	Interpret oral communication into sign language and signed communication into spoken English.
2.	Convey the content of the message clearly and accurately according to the receptive language level of the student.bdjsbpioj
3.	Participate as a member of the IEP team.
4.	Adhere to the rules of confidentiality required of all school personnel.
5.	Report student related concerns to the appropriate educational personnel.
6.	Work collaboratively with the student's educational team.
7.	Prepare for interpreting assignments including the vocabulary and content knowledge of the subject matter.
8.	Tutor students and make adaptations only under the supervision of licensed educators.
9.	Assist in communication throughout the school day in a variety of settings (recess, lunch, peer interactions, emergency drills) as stated in the IEP.
10.	Report to building principal.
11.	Supervision will be in conjunction with the general education teacher(s) and the hearing specialist.

TERMS OF
EMPLOYMENT:	Salary and work year to be determined by the board of education.

annual 
evaluation:		Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with NJ State law 			and the provisions of the board’s policy on evaluations

Approved by: 

Date:

Revised: 

Legal References:

N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1  	Criminal history record; employee in regular contact with pupils, 		grounds for disqualification from employment
N.J.S.A. 18A:16-1   	Officers and employees
N.J.S.A. 18A:16-2    	Physical examinations; requirement
N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.1(e)	General requirements
N.J.A.C. 6A:32-4.2	Approval of paraprofessional staff
N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6	School employee physical examinations

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, 8 U.S.C.A 1100 et seq.

Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. 114-95, Title 1,  20 U.S.C.A. 6301 et seq.

Qualifications for teachers and paraprofessionals, 20 U.S.C.A. 6301 et seq. 

Title I Paraprofessionals Draft Non-Regulatory Guidance, November 15, 2002