The Lead Sign Language Interpreter coordinates, provides, and oversees interpretation services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, staff, faculty, and families. This role supports communication access across educational settings, ensures scheduling and quality of services, and provides training and guidance to interpreting staff.

Essential Functions

Lead and support a team of interpreters/signing paraeducators, providing technical guidance, training, and mentorship.
Collaborate with the Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TOD/HH) to assess and assign interpreter needs.
Interpret academic and social content in alignment with students’ IEPs, using appropriate sign systems.
Serve as a liaison between interpreters, educational staff, students, families, external agencies/organizations, community partners and administration for accurate and timely communication and integration into broader district wide initiatives.
Coordinate interpreter schedules, including coverage for extracurricular activities and substitute assignments.
Assist in evaluation of interpreting staff and provide constructive feedback to improve performance.
Support instruction by interpreting classroom content and reinforcing learning through direct tutoring in students' primary language.
Maintain accurate records and reports for program accountability, compliance, and communication.
Facilitate and interpret meetings and events (e.g., IEPs, parent conferences, extracurricular activities).
Provide staff orientation and training on effective use of interpreting services, cultural competency, language access, effective communication strategies and deaf culture awareness.
Collaborate with Audiologists and Assistive Technology staff to monitor and report on hearing equipment usage.
Ensure compliance with state and district interpreting standards and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Drive frequently to various sites for work-related duties.
Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Ability to operate standard office equipment and software applications

Ability to operate equipment used in instructional media machines and specialized equipment for the hearing impaired

Knowledge of basic math including calculations using fractions, percentiles, and/or ratios

Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet deadlines

Knowledge of student behavior management strategies and techniques

Knowledge of ASL or other manual communication language

Ability to communicate with tact and patience and to use active listening skills

Ability to work with diverse groups and individuals

Ability to solve problems and analyze issues and create action plans

Ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships

Ability to adapt to changing work priorities and to remain flexible and creative

Ability to work under limited supervision and as part of a team

Education, Certification

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Professional interpreter certification required:
- EIPA score of 4.0 or higher, or
- ESSE/KQAS score of 4.0 or higher.
Professional certification and registration with KCDHH must be maintained. If scores fall below the required level, a state-mandated development plan must be followed until recertification.

Experience

Minimum three years of experience as an Professional Educational Sign Language Interpreter.
Demonstrated experience providing training and direction to other interpreters.

Physical Demands, Working Environment

This position generally requires the following physical demands: occasional lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds, some pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 10% walking, and 45% standing.

Lead Interpreter for Deaf/Hard of Hearing