Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.

Job Title: Educational Sign Language Interpreter- Deaf/Hard Hearing  and Requisition ID number: 96686

Close Date: Open until filled

Organizational Unit:  MPS Deaf/Hard of Hearing (10000376) 

Site:  Davis Center (0001) 

FTE:  78.13FTE; 31.5hours; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  ESP(28) 

Functional Area:  Paraprofessional 

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

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Hiring for 5 Open Positions

SUMMARY
Under general supervision, Educational Sign Language Interpreters provide sign language interpreting/transliterating services for deaf/hard of hearing students, as well as assist with instruction in the classroom under the direction of licensed teachers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Principal responsibilites may include:
*Interpreting, transliterating, or facilitating communication/language acquisition at an educational and language level appropriate to each individual student; and performing these tasks through American Sign Language, other forms of sign (e.g. MCE or PSE), or combinations of sign and speech, depending on the IEP-mandated needs of students.

*Assisting students in learning processes; reinforcing positive behavior; providing individual instruction; and encouraging socialization and positive communication.
*Embeding appropriate level of language facilitation, communication facilitation, or interpretation based on whether this is individual is perofrming tutoring or group work with hearing peers.
*Assisting Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.

*Working with students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills, as well as assisting teachers with managing classroom, materials, and student behavior.

*Reporting to teachers any significant behavioral or academic observations of any student with whom they work, and informing general education teachers of specific student needs related to hearing loss (physical environment; lighting; seating arrangements).
*Participating with IEP team to review and address areas needed for improvement in facilitating the communication process of deaf and hard of hearing students.

*Monitoring and supervising student activities; promoting respect, supporting diversity, and explaining social norms and disciplinary consequences; and de-escalating personal confrontations and enforcing District Policies/rules of conduct.
*Monitoring students and recording data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintaining files and keeping records of student progress and activities; and assuring all required written reports are completed and submitted.
*Communicating with parents, students, and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.

*Maintaining absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.

*Demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; and acting in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
*Enthusiastically promoting the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
*Bachelor’s Degree in Interpreter/transliterator program, education, or related field.

*Two (2) years of experience working with students.  Additional education or training may substitute for experience, at the discretion of Human Resources.  Related experience may also be considered, at the discretion of Human Resources.
*Knowledge of:

-EIPA Guidelines of Professional Conduct for Educational Interpreters.
-NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct.
-Methods and techniques for working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing.
-Local community resources and regional community services programs.
-Principles of record keeping and records management.
-Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software.

*Skill in:

-Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
-Assisting children who are deaf/hard of hearing, and assessing educational needs.
-Maintaining composure, and working effectively under classroom conditions.
-Administering educational and school support programs.
-Reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
-Communicating effectively with children.
-Collaborating as a team member, with colleagues, staff and community representatives.
-Following verbal and written instructions.
-Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, clients and community agencies.
-Effective verbal and written communication.

Conversational Sign Skills and strong Sign vocabulary are preferred, but we are open to candidates who are eager to learn this as a new skill set.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
*Certified Fluency in American Sign Language (EIPA, RID, or NAD) within two (2) years.
*First Aid, CPR, and AED training is required within one year of hire. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training may be required within one year of hire, based on assignment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a classroom and a general office environment, with moderate physical requirements; requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Jobs in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree, long periods of working with computers, and working with children. Must be able to lift 40 pounds; may be required to physically restrain students if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | 12:01 AM On | MPS Deaf/Hard of Hearing (10000376) | Davis Center (0001) | Paraprofessional