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Job Title: Educational Sign Language Interpreter- MPS Deaf/Hard Hearing (2021-2022)and Requisition ID number: 76128

Close Date:11:59 PM on

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.

Mutliple positions available!

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Principal responsibilites may include:
Interpreting, transliterating, or facilitatingcommunication/language acquisition at an educational and language level appropriate to each individual student; and performingthese 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.

Assistingstudents in learning processes; reinforcingpositive behavior;providingindividual instruction; andencouragingsocialization and positive communication.
Embedingappropriate 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.

Workingwith students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills, as well as assistingteachers with managing classroom, materials,and student behavior.

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

Monitoringand supervisingstudent activities; promotingrespect, supportingdiversity, and explainingsocial norms and disciplinary consequences; and de-escalatingpersonal confrontationsand enforcingDistrict Policies/rules of conduct.
Monitoringstudentsand recordingdata for academic and behavioral assessments; maintainingfilesand keepingrecords of student progress and activities; and assuringall required written reports are completed and submitted.
Communicatingwith 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.

Demonstratingcourteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; and actingin a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
Enthusiastically promotingthe 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.

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.