Educational Visual Language Interpreter 

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

An Educational Visual Language Interpreter (EVLI) works as part of a collaborative team within the school system and provides interpreting and support services for deaf and hard of hearing students, consistent with the Ministry of Education guidelines.  The duties involve facilitating communication between deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students and staff by providing educational interpreting services in and out of the classroom, adjusting to the communication and educational needs of the student as specified in the students' Individual Education Plan (I.E.P). 

The EVLI receives direction from a District Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with regard to implementation of the students' Individual Education Plan goals, and the Classroom Teacher with regard to implementation of the regular curriculum.  The ELVI works collaboratively with a District Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Classroom Teacher to perform duties and responsibilities. 

The EVLI reports to the School Principal or designate. 

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides American Sign Language, Signed English, Oral interpreting services and/or opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing students to use speech and audition as specified in the students' I.E.P.

Prepares as necessary for interpreting by previewing material, vocabulary, and concepts.

Participates as a member of the I.E.P. team.

Provides interpreting services for school functions including classroom instruction, activities, assemblies, counselling sessions, parent-student meetings, field trips, tutorials, and other situations throughout the school day as required.

Reviews previously taught concepts with deaf and hard of hearing students one-to-one or in small groups as requested and when interpreting is not required as indicated in the I.E.P.

Operates equipment such as FM auditory equipment, close captioning, and computers upon request.

Assists with the implementation of behaviour management or social skills programs as defined in a students' I.E.P.

Ensures proper functioning of hearing aids, cochlear implants and other auditory equipment by performing daily listening checks and reporting any equipment malfunctions to the District Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Assists with the preparation of materials for deaf and hard of hearing students upon request.

Respects the confidential nature of information regarding students.

Performs other assigned related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY & SKILLS

Knowledge of Visual Language Interpretation and the ability to work effectively with deaf and hard of hearing students in an educational setting.

Ability to establish and maintain rapport and effective working relationships with students and staff.

Ability to understand and work with core curriculum at the appropriate grade levels.

Ability to acquire child-specific program knowledge and skills which may be required for behaviour management, equipment handling and communications alternatives such as sign language and augmentative communication.

Ability to implement clearly defined limits of acceptable behaviour with patience and flexibility, and to chart and record behavioural observations.

Knowledge and ability to use computer programs and to adapt the programs to the student's need and level.

Ability to work in a team environment with teachers, parents, health care professionals, district staff etc. Demonstrated ability to work at a level of independence and with the degree of initiative appropriate to the position.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral English.

Interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills required to perform the duties of the position.

Demonstrated fluency in American Sign Language including the ability to adjust to the signing, educational and communication levels required.

Physical ability to perform the required duties.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent including grammar, spelling, arithmetic, reading, writing and understanding English.

Completion of a recognized Program of Visual Language Interpretation plus one year related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

American Sign Language Level 8 proficiency.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES & REGISTRATIONS

None