ASL Staff Interpreter (Part time 22.5 hours)
Join to apply for the ASL Staff Interpreter (Part time 22.5 hours) role at the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
Overview
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks dynamic Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, offering a part-time position (.6 FTE - Full Time Equivalent) with benefits for statewide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. The ideal candidate will interpret spoken and written content into ASL and vice versa for staff, clients, providers, employers, and the public, both on-site and via remote platforms. Assignments may be statewide or regional, and collaboration with other interpreters for comprehensive service coverage may be required. In this role, the interpreter will coordinate services to ensure effective communication access and may be involved in producing materials such as VLOGs, as appropriate. They will receive direct supervision from the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Interpret/transliterate for DDS’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff and clients in various situations to ensure equal communication access.
* Assess the communication access needs of requests; negotiate for optimum conditions; use professional discretion to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure appropriate skills and knowledge for each situation.
* Deliver interpreting/transliteration services to agency staff, clients/consumers, providers, employers, and the public; use languages most readily understood by service users.
* Confer with fellow interpreters when working as a team; share joint responsibility for the message.
* Demonstrate proficiency with remote video conferencing platforms used by DDS and sister agencies.
* Coordinate interpreting and CART services for staff and clients upon request in partnership with Communication Access schedulers.
* Schedule interpreters or CART services if unable to provide service directly; use available resources, including DDS staff interpreter team and MCDHH interpreter referral service.
* Address service requests within 2 working days or as early as the schedule allows; identify and communicate backup plans to ensure timely response.
* Maintain records of interpreting and CART services provided; organize records of each provider assigned to a request; submit records to the authorizing staff member.
* Process receipt of interpreter invoices or follow up if no invoice is received within 60 days; investigate discrepancies between records and payment vouchers; verify accuracy; forward payment vouchers to fiscal staff within 5 business days.
* Act as liaison between vendors and DDS, elevating inquiries when necessary.
* Engage with staff across divisions and external stakeholders to provide quality services; participate in reflective practice with colleagues.
* Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as MCDHH Interpreter Referral Services, contracted providers, DDS staff, employers, and vendors.
* Contribute to policy and planning discussions locally, regionally, and statewide with other DDS Deaf Services providers; assist in creating trainings and materials for clients, staff, and vendors.
* Disseminate acquired skills and knowledge to other staff interpreters and Deaf Services staff locally, regionally, and at Statewide Deaf Services meetings.
* Support the production of VLOGs to ensure DDS materials and announcements are accessible; work with DDS staff, sister agencies, and others to develop VLOGs and scripts.
Required Qualifications
* Familiarity with the Code of Ethics established by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
* Proficiency in specialized vocabularies for English and American Sign Languages, including technical, medical, and scientific terminology.
* Understanding of cultural and historical references in both Deaf and hearing cultures.
* Knowledge of the effect of deafness on the linguistic, social, cultural, and developmental aspects of deaf people.
* Capability to perform simultaneous and consecutive interpretation; skill in using gestures and other non-verbal communication methods to effectively convey messages.
* Competence in maintaining accurate records; ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.
* Ability to interact effectively with individuals under physical and/or emotional stress.
* Knowledge of and adherence to laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
* Skill in preparing general reports, documenting activities, and presenting information clearly and concisely.
* Demonstrated ability to work with individuals who have physical, emotional, psychiatric, or other disabilities, offering appropriate support and services.
* Capability to operate a motor vehicle.
* Expertise in providing remote interpreting services using commonly used video conferencing platforms.
Education, Licensure, and Certifications
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Credentials may be verified per DPW/Human Resources guidelines.
Pre-employment and Additional Information
* Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
* Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services: http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
* National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, fingerprint-based check: https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
Equal Opportunity
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
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Employment details
* Employment type: Part-time
* Seniority level: Not Applicable
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