SUPPLY INTERPRETER (American Sign Language)

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Facilitates or provides access to communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing within the classroom and educational school setting using American Sign Language (ASL) through the school day. Functions as part of the educational team supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Key Responsibilities

• INTERPRET: Provide sign language interpretation services in a variety of settings, including working with a variety of students who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and/or oral, empowering students to advocate for themselves and their needs with their peers and educators, accommodating Individualized Educational Plans (IEP), and documenting daily anecdotal notes to help facilitate the integration of students who are deaf/hard of hearing with their peers in regular classes and maintain curriculum access across the Kindergarten to grade 12 setting within Durham District School Board (DDSB).
• COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE AND EDUCATE: Communicate and collaborate with, and educate others to ensure DDSB learning goals and educational objectives are met with respect to hearing loss, deafness and or deaf culture by providing education to staff and students regarding the needs of students with hearing loss and the interpreter’s role, actively participating in team, area, Identification, Placement and Review meetings as well as meetings with itinerant teachers and speech pathologists and other relevant professionals, and staying current with board/ministry initiatives on curriculum/standards as needed/requested by the school.
• ENSURE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY: Ensure professional accountability by maintaining active membership with the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) and upholding the highest standards of professional integrity, competence and ethics as outlined in CASLI’s code of Ethics, submitting proof of membership to the Senior Manager and Clinical Lead - Speech Language and Hearing Services, ensuring administration of daily operations related to assigned work, completing assignments, and following DDSB’s guidelines and procedures to ensure the safety and success of all students.
• PURSUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Seek and maintain professional development by attending regular Professional Development (PD) hosted by DDSB and that provided by CASLI and researching concepts, new and old to keep abreast of changes in the sector.
• DOCUMENT: Document daily student logs and supply specific strategies and notes on how students access education through an interpreter.
• PREPARE MATERIALS: Request preparation materials in a timely manner to ensure accurate and meaningful interpretations for the involved parties, and rehearse materials to be interpreted. Request that all audio materials are accessible and include subtitles and closed captioning and have ongoing dialogue with educational partners to address scheduling, programming, field trips, special events and presentations.

Education

• Completion of a Secondary School Graduation Diploma with a recognized community college diploma or university degree from an accredited interpreter training program or a combination of education, training and experience deemed to be equivalent.

Experience

• A minimum of 1-2 years field experience required

• 500 hours of practical clinical experience required

• Current First aid and CPR preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of computer software and programs as directed on a student’s IEP
• Knowledge of a student’s hearing loss and use of equipment (FM Systems, sound fields)
• Knowledge of Deaf culture
• Sign language skills such as ASL
• Demonstrate the ability to be flexible for a variety of interpreting assignments, organizational skills, the ability to work independently without close supervision, and pay attention to detail
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines
• Develop and maintain positive relations with others
• Work collaboratively with staff and promote teamwork with co-workers
• Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public

Additional Requirements

• Provide a current Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening upon hire.

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.