Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI)

School District No. 73 (Kamloops-Thompson) is currently accepting applications for the position of Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI). This position works 6.25 hours per day, 10 months per year, and is laid off over Spring Break, Summer Break and Winter Break. Following successful completion of the probationary period, the incumbent will be eligible for Extended Health and Dental Benefits, as well as Group Life and LTD Insurance. School District No. 73 belongs to the Municipal Pension Plan.

Located in the stunning surroundings of BC’s interior, the Kamloops-Thompson School District is a diverse and growing environment committed to great local education. The District has a Local Education Agreement with each of the local First Nations.

SD73 is dedicated to creating a safe, caring, and healthy learning and working environment that is inclusive of the diversity of their entire learning community. Embedded in SD73’s framework is the directive to provide ongoing and meaningful learning opportunities for all students, staff and community groups, with continuous improvement of instruction and assessment to reflect traditional learning practices and provide an opportunity for strong revitalization of language and culture for students from all backgrounds.

With a strong commitment to its Indigenous learners, SD73 sees decolonization and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action as parts of its core mission.

Serving approximately 16,000 students, 2,700 students of Aboriginal ancestry, in 48 schools our District offers a variety of enhancement programs, including: French immersion, International Baccalaureate, sports academies, trades programs, a K-12 fine arts school, Montessori, and an elementary science and technology school.

School District No. 73 is located on the territory of the Secwepemc Nation and serves 7 local bands and the Métis Nation in a large geographical area.

Our District covers more than 27,000 kilometres and busses about 4,000 students more than 9,000 kilometres every day. We have 34 elementary schools, one middle school, 10 secondary schools, one Kindergarten-to-Grade 12 school, one alternate education program and one distance education school. We employ nearly 3,000 people and have an annual budget of approximately $200 million.

Under the general supervision of the District Principal of Inclusive Education or their designate and with direction from a Principal(s) and teacher, the Registered Sign Language Interpreter is expected to possess the knowledge and ability to translate and interpret in American Sign Language (ASL) the language complexities of the classroom(s) at a level consistent with the student(s) cognitive and academic needs. Incumbents will be required to provide technical, manual and/or hands on support to students and teachers while organizing and participating in instruction for deaf and hard of hearing student(s). Work is varied in that it could involve working with students and/or teachers as either part of a classroom team or providing District support in their area of expertise.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Translate, interpret and/or transcribe information for deaf and hard of hearing student(s)/teacher(s) use in specialized areas including, but not limited to, music, mathematics, science and French curriculum at an advanced level.
• Providing interpreter tutoring support, as a member of an educational team, to students as the secondary level who are proficient signers doing the regular academic curriculum.
• Advance review of classroom materials and/or presentations so as to translate same at a senior/advanced level.
• Assists deaf and hard of hearing student(s) as required to support their integration into specialized literary curriculum programs.
• Observes, monitors and modifies presentations to provide a meaningful educational experience for deaf and hard of hearing students as directed by an educator.
• May participate in educational team meetings and provide input to the IEP process, as required by the administration.
• Assist in the acquisition of life and social skills, including work and recreational experiences.
• Perform related duties as required.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Fluency and the ability to interpret American Sign Language (ASL), including the ability to adjust to the signing, educational, and communication levels that are consistent with the grade level of the student, as required.
• Excellent command of the English language.
• Ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with the public, students, teachers, Principals and other employees of the Board.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a classroom team or independently and with a degree of initiative appropriate to the position.
• Ability to identify and perform a variety of tasks within the program plan.
• Willingness to acquire an understanding of the learning and social needs of deaf and hard of hearing learners in a mainstream education setting.
• Knowledge of the deaf and hard of hearing culture.
• Considerable knowledge in sign language at an interpreter/translator level as evidenced through a screening committee comprised of the deaf and hard of hearing community members.
• Sound knowledge of adapted technology related to the work performed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Grade 12 supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years post-secondary education in a recognized Interpreter Education Program.
• Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI) membership.
• Qualified to interpret/transcribe as evidenced by a screening committee comprised of Deaf or Hard of Hearing persons at a paraprofessional interpreter/transcriber level.
• Five (5) year’s proven previous work experience involving children with special needs, preferably in an educational setting.
• Valid BC Driver’s License (Class 5).

Applications should include cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references.

School District No. 73 is an equal opportunity employer. All applications are considered on the basis of their suitability for the position(s), regardless of the gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, racial origin, marital status and/or disabilities of the prospective candidate.

If reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Associate Superintendent John Wiedrick, jwiedrick@sd73.bc.ca.