Sign Language Interpreter

We acknowledge that the Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Máthxwi First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.

Why Abbotsford?

Located under an hour from Vancouver, the Abbotsford School District is settled in the heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain views.

Learn more about the Abbotsford community: tourismabbotsford.ca // thefraservalley

Why the Abbotsford School District?

Every day, in every classroom and office at Abbotsford School District, our employees provide a world-class, innovative educational experience for over 21,000 students. We provide a workplace that fosters creativity, inspires excellence, and challenges everyone to embrace growth.

Working in public education is both challenging and rewarding, but at the Abbotsford School District we truly believe that every one of our employees has the opportunity to help children learn, grow, and succeed.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This unionized position is a 10-month, continuing position. Hours of work are Monday to Friday,  8:35 AM - 2:28 PM.  The schedule is subject to change based on school placement.

This position is eligible to participate in the Extended Health & Dental Plan, as well as pension contributions to the Municipal Pension Plan.

Under the direction of the LSS District Principal, or designate, the District Sign Language Interpreter provides assistance and support to students through the implementation of individual education programs and acts as an interpreter between the deaf and hard of hearing students and staff.

Depending on the nature of the students, the emphasis of the program is to provide students with the appropriate social, motor, language and living skills for them to become integrated into the school system and the community. 

The Educational Interpreter works in conjunction with and under the supervision of the classroom teacher and the hearing resource teacher. The incumbent performs a variety of tasks in accordance with established policies and procedures. Judgment and independence is exercised in handling assignments and determining work methods. Work is reviewed periodically for quality of service and for adherence to established standards of performance.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Interprets/transliterates American Sign Language/English or Manually Coded English for deaf and hard of hearing students for a variety of school functions including classroom activities and assemblies;
• Interprets and transliterates into American Sign Language/English or Manually Coded English for deaf and hard of hearing parents, staff or others in the community at meetings and other functions as needed;
• Prepares for classroom interpreting;
• Advises deaf and hard of hearing students and staff regarding the use of an interpreter in the classroom;
• Provides and seeks information on a student’s expressive and receptive signing communication and/or preferred signing styles within the IEP process;
• Operates equipment related to interpreting services;
• Assists with the maintenance of records related to student progress;
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to the school district;
• Maintain working knowledge of the District Child Abuse protocols and reporting procedures;
•  Maintains knowledge of new technology and/or processes which improve services.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The successful applicant will have successfully completed Grade 12 or equivalent, and successful graduation from a British Columbia Interpreter Training Program, as well as:

• 1 year deaf studies completion;
• Completion of an Interpreter Training Program in BC;
• Have current membership with the National Association of Interpreters (AVLIC), or ability to join;
• Have current membership in the Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI), or ability to join;
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in interpreting;
• Proficiency in American Sign Language/English or Manually Coded English;
• Proven ability to work in an efficient manner, organize personal workload, work under pressure and see assignments through to completion
• Proven ability to make sound decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Experience and knowledge using MS Office, email, internet, etc.
• A valid BC driver’s license.
• Working knowledge of proper safety practices and the demonstrated ability to work in a manner that recognizes personal safety and the safety of others;
• Proven ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing with the ability to explain instructions or information clearly to others;
• Proven ability to maintain positive interpersonal and communication skills with the demonstrated ability to contribute to an environment which promotes teamwork;
• Proven ability to work in an efficient manner, organize personal workload, work under pressure and see assignments through to completion;
• Proven ability to learn and incorporate new technology relevant to the trade;
• Proven ability to make sound decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures;