Sign Language Interpreter at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Purpose

• The incumbent in this job is expected to assist the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa support inclusivity of students who are deaf or hard of hearing into the community. A commitment to excellence, service, and a willingness to assist as needed are expectations for all employees in the university.
• Reporting to Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Sign language interpreter will facilitate communication between the hearing on one hand and scholars who are deaf or hard of hearing in classrooms, workshops, trainings and meetings using the learned Sign Language, be it the Kenyan, American or other manual sign system appropriate for the language and the cultural background of the students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The sign language interpreter will serve as a liaison between the students who are deaf or hard of hearing, hearing students and instructors; and perform related work as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides sign-language interpreter services.
• Interprets lectures, discussions, announcements, conversations, meetings, events, and other spoken word situations using Kenya Sign Language or other manual sign system appropriate for the language and the cultural background of deaf or hard of hearing students and staff.
• Assists in creating interpreter schedules to cover all student classes requiring services.
• Receives request for accommodations and documents, determines services needed, and coordinates services for deaf or hard of hearing.
• Ensures appropriate intake, advising, retention and follow-up services for deaf or hard of hearing students.
• Ensures that policies and procedures are compliant with the required standards.
• Collaborates with faculty and university departments to gain understanding of relevant concepts to better facilitate translation for deaf or hard of hearing students.
• Works effectively in teams with other sign language interpreters.
• Assists in the coordination of services for deaf or hard of hearing students with disabilities, including meeting with course faculty.
• Maintains awareness of best practices, emerging trends and new legislation relating to Sign Language/Interpreting functional area.
• Participates in the process for systematic review and evaluation of Sign Language/Interpreting functional area per the model adopted by the university, including the development and monitoring of outcomes and plans of action for improvement based on the assessment of those outcomes and plans.
• Attends the workplace regularly, reports to work punctually and follows a work schedule to keep up with the demands of the worksite. Working hours may include evenings, holidays or weekends depending on class timings for students and special events/meetings.
• Completes duties and responsibilities in compliance with college standards, policies and guidelines.
• Performs any other duty as may be assigned by the direct reporting.

Minimum Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, social sciences or other relevant field, from an accredited university.
• Sign language training from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in sign language or interpreting functional area in an educational setting.
• Kenya Sign Language interpretation certification.
• Experience of working effectively in a team environment with a customer service focus.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language will be an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to accurately interpret spoken language to sign language and interpret sign to spoken language for lecture classes, physical education classes, labs, meetings and various assignments as scheduled; follow and give oral and written directions; demonstrate sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse population; maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Knowledge of Kenya Sign Language or other sign system used by students; technical signs or specialized vocabulary used in the courses assigned; deaf culture, local deaf community, and resources for the deaf; specialized equipment for the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Demonstrated excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated organizational skills in handling, directing, and prioritizing multiple and complex assignments/projects and maintaining records.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with students, staff and faculty.