Ed Sign Language Interpreter

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.  To fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.  Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, educational excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD supports strategic utilization of resources, aligning them to our strategic plan and district priorities, to increase student achievement. 

Job Summary:

The Educational Sign Language Interpreter is a school-based position responsible for sign language interpretation duties in connection with the CPS  Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing program. This position will report to the Principal of the assigned school location.
 

The Educational Sign Language Interpreter will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Accompany Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to classes, and use sign language to convey the teacher's instruction and intent, making verbatim interpretations to them of lectures and discussions
• Assist deaf/hard-of-hearing students with daily activities, transmitting spoken messages and environmental cues using sign language.
• Use speech to interpret responses of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students to instructors and others as necessary, and facilitate communication between students and others.
• Consult with teachers regarding the concerns of individual students
• Other duties as assigned 

To be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Educational Sign Language Interpreter must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required:

• Associate’s degree, or a minimum of 60 hours of college credit, from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Sign Language Interpreter Approval issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), whether standalone or associated with a Professional Educator License (PEL)

Experience Required:

• A minimum of 1 year of interpreting experience or practicum experience is required

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Knowledge of proper English grammar and spelling 
• Ability to work in an educational environment 
• Ability to work with and for students in grades Kindergarten through high school
• Willingness to work at school sites throughout the district
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and people from diverse backgrounds, including administrators, staff, students, and parents

Conditions Of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.