Sign Language Interpreter

Student Disability Services at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications and nominations for the position of Sign Language Interpreter. This is an non-exempt, 12-month, full-time, non-tenure track staff position.

The mission of Student Disability Services (SDS) is to partner with the campus community in creating equitable access to eligible students while promoting disability-inclusive diversity. Staff is comprised of 23 professional and administrative employees, as well as two liaisons to satellite campuses.

The Position: Under the general guidance of the Coordinator for Communication Access in Student Disability Services, this position facilitates communication access through sign language interpretation for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to ensure equal access to programs, and activities.

Responsibilities:

Interpreting:

• Provide interpreting/transliterating services for individuals with disabilities in courses provided by the university including undergraduate, graduate, and PhD level classes as well as university-sponsored activities
• Listen to lectures/discussions, assess the information provided, find the meaning of the message, organize the concepts and deliver the interpreted message to the consumer in a cultural and linguistic equivalence, while monitoring for comprehension and feedback
• Work as a team with second interpreter, when required, alternating interpreting duties to reduce mental/physical fatigue and provide feedback, correction, and support while on assignment
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise in the classroom and notify the coordinator of issues as soon as possible
• Must use independent judgment to ensure access and resolve problems in the moment

Interpreting Preparation:

• Prepare for assignments by reviewing course information to learn vocabulary, technical terminology, concepts to be covered, and the instructor's method (i.e. using group work, outside assignments, in-class writing, etc.)
• Read and analyze undergraduate/graduate/PhD level textbooks, course materials, articles, and other pertinent information prior to class
• Document preparation work thoroughly
• Work with a team member to discuss use of appropriate signs or sign strings in the classroom

Professionalism:

• Adhere to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) - Registry of Interpreter's for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct and adhere to professional standards set forth by RID
• Maintain compliance with federal and state mandates regarding accommodations of students with disabilities

Miscellaneous Duties:

• Act as the liaison for Student Disability Services, and interact with faculty, staff, students and the University community
• Maintain positive professional relationships with all constituents
• Support the function of Student Disability Services and perform other duties as assigned

The University and Region: UTK is the state’s flagship, land-grant university. We are a Research 1 university, housing 11 colleges and 900+ programs of study. With an enrollment of 30,000 students, our undergraduate and graduate programs are repeatedly ranked among top national programs. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains; and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a statistical area population of over 850,000 people. The Knoxville region houses many leading corporations, including Bush Brothers & Company, Discovery Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

What We Require:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Experience: Three years of professional experience interpreting for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Deaf culture and the process of interpretation
• Ability to utilize a variety of sign language systems in order to interpret voice to sign and sign to voice in an academic setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of NAD-RID's Code of Professional Conduct
• Excellent listening skills and demonstrated ability to identify essential components of orally presented information
• Knowledge of academic vocabulary
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with all constituents with SDS including faculty, staff, patrons and students
• Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule based on the needs of the students
• Ability to work comfortably in an academic setting with diverse populations
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other appropriate laws pertaining to higher education and disability

What We Prefer:

Education: Master’s Degree

Certification: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or other nationally recognized certification.

Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications and is accompanied by a standard university benefits package. Job classification is MR07.

Application Process: A review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin this role on March 20, 2023. For full consideration, applicants must electronically submit a cover letter, a resume, and the names, email addresses and phone numbers of three professional references. All materials for the position should be submitted through the University of Tennessee Human Resources application system.