You are here

Home » State Human Resources » Compensation & job classes » Classified Job Listing » » State of Washington Class Specification

State of Washington Classified Job Specification

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER 1

<< Classified Job Listing

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER 1
Class Code: 257E
Category: Education


Class Series Concept

The Sign Language Interpreter series involves providing interpreting services as a staff interpreter based on the demonstrated skill level of the incumbent and the complexity of the setting. Interpreting services are provided for a wide array of clients of different educational and socio-economic backgrounds that require various methods of communication. Interpreters are typically utilized in settings to include office environments and may include more complex situations: educational, administrative, legislative, medical, financial, legal, employment, training, and community meetings or functions. Interpreters are often required to research and understand terminology specific to assignments, and are often utilized in settings where the language dialect and educational levels of the clients may vary widely.

Definition

Positions function as part of a team to assist in providing impartial and accurate interpretation of information by relaying American Sign Language, Sign Systems, and Spoken English for hearing, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind individuals. Positions serve as a liaison between deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and hearing persons.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry-level for the series. Incumbents work in a developing capacity with increased responsibility for performing a range of interpreting assignments most often in a classroom or related instructional setting, such as technical lectures and classroom presentations.

Typical Work

Interprets and explains information from spoken words and phrases using hand signs for the deaf or hard-of-hearing in a variety of settings;

Interprets lectures, discussions, announcements, conversations, meetings, events, and other spoken word situations using American Sign Language or other manual sign system appropriate for the language and the cultural background of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals;

Demonstrates understanding and respect of cultural norms, values, and perspectives of the Deaf community, helping to ensure that the message is culturally appropriate and understood by all parties involved;

Adherence to a strict code of ethics, maintaining confidentiality and impartiality; maintains professional boundaries, ensuring their interpretations are accurate and unbiased;

Engages in training to enhance skills, knowledge, and cultural competency through ongoing professional development;

Engages in preparatory work including researching subject matters, gathering relevant vocabulary and terminology, and familiarizing with the context of the communication to ensure accurate and effective interpretation;

Provides support by explaining communication dynamics, interpreting in various settings such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, legal proceedings, meetings, and social events;

Collaborates with other professionals, educators, healthcare providers, social workers, etc., to ensure effective communication and the provision of appropriate services to individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing;

Participates in team meetings, consultations, and provides guidance on communication access needs;

Reviews the daily calendar and receives assignments from the Coordinator of Interpretive Services and accurately completes daily activity logs, or other documentation as required;

Communicates issues or situations that may impede the facilitation of interpretation;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: best practices in interpreting; communication styles and methods; Deaf culture and its history; ethical standards and practices; robust English and ASL vocabulary to accurately convey information; cultural sensitivities; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf code of professional conduct.

Ability to: receive, process and deliver information while maintaining composure and effectively managing the flow of information; identify the preferred modalities/preferences of individuals in the conversation; incorporate visual descriptions in addition to interpreting process, including alternative communication strategies to convey complex concepts; interpret body language; monitor for message accuracy through any method, including lip-reading; perform sight translation of standard forms and instructions; adapt to unexpected changes; modify interpreting approach to be flexible in the use of ASL features and other gestural strategies; ensure the meaning is conveyed without editing, summarizing, adding meaning or omitting information; interpret and transliterate between the ASL and sign systems and spoken English at a speed required by the assignment, which may involve a variety of settings such as a classroom, conference, and/or one-on-one meetings; work with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

One year of experience facilitating communication between deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing persons, and hearing persons in a variety of settings;

Current valid certification issued by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and demonstrated skill for application of the RID Code of Professional Conduct;

For interpreters serving in K-12 educational settings, an Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment performance score of 4.5 or higher;

Two-year college degree from an accredited Interpreter Training Program;

OR

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Class Specification History

New Class: 5-17-73
Revise Code & Title: 2-19-76
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
Revised new class code: (formerly 4464) effective July 1, 2007
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
New title (formerly Deaf Interpreter 1); created class series concept; revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and desirable qualifications; base range increase from 38 to 47: adopted June 23, 2025; effective: July 1, 2025.