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SOESD - Advanced Interpreter for the 2026-27 School Year

Southern Oregon Education Service District, Medford, OR, United States


Overview

Advanced Interpreter
The Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) is seeking dedicated and skilled interpreters to join our dynamic team. We have a variety of sign language skill level positions available. This position serves students ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade who utilize a variety of communication modalities. Commitment to professionalism, growth and working as a dynamic educational team member, while carrying out your interpreting assignment, is vital to the success of our program. As an advanced interpreter, you will be responsible for preparing for classes, working toward ongoing professional goals, following the Code of Professional Conduct, informally assessing student language skills and helping ensure that the educational team operates cohesively through information sharing. Working for SOESD offers a unique experience to change the lives of students.
Applicants should understand the importance of positive relationships with students, professional colleagues, and the spirit of teamwork. We value inclusion and believe in the power of education to transform lives. If you share these views and are dedicated to bringing positive outcomes for all young people, this could be the perfect role for you.

Position Goal

To provide access to education for students who are deaf and hard of hearing by facilitating communication. Work in collaboration with the Lead Interpreter to promote professional growth and development in support staff.

Essential Functions

Interpret/transliterate information accurately, conveying the thought, intent, and spirit of the sender in a manner appropriate to the student’s level.
Instruct students in the correct use of an interpreter.
Act as a liaison between PDHH staff and mainstream staff, providing relevant feedback as to student progress.
Adhere to all rules and protocol governing the confidential rights of all students.
Demonstrate functional comprehension of subject matter and develop technical signs specific to class curriculum.
Provide tutorial support to deaf and hard of hearing students.
Interpret for students, parents, and/or professionals in conferences or other school-sponsored activities when sanctioned by supervisor.
Consult with educators, administrators and support staff to raise awareness of deaf culture, the etiology and psychology of deafness, and the special communication needs of deaf students through yearly orientation and ongoing information presentations.
Develop and implement an ongoing program in professional growth including fluency, vocabulary building (technical/general signs), and language skills; participate in a skill-development mentoring program.
Maintain an interpreter log, when assigned, to be available to the PDHH teacher.
Demonstrate written and oral command of the English language including correct use of syntax and grammar.
Participate in parent conferences and IEP meetings when requested.
Assist interpreters in planning, implementation, and evaluation of staff meetings and in-services when requested.
Collaborate with Lead Interpreter to plan agendas, conduct in-services, implement appropriate skills assessment tools, provide professional growth assistance to support staff, and assist staff with developing annual goals.
Share information gained through professional growth activities with appropriate staff and apply current trends to upgrade program services.
Attend conferences, workshops and summer job-related training programs as requested.
Participate in daily preventative physical warm-up.
Develop and maintain complete and accurate records and reports as appropriate.
Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment under the direction of the PDHH teacher.
Comply with local district and ESD rules and procedures.
Complete and document 12 hours of continuing professional development related to sign language interpretation each school year.
Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Prerequisites

High School diploma or GED.
Score of 4.0 or above on the EIPA Performance Assessment or hold RID NIC, CI or CT Certification and meet one of the following criteria:
Hold a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an Interpreter Education Program or related field.
Achieve a passing score on the EIPA Written test.
Certificate of Completion from an Interpreter Training Program or extensive background and experience with sign language including regular contact with deaf children or adults.
Three years successful experience as an Interpreter in an educational setting (K-12 preferred).

Location

In person at assigned school(s).

Length of Position

190 days (academic year) calendar.

Pay

Per Classified Hourly Compensation Schedule. $26.93/hour to $36.90/hour for 2026-2027 school year.

Immediate Supervisor

Department Administrator.

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE And Over)

SOESD contributes up to 2185.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
9 paid holidays
A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is provided to qualified employees.

Health Insurance

OEBB MODA
Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
Monthly premium deducted pre-tax

Options

Health Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts medical, day-care expenses
Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance
403(b)
Mercy Flights Membership

The following physical requirements are essential functions of the Advanced Interpreter job description.
Stand/Walk: 6-8 Hrs/Day
Sit: 1-4 Hrs/Day
Drive: 1-4 Hrs/Day
Bending: Occasional
Squat: Occasionally
Climb Stairs: Frequently
Single Grasping: Frequently
Pushing: Limited
Pulling: Limited
Fine Manipulation: Frequently
Repetitive Foot Controls: Not At All
Lifting (less than 25 lbs): Limited
Lifting (25 - 50 lbs): Not At All
Lifting (50 - 75 lbs): Not At All
Lifting (75 - 100 lbs): Not At All

Note

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Equal Opportunity

SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

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