Sign Language Interpreter - Student Disability Services - UTK

Under the general guidance of the Coordinator for Communication Access in Student Disability Services, this position facilitates communication access through sign language interpretation between students/instructors who are hearing and students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to ensure equal access to programs, and activities and performs related work as required.

A Sign Language Interpreter provides communication access through American Sign Language (ASL) and other signed systems to facilitate full participation for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing students in academic and campus life at UTK. Interpreters ensure accurate and culturally appropriate interpretation in a variety of settings including classrooms, lectures, labs, tutoring sessions, advising appointments, and campus events.

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 a 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 the 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.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or eight years’ experience as a sign language interpreter)
• Experience: Three years of professional interpreting experience
• Knowledge, Skills, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree
• Experience: Five years’ experience as a sign language interpreter in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (or other nationally recognized) certification.

Work Location

• Onsite position located in Knoxville, TN

Compensation and Benefits

• Commensurate with education and experience.
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 21.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.

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 and two liaisons to satellite campuses.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

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