Provides sign language interpreting services, including assignments for departments, one-on-one, and small and large group situations.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the first in a series of three interpreter-related job classifications within the Administrative Support job family. This classification is distinguished from the Interpreter Senior job classification in that incumbents perform less demanding work and typically have less experience. Additionally, incumbents are not qualified by the State of Texas to interpret in court.

• Provides sign language interpreting services, which may include assignments for consumers, staff, one-on-one appointments, small or large group meetings, telephone calls and documents. Interpreters holding Level III, IV or V certification or equivalent may provide interpreting services in legal (not court) situations, which may include meetings with Attorneys. 
• Provides advocacy services regarding access by people who are deaf according to applicable Federal, State and Local laws. Conducts outreach and education to members of the community, staff, other departments, and the general public. Provides independent living skills training for one-on-one or small groups, job development or search to deaf people, including those with multiple disabilities. 
• Creates and maintains service records of activities and participants. Prepares reports and statistics. Mentors other team interpreters, as required. Provides back-up assistance in scheduling/coordinating interpreter services and other office duties, as required. 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned
  

Education and Experience: 
Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education, Interpreting, Linguistics, Communications, Liberal Arts, Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND three (3) years interpreting services experience in a variety of community, health, governmental and social situations, including medical, one-on-one, and small groups. 

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: 
Interpreter Certification at Level I from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or its equivalent. OR 

Interpreter Certification at Level Basic or II from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or the Interpretation Certificate (IC) AND/OR Transliteration Certificate (TC) from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent; OR 

Interpreter Certification at Level III or IIIi from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or the Comprehensive Skills Certificate (CSC), Reverse Skills Certificate (RSC), Certificate of Transliteration (CT), Certificate of Interpretation (CI), Oral Interpreting Certificate (OIC) or Certified Deaf Interpreter-Provisional (CDI-P) from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent (but does not hold Court Certification from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing); OR

Interpreter Certification at Level Advanced, IV or IVi from the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or Masters Comprehensive Skills Certificate (MCSC), Certificate of Transliteration (CT) AND Certificate of Interpretation (CI) or National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent (but does not hold Court Certification from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing); OR 

Interpreter Certification at Level V or Vi from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) or National Interpreter Certification (NIC) at Advanced Level from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent (but does not hold Court Certification from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing); 

OR, Interpreter Certification at Master Level from the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; or National Interpreter Certification (NIC) at Master Level from National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf; or their equivalent (but does not hold Court Certification from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing).

Knowledge of:

• Manual communication in American Sign Language. 
• Methods of expressive and voice interpreting and their applications (e.g., Simultaneous and Consecutive). 
• Issues and terminology of the interpreting profession. 
• Standard practices and ethical standards in interpreting. 
• Computer software applications, including word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, graphics and other related applications. 
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation. 

•  Assessing and matching the communication needs of the client(s) and the situation utilizing various interpreting techniques which may include gestures, other sign systems/languages, formal American Sign Language, etc. to ensure effective communication. 
• Coordinating and prioritizing the work and activities of self. 
• English language vocabulary. 
• Dealing with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals. 
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer. 
• Both verbal and written communication. 

• Respond appropriately to crisis situations. 
• Interpret accurately in court proceedings. 
• Listen attentively for long periods of time. 
• Prepare accurate and complete records, reports and statistics. 
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities. 
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Continue professional growth through continuing education. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with deaf and hearing clients, departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, attorneys, children, judges and the general public. 

Working conditions may be determined by the situation requiring interpreting and may vary from the usual office or meeting room environment. Physical requirements may include the ability to lift/carry up to 5-10 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to reaching, twisting, handling and walking to perform the essential job functions. Involves contact with clients in possible stressful situations. 

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. 

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. May work some

holidays, some nights, some weekends

Location: 2201 Post Road, #134, Austin, TX 78704

Department: Health & Human Services

Criminal,

Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.