Position Announcement

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 a non-exempt, 12-month, full-time, non-tenure track staff position.

The University: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. Enrolling 28,000 students, the campus is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and beautiful East Tennessee. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement. In all its activities, the university aims to advance the frontiers of human knowledge, enrich, and elevate society. The university values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity.

The Division: The Division of Student Life is comprised of nearly 500 staff that serve our students through 22 departments and functions. Staff are actively engaged in the lives of our students, living and learning with them in our residence halls, student union, and other campus environments. The Division seeks candidates willing to engage, challenge, and support our students through intentional programs and services. In addition, we seek colleagues that are committed to teamwork and have a palpable passion for working with and serving all students.

The Department: 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 22 professional and administrative employees including two liaisons to satellite campuses.

The Position: Under the general guidance of the Coordinator for Interpreting and Speech-to-Text Services 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 hearing disabilities in courses provided by the University including undergraduate,  graduate, and PhD level classes as well as University-sponsored activities (i.e. class field trips, advising, student/professor meetings, graduation, Counseling Center/Health Clinic/legal clinic appointments, etc.); Listen to lectures/discussions, assess the information provided, find the meaning of the message and organize the concepts; Deliver the interpreted message to the consumer in a cultural and linguistic equivalence, while monitoring for comprehension and feedback; Work as 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. 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

Experience:  Three years of professional interpreting experience

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

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

Salary:  Pay Grade 35. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications and is accompanied by a standard university benefits package.

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 August 1, 2020. For full consideration, applicants must electronically submit a resume, and the names, 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, which can be found at here.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN  37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498.  Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.