Interpreter (Auslan) & Program Assistant - Marshmead

**Methodist Ladies' College**

**Position Description
**Position: Educational Interpreter (Auslan) & Integration Support**
**for Deaf Integration Program**
**Reports to: Director of Learning Support/Coordinator Deaf Integration Program**
**Department: Learning Support**
**Date: September 2019**

**Position in Context**

Methodist Ladies' College is one of Australia's most innovative and successful

schools with over 2,500 female students from pre-school to Year 12. The aim of the

Deaf Integration Program is to give the deaf/hard of hearing students access to the

language of the classroom and to provide equal opportunities for participation in

the activities of the College.

**Primary Purpose**

As part of the Deaf Integration Program the Educational Interpreter is required to

provide appropriate communication for the deaf/hard of hearing student to

facilitate equal access to the curriculum. When necessary, liaise and work with other

staff and be able to act independently within that framework.

**Major Duties and Responsibilities**

1. The Interpreter will interpret for the deaf/hard of hearing students in the

classroom, conveying both the content and spirit of what is said by the teacher

and other students. The information should be given using Auslan/signing in

English.

2. The Interpreter is expected to be familiar with, and sympathetic to the aims and

philosophy of education of the College and the Deaf Integration Program.

3. The Interpreter is required to understand the student's individual sign language

for accurate reverse interpreting.

4. The Interpreter will interpret all information using language appropriate to the

student's language level. Transliterating may be necessary, but the aim is to

achieve pure interpretation. It may be necessary to provide additional

information and clarification. In some circumstances it will be appropriate to

assist the student with their work.

5. The Interpreter is an advocate for the deaf/hard of hearing student, assisting the

student where necessary to be involved in the activities of the classroom.

6. The Interpreter will be sensitive to the social needs of the deaf/hard of hearing

student. It is important to be as unobtrusive as possible and not to intrude on the

student's social conversations.

7. The Interpreter must treat all information about the students as confidential. It is

inappropriate to comment to others about what occurs in the classroom.

8. The Interpreter liaises with the Teacher of the Deaf responsible for the year level

to discuss issues relating to the student's program at the school.

9. The Interpreter will interpret at parent information evenings, school events and

some extra curricula activities, such as attending school camps and excursions.

10. The Interpreter will use her/his initiative and common sense in responding to the

needs of the deaf/hard of hearing student in an educational setting.

11. The Interpreter will seek opportunity to improve her/his professional skills. There will

be opportunities for peer assessment and regular review. Professional

development activities will be provided. The Interpreter will attend regular

department staff meetings.

**Key Contacts**

Deaf Integration Program Coordinator

Director of Learning Support

**Person Specification**

**_Essential Criteria_** (competencies, qualifications, knowledge and experience)
- Experience and skills in the use of Auslan/signing in English.
- Knowledge of and experience in an educational setting.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to student wellbeing.
- Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
- Effective planning and organisational skills, including time management.
- Collaborative team member.
- Proven competence with use of technology in a learning environment.
- Acts professionally and maintains appropriate confidentiality.

**H:HR:JD:EdInter Page 2 13/09/19**

**_Desirable Criteria_** (competencies, qualifications, knowledge and experience)
- NAATI qualifications.
- Knowledge of current audiological practices, particularly cochlear implant

technology and personal listening devices.
- MLC performs thorough assessments of potential and existing employees. The _
- assessments will be used to ascertain whether the potential or existing employee is a fit _
- and proper person to be trusted to work in a school environment and in the position _
- applied for or held. The screening process includes, but is not limited to, Criminal _
- Records Checks and Working with Children Checks. _

**_MLC's commitment to child safety _**
- MLC is committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. All _
- members of our community, including employees, contractors, agency staff and _
- volunteers, have an important role in providing students with a safe and nurturing _
- environment in which to prosper and thrive. MLC has zero tolerance of child abuse, _
-