Payroll Title: Interpreter for the Deaf
UC Job Code: 6680
Job Close Date: Open until filled
Department Code (Name): LING - Department of Linguistics
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Hiring/Budgeted Hourly Range: $34.95 - $54.02/hr.
Full Salary Range: Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and application of fair, equitable and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $34.95 to $74.88/hr. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $34.95 to $54.02/hr.
Work Location: South Hall 3524
Working Days/Hours: Mon - Fri; Variable within 8:00am-5:00pm
Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits
Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)
Special Instructions
For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.
Department Marketing Statement
The Department of Linguistics at the University of California, Santa Barbara stands at the forefront of several converging trends in the field of linguistics, thanks to a series of key decisions made when the department was founded in 1989. UCSB Linguistics was created to realize a vision of linguistics as a field that would seek explanations for language as a fundamental human activity, through an understanding of how languages are used by their speakers. From the beginning, the department committed itself to maintaining a sharp focus on the theoretical and methodological tools that would be needed to realize this vision, and to developing a broad empirical base for the work via a typologically diverse sampling of the world’s languages. As more and more researchers across all fields of linguistics are seeking well-motivated explanations and firmly grounded empirical evidence for claims about the nature of language, UCSB’s longstanding leadership in this enterprise puts the department at the cutting edge of linguistic scholarship, developing ideas and methods that are critical for moving the field of linguistics into a new era.
Benefits of Belonging
Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC
Brief Summary of Job Duties
The Interpreter works between spoken English and American Sign Language and provides communication between the supervising UCSB professor and other faculty, staff, and students for academic classes, meetings, conferences, and social functions related to UCSB business or service commitments for the professor as needed. Prepares for all work assignments including reading, researching topics, auditing department courses, and familiarize themselves with current topics that are important to the professor's career. This includes gaining strong familiarity with the professor's views on linguistic theories and approaches based on her research agenda as well as the field of sign language linguistics and also general familiarity with the program of the Linguistics Department.
Attends professional workshops (online or in person) in the field of interpreting to continue to keep up-to-date on the latest techniques and methodologies for improving in their job. Uses systems/ software for everyday tasks such as Box, Google Drive, Adobe, Zoom, MS Word, MS Power Point, Keynote, and any other programs specified by the professor. If asked, the interpreter may need to provide accessibility information and education to speakers who will be presenting in the department on how best to accommodate Deaf attendees or persons who have visual needs. Maintains familiarity with the process of requesting interpreting services from approved vendors when the Lead interpreter is not able to. Follows the UCSB working calendar multiple times per day to maintain an ongoing awareness of schedule updates and changes. They also are expected to be aware of the professor's working schedule to the recurring cycles of various departmental, campus, and general activities.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in related area or equivalent experience and/or training.
- 4-6 years of experience working in higher education.
- 4-6 years nationally certified by RID.
- Ability to interpret/transliterate from spoken English into ASL with the speed, accuracy, fluidity and stamina using appropriate terminology and concepts needed for linguistics related classroom lectures, academic activities and University events.
- Ability to provide ASL to English interpretation extemporaneously at times, with speed, accuracy, and linguistic features present by a competent English speaker using appropriate terminology and concepts that a professor would be using for classroom lectures, academic activities and University events.
- Ability to work effectively as a team with lead interpreter fully participating in the task at hand and be willing to accept and provide feedback regularly.
- Ability to recognize and analyze effective interpreting skills and making adjustments when necessary.
- Working knowledge of computer fundamentals including MS Office and Google Suite.
- Display excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills to maintain effective and mutually supportive working relationships with supervisors, faculty, staff, co-workers and students.
- Adhere and abide by the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct tenets and guiding principles.
- Solid knowledge of software used for everyday tasks such as Box, Google Drive, Adobe, Zoom, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Keynote.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Linguistics or related field.
- 1-3 years of experience working with a Deaf professional and/or understand the differences in DI work vs Freelance work.
Special Conditions of Employment
- Satisfactory conviction history background check.
- Must be available to meet professors' and students’ variable scheduling needs, sometimes in the form of last minute requests, or on-call interpreting when necessary. Interpreters are to conform to the strictest of CPC guidelines when access to such information is present.
- UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.
Job Functions/Percentage of Time/Duties
50% Interpreting
Interprets from spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) and from ASL into spoken English. On an as needed basis, assists the faculty member by acting as their interpreter during academic courses; seminars; meetings; and professional and social events related to UCSB business such as faculty recruitment functions and conferences. Works in collaboration with the lead interpreter and faculty to develop knowledge of technical vocabulary and to understand concepts in the field. Continually tracks and maintains preparation materials and resources as needed for the job. Serves as the second interpreter in a team.
25% Training
Attends courses, lectures, meetings, trainings, etc. in order to develop and maintain understanding of Linguistics and UC systems and culture. Attend professional workshops in the field of interpreting and maintain CEUs for certification. Prepares in advance for all meetings, classes, activities. Works proactively to gain an overall familiarity of the department, university and the field of linguistics. In particular, extra time and attention should be on the professor's concentration.
25% Campus Interpreting
Provides other campus interpreting duties such as lectures, meetings, conferences, events, etc. as needed.