POSITION SUMMARY:

•    Provide language interpretation between culturally deaf, oral deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and hearing individuals or groups in a variety of settings.
•    Act as resource for community development and liaise with related consumers. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

•    Provide interpretation between ASL and English using differing forms of visual/gestural communication in a variety of settings including internal and external assignments
•    Travel to and from assignments
•    Develop and maintain emergency contact list for deaf and hearing communities in relation to emergency interpreting services as required
•    Confirm appointments by phone/email
•    Prepare for assignments through research and consumer consultation
•    Provide appropriate back up support in the absence of other staff
•    Other duties as assigned

Administration:

•    Enter interpreter information, as required, to the OIS database
•    Assist OIS Assignment Coordinator and negotiate fee for service as required, dependent on regional needs
•    Maintain accurate records and statistics in relation to hours of work, travel expenses, number of consumers
•    Book assignments when required and negotiate fee for service
•    Responsible for coordination of interpreter booking
•    Answer incoming calls for appointments
•    Prepare/assist in preparation of Request and Statistics forms and other program materials including accurate match of invoices, cheques, statistics, billing, processing revenues, collating and sending information and send appropriate information to Head Office
•    Follow up with interpreter and freelance community
•    Administer paperwork including personal schedules, correspondence etc.
•    Provide related OIS information via correspondence, phone queries and walk-ins
•    Initiate correspondence and update information as required
•    Participate in research & projects as determined by managers
•    Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

•    Prepare and present workshops to consumers and community groups on interpreting services
•    Advocate for accessibility
•    Answer incoming calls requesting interpreting information
•    Educate consumers on appropriate role of interpreter
•    Liaise with the deaf community to determine and respond to service needs
•    Participate in community events and special events as required, e.g. May Month, United Way Campaigns, etc.
•    Represent CHS on internal and external committees
•    Promote CHS and interpreting services through newsletters, promotion and external networks

Professional Development:

•    Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency requirement for the position (OIS standing)
•    Attend internal staff meetings
•    Attend free-lance and Ontario Interpreting Services meetings
•    Attend and participate in workshops/seminars related to position
•    Keep up-to-date on issues and information related to position and agency

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Reports to Regional Director, Waterloo

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Post secondary diploma from accredited interpreter training program
•    Status under the current version of the OIS screening
•    3 years interpreting experience
•    Excellent language skills over the continuum from American Sign Language (ASL) to English, both receptively and expressively
•    French/LSQ assets
•    Excellent customer service and analytical skills
•    Able to handle stress within a fast moving environment
•    Excellent interpersonal skills  and able to manage the communication in a high level of sensitive issues
•    Able to maintain strict confidentiality
•    Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Internet
•    Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment