Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly inclusive world, the role of sign language interpreter coordinators has never been more vital.

As society strives to break down barriers and promote inclusivity, the demand for skilled coordinators who can manage and organize our sign language interpretation services becomes more pressing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a sign language interpreter coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of sign language interpretation coordination,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable sign language interpreter coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinators manage and facilitate the provision of sign language interpretation services.

They are responsible for the hiring, scheduling, and evaluation of sign language interpreters and also serve as a liaison between the interpreters, the deaf community, and the organizations for which they provide services.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Recruit and hire qualified sign language interpreters
• Schedule interpreters based on the needs of the organization and the deaf community
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for interpreters
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of interpreters
• Establish and maintain relationships with the deaf community, interpreting services, and relevant organizations
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the provision of sign language interpretation services
• Ensure that all services comply with relevant laws and ethical standards
• Manage budget and resources for the interpreting services
• Handle any issues, complaints or concerns regarding interpretation services
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in sign language interpreting and deaf culture

 

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator to manage, coordinate, and supervise sign language interpreters and interpreting services within our organization.

The Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator will be responsible for scheduling interpreters, maintaining quality assurance, and ensuring that the interpreting services are provided in an effective and efficient manner.

They should also be skilled in sign language and have an understanding of deaf culture.

The ideal candidate is an organized, empathetic, and communicative individual with a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and schedule sign language interpreting services for various events and appointments
• Recruit, hire, and train sign language interpreters
• Maintain quality assurance by monitoring interpreters’ performance
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations
• Provide sign language interpreting services as needed
• Establish and maintain relationships with community and professional organizations
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the interpreting department
• Handle administrative tasks such as record keeping and reporting

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a sign language interpreter or in a similar role
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of deaf culture
• Experience in coordinating and managing interpreting services
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure
• Degree in Sign Language Interpretation, Linguistics or a relevant field
• Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or other relevant certification is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings or events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Accessibility Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Do?

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinators play a crucial role in facilitating communication between individuals who are hearing-impaired and those who are not.

They primarily work in educational, governmental, and healthcare institutions, among others.

Their main responsibility is to manage and coordinate a team of sign language interpreters, ensuring they are available where and when needed.

This includes scheduling, matching interpreters’ skills with specific interpreting needs, and handling last-minute changes or emergencies.

They also work closely with the interpreters, providing them with professional development opportunities, feedback, and mentoring to enhance their interpreting skills.

The coordinator is often the point of contact for clients, institutions, or individuals seeking interpreting services.

As such, they are responsible for assessing the clients’ needs, selecting the right interpreter, and ensuring the quality of the services provided.

In addition, they may also be involved in budgeting, reporting, policy-making, and promoting the awareness and understanding of sign language and deaf culture within their institution or community.

Some Sign Language Interpreter Coordinators might also perform interpreting tasks when necessary.

They must always adhere to the ethical guidelines of the profession, respecting the confidentiality and autonomy of the clients while promoting effective communication and understanding.

 

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator should possess a set of unique skills and qualifications, including:

• Excellent proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and other sign languages to ensure accurate interpretation and communication.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with different people including clients, interpreters, and staff members in a respectful and effective manner.
• Knowledge of the Deaf culture and community to provide culturally competent services and to foster relationships.
• Strong organizational and management skills to coordinate interpreter schedules, manage resources, and ensure smooth operations.
• Experience with scheduling software and other technological tools to streamline the coordination process.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to address and resolve any issues that may arise during interpretation services.
• Communication skills to efficiently converse with clients, understand their needs, and provide appropriate services.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding sign language interpreting and accessibility to ensure compliance.
• Ability to handle stress and make quick decisions in high pressure situations to maintain the quality of service.

 

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Experience Requirements

Candidates for a Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator position are generally required to have significant experience in sign language interpretation.

This often includes 2-3 years in a professional setting, such as education, healthcare, or social services.

Practical experience may be gained through internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles as a Sign Language Interpreter.

This would provide the professional with a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in sign language interpretation, including fluency in a variety of sign languages, cultural nuances, and ethical considerations.

Candidates should also have experience with coordination or administrative tasks.

This may include scheduling, project management, or overseeing a team of interpreters.

For advanced roles, candidates are often expected to have more than 5 years of experience in the field.

They may also need to have some leadership experience, including training and supervising other interpreters, managing a team, or coordinating large-scale interpreting services for events or organizations.

Furthermore, some positions may require candidates to have specific certifications from recognized bodies, such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).

These certifications are typically obtained after a certain number of years of professional experience, thereby ensuring a high standard of interpretation services.

 

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinators usually have a bachelor’s degree in sign language interpretation or a closely related field such as linguistics or communication studies.

They must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) and often need to have completed an interpreter training program.

In addition to their degree, they typically need to be certified by a recognized body such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).

This certification usually requires passing a performance exam, demonstrating interpreting ability, and adhering to a professional code of conduct.

Experience in interpreting services, particularly within an educational or healthcare setting, is generally preferred.

Some roles may also require knowledge of additional sign languages or specialized fields such as legal or medical interpreting.

For advancement, many Interpreter Coordinators seek further training and additional certifications in areas such as leadership, project management, and specialized interpreting.

Continued professional development is crucial in this role to stay updated with the latest interpreting techniques and ethical standards.

 

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $52,330 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographical location, and the specific organization for which they work.

 

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator need?

A Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator should have strong proficiency in sign language and a thorough understanding of Deaf culture.

They should have excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills to manage interpreters and coordinate assignments.

In addition, they should possess problem-solving abilities to handle any issues that may arise during interpretation sessions.

 

Do Sign Language Interpreter Coordinators need a degree?

Sign Language Interpreter Coordinators don’t necessarily need a specific degree, but they must have a strong command of sign language.

A degree in sign language interpretation, linguistics, or a related field may be beneficial.

Additionally, they must have several years of experience in sign language interpretation and some experience in a supervisory or managerial role.

 

What should you look for in a Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator resume?

When reviewing a resume for this role, ensure that the candidate has a proven track record in sign language interpretation and has experience in coordinating or managing a team.

Certifications from recognized bodies such as the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) are also valuable.

Furthermore, look for any additional skills or experiences that indicate their ability to handle complex scheduling and coordination tasks.

 

What qualities make a good Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator?

A good Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator is detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple assignments, and scheduling interpreters efficiently.

They must have a deep understanding of Deaf culture and the specific needs of the Deaf community.

They should also possess excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with both the interpreters they coordinate and the individuals or organizations requiring interpretation services.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator?

Hiring a Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator can be challenging due to the specialized skills required for the role.

It requires finding a candidate who not only has a firm grasp of sign language and Deaf culture but also possesses strong managerial and coordination abilities.

Therefore, it may take some time to find a candidate who can effectively fulfill all these roles.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricate details and nuances that define the role of a sign language interpreter coordinator.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about interpreting sign language.

It’s about bridging the communication gap, one sign at a time.

With our comprehensive sign language interpreter coordinator job description template and real-life examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.

But why not go a step further?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every sign interpreted is a step towards inclusive communication.

Let’s break those barriers. Together.

How to Become a Sign Language Interpreter Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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