Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of communication, the focus on Sign Language Interpreting Services Managers has never been more important.

As society becomes more inclusive, the demand for skilled individuals who can effectively coordinate and manage sign language interpreting services continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What does a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a blueprint for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of sign language interpreting management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Sign Language Interpreting Services Managers oversee and coordinate sign language interpreting services to facilitate communication between individuals with different language needs.

They are responsible for ensuring the high quality and effectiveness of the interpreting services provided.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Managing and coordinating the work of sign language interpreters
• Identifying and meeting the communication needs of individuals requiring sign language interpreting services
• Recruiting, training, and supervising sign language interpreters
• Ensuring that interpreting services are provided in a professional and ethical manner
• Maintaining knowledge of current trends and developments in the field of sign language interpretation
• Scheduling and assigning interpreters to specific assignments based on their skills and qualifications
• Reviewing and evaluating the performance of interpreters
• Providing ongoing support and feedback to interpreters
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the provision of sign language interpreting services
• Collaborating with other departments or organizations to promote the inclusion of individuals with different language needs
• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations related to sign language interpreting services

 

Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager to oversee our team of interpreters.

The individual will be responsible for managing the provision of interpreting services, coordinating with clients, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Our ideal candidate possesses excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, has a strong background in sign language interpretation, and is highly proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).

Ultimately, the role of the Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager is to ensure that our organization is delivering high-quality interpreting services that meet the needs of our diverse clientele.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the interpreting services team
• Coordinate with clients to determine their sign language interpreting needs
• Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant laws and regulations
• Monitor the quality of interpreting services and provide feedback and coaching to staff
• Handle recruitment, training, and professional development for interpreters
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders
• Prepare and manage budgets for the interpreting services department
• Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise within the team or with clients

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sign Language Interpreter or similar role
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL)
• Strong understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related laws
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively
• Bachelor’s degree in Sign Language Interpretation or related field
• Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or similar is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for meetings or to oversee services at client locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Disability Services or similar.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• 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 Interpreting Services Manager Do?

A Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager is a professional responsible for coordinating and managing sign language interpretation services in a variety of settings.

This can range from educational institutions, to healthcare facilities, to community events, and more.

They are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising a team of sign language interpreters.

This involves ensuring that all team members have the necessary qualifications and maintain their skills through ongoing professional development.

The Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager works closely with clients to understand their specific needs and to ensure that the interpreting services provided meet those needs.

This might involve coordinating interpreters for a one-off event, or setting up a long-term contract for ongoing services.

They may also be responsible for setting and managing budgets, developing policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations related to sign language interpretation and disability services.

Often, Sign Language Interpreting Services Managers also play a role in advocacy and education, raising awareness about the importance of sign language interpretation and promoting inclusive practices within their organization and the wider community.

 

Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications, including:

• Advanced proficiency in sign language, including American Sign Language (ASL) or other sign languages as required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with staff, clients, and the deaf community, fostering positive relationships.
• Management skills to supervise and coordinate the activities of sign language interpreters, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of interpreting services.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any challenges or issues that may arise during the interpretation process.
• Strong knowledge of deaf culture and the ethics of interpreting to ensure respectful and accurate communication.
• Organizational skills to schedule and manage appointments, handle administrative duties, and coordinate interpreting services for various events or settings.
• Ability to evaluate the performance of sign language interpreters and provide constructive feedback to improve their skills and techniques.
• Understanding of technology used in sign language interpreting, such as video relay services (VRS) and video remote interpreting (VRI).
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with changes in sign languages and interpreting methods.

 

Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager often have 1 to 2 years of experience in sign language interpretation.

This experience can be gained through an internship, volunteer work, or part-time positions within organizations that cater to the deaf and hard of hearing community.

These professionals may also gain valuable experience by working as a freelance sign language interpreter, getting hands-on experience in real-life scenarios, and refining their skills.

They may work in various settings such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or social service agencies.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have likely developed a deep understanding of sign language interpretation and may have specialized in certain areas, such as legal or medical interpretation.

This experience prepares them for more complex roles and allows them to guide and train less experienced interpreters.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have managerial or team-lead experience, which is an essential requirement for a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager.

Such individuals are expected to have excellent leadership skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, and the capacity to manage a diverse team of interpreters.

Furthermore, they should have comprehensive knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to sign language interpretation services.

 

Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Education and Training Requirements

Those seeking a career as a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager typically need a bachelor’s degree in Sign Language Interpreting, Linguistics, or a related field.

They must possess a thorough understanding of American Sign Language (ASL) or other relevant sign languages and the cultural nuances of the Deaf community.

Experience with interpreting in various settings such as educational, medical, or legal environments is often required.

A minimum of several years of work experience as a certified interpreter is also generally required for a management position.

Most states and employers require certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or similar certifying bodies.

Achieving certification requires passing a series of written and performance exams.

In addition to their interpreting skills, a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager should have strong leadership skills and some experience in an administrative role.

This could be obtained through on-the-job experience or further education such as a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.

Continuing professional development is important in this role, as new interpreting methods and technologies continue to evolve.

Therefore, ongoing learning and re-certification are commonly required in this profession.

Lastly, a high level of cultural sensitivity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial for success in this role.

 

Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager is $62,120 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the job, geographical location, and the organization they work for.

 

Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager need?

Sign Language Interpreting Services Managers need excellent communication skills in both spoken language and sign language.

They must have a deep understanding of the deaf culture and community.

Additionally, they should have strong leadership skills to guide and develop their team of interpreters.

Organization skills are also crucial to manage schedules and assignments efficiently.

 

Do Sign Language Interpreting Services Managers need a degree?

A bachelor’s degree in sign language interpretation or a related field is typically required for this role.

Some employers may also require a master’s degree in sign language interpretation or management.

Additionally, certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or a similar organization is typically necessary.

 

What should you look for in a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager’s resume?

Look for a combination of education, certification, and relevant work experience in sign language interpretation.

Experience in managing teams or in a leadership role is also essential.

It would be beneficial if the candidate possesses knowledge of deaf culture and specific experiences working with the deaf community.

 

What qualities make a good Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager?

A good Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager should be empathetic and patient as they will be dealing with diverse groups, including the deaf and hard of hearing community.

They should demonstrate leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

Moreover, they must respect confidentiality and practice cultural sensitivity.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager?

Hiring a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager can be challenging due to the specific skill set required.

Few candidates possess the combination of sign language proficiency, management expertise, and deep understanding of deaf culture required for the role.

However, with a thorough recruitment process and competitive compensation package, you can attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the dynamic role of a Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager.

And guess what?

It’s not just about interpreting sign language.

It’s about bridging gaps between the hearing and the deaf and hard of hearing communities, one sign at a time.

With our comprehensive Sign Language Interpreting Services Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every sign interpreted is a step towards inclusivity.

Let’s create a more accessible future. Together.

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