Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing(Hybrid)

Introduction

Are you a certified sign language interpreter looking to take the next step in your career while serving your community? If so, please read on to learn more about this rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to join our team.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday
• Work Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week, First Shift
• Location: Windsor, CT
• Position Number: 127127
• Please note: The interview process will require proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL).

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Thrive in an exciting environment;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.

THE ROLE:

In this vital role, you will use your expertise in American Sign Language (ASL) to support effective communication across a variety of settings, helping to ensure equitable access and inclusion for individuals with hearing loss.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing staff during phone calls, meetings, trainings, conferences, and daily agency operations;
• Facilitating communication between hearing staff and consumers;
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY AND BUREAU:

The Mission of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is to maximize opportunities for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities and older adults in Connecticut. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to:

• Deliver aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens
• Provide leadership on aging and disability issues statewide
• Provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy
• Advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults
• Serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), a division of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), assists individuals with significant physical and/or mental disabilities in preparing for, securing, maintaining, or advancing in employment. BRS is dedicated to fostering opportunities that support individuals with disabilities in gaining competitive employment.

BRS has helped thousands of Connecticut residents with disabilities. Our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors have the knowledge and experience to help people with disabilities explore work opportunities and make good choices related to employment.

We offer individualized services for persons with disabilities who are eligible for vocational rehabilitation and provide supports in planning for and achieving their job goals.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Julie Barker at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for serving as an Interpreter for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

STATE AGENCIES:

• Serves as interpreter for deaf and hard of hearing persons who are agency employees, persons who are applying for or receiving services from a state agency and in-patients and/or out-patients;
• Provides a communication bridge between staff professionals, i.e. counselors; doctors, nurses, therapists and deaf patients;
• Provides a communication bridge in the treatment and care planning of patients;
• Accompanies patients to treatment activities and assists in facilitation of communication between staff and patient;
• Performs related duties as required.

DEARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES (ADS):

• In the Bureau of Aging and Disability Services central office and regional offices, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind, Bureau of Disability Determination Services or ADS administrative offices, serves as interpreter to deaf and hard of hearing professional staff in telephone calls, at meetings, training and conferences and in conduct of routine agency business in an agency program working a set schedule;
• May interpret for hearing staff and/or consumers to facilitate communication;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
  • all forms of interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing;
  • the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct;
• Skills
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • establish and maintain harmonious relations with those contacted in the work;
  • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a National Interpreting Certification and be a registered Interpreter with the State of Connecticut in accordance with Sec. 46a-33a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in more than one Interpreting Setting.
• Fluency in more than one Interpreting Modality.
• Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with Accessibility Laws and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct.
• Experience using interpretation software and assistive devices.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license. At the time of appointment candidates may be required to have a motor vehicle driving history satisfactory to the Commissioner or Commissioner's designee.
• Incumbents in this class will be required to travel.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.