Federal Work Study American Sign Language Interpreter Internship

Student employment is an important source of financial aid.

It is part-time, temporary employment which is contingent on continued eligibility.

Opportunities are available at all campus sites year-round.

Available hours are dependent on students’ eligibility and department needs.

Approved students work an average of 10 - 15 hours per week and are paid $15.00 per hour.

Students are paid biweekly.

Funds are sent directly to the student and are not subtracted from any balance due to SPC.

Note: This position does not replace professional interpreting services.

An ASL screening to assess the applicant's skills will be required.

Completion of ASL I-IV required.

The ASL interpreter intern participates in a supervised, paid educational work experience supporting the Interpreting and Captioning Department within Accessibility Services.

This role is designed to provide observation, skill development, and professional exposure to services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in a community college setting.

The student assistant performs entry level low risk interpreting under the close supervision of a mentor, as well as non-interpreting support tasks while developing professionalism, ethical awareness, and familiarity within post-secondary accessibility services.

include assisting professional interpreters, departmental staff, and faculty in supporting accessible learning environments.

This Federal Work Study internship position is for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies and Community Leadership with a subplan in Educational Interpreting who are seeking experience related to their future professional field of study.

• Observe professional ASL interpreters in educational and campus settings (Practicum opportunities)
• Provide one on one interpreting in low risk situations on campus supervised by a mentor with the express permission of the person who is deaf
• Provide non-interpreting support related to interpreting services (e.g., coordination, preparation, and materials support including captioning)
• Assist with department projects such as resource organization, scheduling support, or data entry
• Support accessibility efforts during campus events, meetings, or student activities as assigned
• Assist with setup and basic troubleshooting of accessibility related technology (e.g., Zoom, SignGlasses, visual supports)
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA, RID Code of Professional Conduct, and SPC policies
• Perform general office and administrative duties as needed
• Complete assignments as required by mentors

Note: This position does not replace professional interpreting services.

• Eligible for Federal Work Study
• Successful completion of ASL I-IV, Structure of ASL, and Deaf Culture
• Goal of becoming a certified professional ASL interpreter
• Strong communication skills and professionalism
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work collaboratively
• Basic comfort with technology (email, Zoom, Microsoft Office)
• Experience working with diverse populations

Through this position, the student will:

• Gain exposure to professional ASL interpreting in post-secondary education
• Understand the role of interpreting/captioning services, and Accessibility Services within a community college
• Develop workplace professionalism, ethical awareness, and communication skills
• Build foundational skills relevant to interpreting careers in post-secondary and the community

• Ability to sit, stand, and move between campus locations
• Manual dexterity for light office tasks and technology setup

• Observe professional ASL interpreters and accessibility staff
• Interpret in low risk interpreting scenarios with a mentor
• Non-interpreting support tasks and department projects
• Support accessibility related activities and event preparation
• Maintain confidentiality and follow department policies

Compensation: Paid student employment (hourly); not a formal internship or academic course

Note: This position does not involve providing professional interpreting services in a classroom setting, but will offer times when you can sign with D/HH students and staff, and interpret in low risk situations with a mentor.