The posting
ASL Staff Interpreter
Type: Full-Time Shift/Schedule: Various schedule, Weekend availability needed
Location: Avamere at Chestnut Lane - 1219 NE 6th St., Gresham, OR 97030
Avamere at Chestnut Lane is a Deaf and DeafBlind Community. Proficiency in American Sign Language and Tactile Sign Language is required for this position.
Apply at www.TeamAvamere.com
Job Summary The ASL Staff Interpreter facilitates critical communication and access to the environment for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf Blind residents. This role requires advanced proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and specialized tactile and close-vision interpreting techniques. The interpreter acts as an essential link to independence, personal care, and social participation.
Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities
Communication Access & Facilitation
- Interpret expressive and receptive communication between residents, staff, and medical personnel using ASL, English, and tactile signing.
- Act as the "eyes and ears" for Deaf Blind residents by narrating visual and environmental information (e.g., room layout, activities, ongoing events).
- Read and translate written documents, care plans, or menus into accessible sign language formats for residents.
- Work alongside other interpreters, care staff, and medical professionals to ensure consistent care.
- Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), navigation, mobility, and participating in recreational facility events
Care Coordination & Case Management
- Assess individual needs and develop, monitor, and update individualized support plans (ISPs) in collaboration with residents, families, and facility nursing staff.
- Connect residents with outside agencies, financial assistance programs, and specialized counseling or habilitative training.
- Work closely with the medical coordinator and facility registered nurses to review health documentation and ensure medical follow-ups are completed
Independent Living & Community Integration
- Provide training on orientation and mobility, helping residents navigate the facility and build daily, self-reliant routines.
- Facilitate communication during educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities to promote meaningful community engagement.
- Coordinate and assist with transportation, scheduling, and guiding residents during off-site activities like grocery shopping and banking.
Advocacy & Staff Training
- Educate facility staff on Deaf culture, Deaf-Blind specific needs, and accessible communication methods.
- Advocate for residents' rights to equal access, proper accommodations, and non-discriminatory care in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.
Requirements
Requirements and Qualifications
- Current membership and/or certification with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)
- Advanced capability in the communication modes of the Deaf Blind population, including tactile ASL, Pro-Tactile, and close-vision interpreting.
- Minimum of 2–3 years of professional interpreting experience; preference for prior work in senior living, healthcare, or Deaf Blind support.
- Exceptional fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and familiarity with tactile sign language, Pro-Tactile, and diverse deaf-blind communication systems.
- Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant professional experience working with elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or within a specialized deaf and blind community.
- State certification (e.g., Support Service Provider/SSP certification), First Aid, and must maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with seniors, families, and staff.
- High level of empathy and understanding for the needs of older adults.
- Strong critical thinking and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficient in managing multiple tasks, schedules, and resident records.
- Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Create and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm and cheerful environment.
- Must maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment.
Benefits
We believe caring for others starts with caring for our own teams. Our benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind—so you can focus on making a difference every day.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Low individual and family deductible. - Benefits eligible at 30+ hours/week.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Premium Pay for Holidays worked, conditions apply
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Canopy: Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs & work/life balance
- Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account)
- Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance Options: Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, plus Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services.
“At Avamere Communities, we love to celebrate our diverse group of hardworking employees. We value diversity and believe forming teams in which everyone can their true, authentic self is key to our success “We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status."
The company reserves the right to revise the duties set forth in this job description at its discretion.
Arete Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify
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