Job Description

American Sign Language Interpreter (Part-Time, 22.5 hours)

260006JR

Description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a dynamic Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, offering a part-time position (.6 FTE - Full Time Equivalent) with benefits for statewide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. The ideal candidate will interpret spoken and written content into ASL and vice versa for staff, clients, providers, employers, and the public, both on-site and via remote platforms.

Assignments may be statewide or regional, and collaboration with other interpreters for comprehensive service coverage is required.

In this role, the interpreter will coordinate services to ensure effective communication access and may be involved in producing materials such as VLOGs, as appropriate. The interpreter will receive direct supervision from the Assistant Commissioner of Operations. The ideal candidate is expected to operate within DDS’s learning and participatory performance culture, emphasizing high performance, individual impact, and team contribution while actively supporting and promoting agency activities.

At DDS, we value high performance, individual impact, and teamwork, and are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a culture of agility, excellence, and belonging. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Interpret/transliterate for DDS’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff and clients in various situations to ensure equal communication access.
• Assess the communication access needs of requests; negotiate for optimum conditions; use professional discretion to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure appropriate skills and knowledge for each situation.
• Deliver interpreting/transliteration services to agency staff, clients/consumers, providers, employers, and the public; use languages most readily understood by service users.
• Confer with fellow interpreters when working as a team; share joint responsibility for the message.- Demonstrate proficiency with remote video conferencing platforms used by DDS and sister agencies.
• Coordinate interpreting and CART services for staff and clients upon request in partnership with Communication Access schedulers.
• Collaborate with the Interpreter Supervisor/Manager to evaluate needs and gather necessary information.
• Schedule interpreters or CART services if unable to provide service directly; use available resources, including DDS staff interpreter team and Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) interpreter referral service.
• Address service requests within 2 working days or as early as the schedule allows; identify and communicate backup plans to ensure timely response.
• Maintain records of interpreting and CART services provided; organize records of each provider assigned to a request; submit records to the authorizing staff member.
• Act as liaison between vendors and DDS, elevating inquiries when necessary. - Engage with staff across divisions and external stakeholders to provide quality services; participate in reflective practice with colleagues.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as MCDHH Interpreter Referral Services, contracted providers, DDS staff, employers, and vendors.
• Contribute to policy and planning discussions locally, regionally, and statewide with other DDS Deaf Services providers; assist in creating trainings and materials for clients, staff, and vendors.
• Pursue ongoing professional development relevant to the interpreting field; attend trainings to enhance skills and respond to the evolving needs of the community and DDS.
• Disseminate acquired skills and knowledge to other staff interpreters and Deaf Services staff locally, regionally, and at Statewide Deaf Services meetings.
• Foster respectful and harmonious working relationships; interact professionally with staff, consumers, and other stakeholders; uphold DDS core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Support the production of VLOGs to ensure DDS materials and announcements are accessible; work with DDS staff, sister agencies, and others to develop VLOGs and scripts.
• Participate in mentorship opportunities to promote workforce development; provide interns with opportunities to observe and practice interpreter skills.
• Offer guidance and training for staff, providers, and other stakeholders regarding communication access; perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in both formal and informal registers of English and American Sign Language.
• Familiarity with the Code of Ethics established by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.
• Proficiency in specialized vocabularies for English and American Sign Languages, including technical, medical, and scientific terminology.
• Understanding of cultural and historical references in both Deaf and hearing cultures.
• Knowledge of the effect of deafness on the linguistic, social, cultural, and developmental aspects of deaf people.
• Capability to perform simultaneous and consecutive interpretation; skill in using gestures and other non-verbal communication methods to effectively convey messages.
• Competence in maintaining accurate records; ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.
• Self-sufficiency in working independently; flexibility to adapt to varying work situations, accommodating different settings and requirements as needed.
• Discretion in handling confidential information and ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Tact in dealing with others; skill in building rapport with individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals under physical and/or emotional stress.
• Knowledge of and adherence to laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Skill in preparing general reports, documenting activities, and presenting information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals who have physical, emotional, psychiatric, or other disabilities, offering appropriate support and services.
• Capability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Expertise in providing remote interpreting services using commonly used video conferencing platforms.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines governing DDS activities.
• Familiarity with the types and uses of agency forms.
• Understanding of the organizational structure and functions of DDS. Please Note:A current and valid driver's license is required.This position is located in Boston Schedule: Part time, 22.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday, DaysDays Off: Saturday/Sunday Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program/area offices in the Metro and Northeast regions.

Please Note: This position is located in Boston. Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program/area offices in the Metro and Northeast regions.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government. For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds Pre-Hire Process:Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.· Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:· Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search: https:cppdmass.gov· Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori· National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance. For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements:At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience providing interpretation and/or transliteration services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population after successful completion of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Screening.Substitutions:An Associate’s or higher degree in Interpreter Studies may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience.One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.A certificate as evidence of completion of a two-year Interpreter Training Program may be substituted for the required experience.Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or other interpreter certification judged equivalent by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing may be substituted for the required experience.Licenses:Successful completion of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Screening is required.Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license or the equivalent from another state.New employees may be hired directly into salary range I based upon the following evidence of level I competencies:Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or other interpreter certification judged equivalent by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of HearingEmployees who were initially hired into salary range (A) may advance to salary range (B) at any time after hire based upon the following evidence of level (B) competencies: Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or other interpreter certification judged equivalent by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ANDSatisfactory completion of a full year performance evaluation cycle. Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Interp, Deaf/HardofHearing I

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Boston - 40 Broad Street

Job

: Community and Social Services

Agency

: Department of Developmental Services

Schedule

: Part-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Oct 9, 2026, 8:22:12 PM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary (Pay Basis)

: 88,772.32 - 120,720.60 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kendy Derival, kendy.derival3@mass.gov - 8572835867Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator Phone Number

Bargaining Unit: 08-SEIU - Local 509 - Social/Rehabilitation