American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Job Description

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is deeply committed to protecting children from abuse and neglect while ensuring their growth and well-being in safe, nurturing environments. With an unwavering dedication to excellence, DCF provides services to over 100,000 children and families each year, supported by a dedicated team of more than 4,000 employees across 31 locations statewide. In pursuit of our mission, we are seeking a compassionate and qualified American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter to join our team in supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing staff across the agency.

The ASL Interpreter plays a vital role in ensuring communication access in a wide range of settings, enabling Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees to fully participate in protective services and custody-related work with clients, families, and external partners. This position requires strong technical interpreting skills, a commitment to professional ethics, and a deep understanding of Deaf culture, as well as the barriers that Deaf individuals may face in the child welfare system. The role may occasionally require work during early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on operational needs.

*Special Note: The ASL Interpreter positions are part-time. The weekly schedule is 30 hours per week from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM (with the possibility of working past 5:00 PM).

General Statement of Duties:

• Provide real-time interpretation and transliteration in American Sign Language for staff meetings, 1:1 supervision, trainings, home visits, and community-based settings.
• Interpret in complex, high-pressure situations, including child removals, medical and psychiatric emergencies, and court proceedings.
• Translate technical documents such as service plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and medical reports between English and ASL.
• Maintain compliance with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
• Collaborate with DCF staff to promote inclusive communication and increase agency-wide accessibility.
• Educate teams on Deaf culture, effective communication strategies, and the role of interpreters.
• Assess interpreting needs across units and coordinate the provision of appropriate services.
• Deliver or support training sessions and presentations on topics related to interpreting and accessibility.
• Be available for flexible scheduling, including early morning, evening, or weekend hours when needed.

• Certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) at the CICT or NIC level, or state-recognized screening equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience providing ASL interpretation after successful completion of MCDHH screening.
• Ability to interpret across various settings including family homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and courtrooms.
• Deep understanding of the linguistic, cultural, and developmental impact of Deafness.
• Experience interpreting in high-stress, emotionally sensitive situations involving children and families.
• Proficiency in translating technical documents clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate communication support services for Deaf professionals.
• Comfort explaining complex medical, educational, or procedural content using ASL.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-based approach.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, as necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional email etiquette.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• Satisfactory completion of a full year performance evaluation cycle.