Sign Language Interpreter

Full Job Description

Ashesi's mission is to propel an African renaissance by educating ethical, entrepreneurial leaders. Located in Ghana, this private, non-profit university combines a rigorous multidisciplinary core with degree programs in Computer Science, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, and Engineering. A student-led honour code, integrated community service, diverse internships, and real-world projects prepare students to develop innovative solutions for the challenges facing their individual communities, countries, and the continent at large.

Job Summary: The role of the Sign Language Interpreter is to facilitate communication between students and employees who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who can hear. The primary responsibility of the interpreter is to convey spoken language into sign language and vice versa, ensuring accurate and clear communication in various settings. This role demands fluency in Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) or another recognized sign language, as well as a deep understanding of deaf culture.

Reports to: Director, Office of Diversity and International Programs

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interpret spoken language into sign language for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in a variety of settings included but not limited to classes, conversations, meetings, relevant non-academic sessions, or other requested events.
• Interpret sign language into spoken language for members of the Ashesi Community, including students, employees, and guests in a variety of settings included but not limited to classes, conversations, meetings, relevant non-academic sessions, or other requested events.
• Attend advising sessions, classes, labs, faculty/student conferences, tutoring sessions, and other authorized university-related activities with deaf and hard of hearing students and employees to interpret enrolment and other college information, classroom discussions, and campus activities.
• Provide interpretation services during meetings, training sessions, presentations, and other work-related interactions to ensure that deaf or hard-of-hearing employees have equal access to information.
• Facilitate effective communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing candidates and interviewers.
• Provide a range of interpreting and translating services for members of the Ashesi Community, including the following in a variety of settings included but not limited to classes, conversations, meetings, relevant non-academic sessions, or other requested events.
• Uphold strict confidentiality regarding any information disclosed during interpreting assignments, respecting the privacy of both deaf individuals and other employees.
• Any other role related duties as may be assigned.

Skills/Competencies

• Ability to understand and translate sign language.
• Must have worked in the higher educational sector.
• Ability to sign in at least two of the following sign languages:
  • Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL)
  • French Sign Language (LSF)
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and core values of Ashesi University.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, English, Sciences, Business AND/OR Sign Language Interpretation.
• At least 5 years work experience as a Sign Language Interpreter or related field.
• Proven ability to interpret accurately and fluently in various academic and professional settings, including meetings, events, lectures, seminars, and discussions.
• Proven experience as a sign language interpreter, with a strong portfolio of diverse interpreting assignments.
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills in both sign and spoken language.

Ashesi is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a faculty and staff committed to excellence and equity and encourages applications from people who value same.

Disability Confident:   Ashesi University is committed to taking positive steps to employ, keep and develop the abilities of staff with disabilities.