American Sign Language; ASL Interpreter

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter (260000NT)

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.

• 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.

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.

DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values:
1) child-driven,
2) family-centered,
3) community-focused,
4) strength-based,
5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and,
6) committed to continuous learning.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Education, licensure and certifications will be…