American Sign Language; ASL Interpreter

About the Department of Children and Families (DCF)

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.

The American Sign Language (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
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• Collaborate with DCF staff to promote inclusive communication and increase agency‑wide accessibility.

• Minimum of two years of professional experience providing ASL interpretation after successful completion of MCDHH screening
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• 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.

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.

• An Associate’s or higher degree in Interpreter Studies may be substituted for the required experience based on 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 the 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…