Bend Park and Recreation·Bend, Oregon
The ASL Inclusion Leader provides language inclusion support to facilitate the participation of deaf and hard of hearing participants in district programs, which includes translating directions in fast-paced environments and planning/instructing activities. Duties also involve interacting with participants through planned activities, communicating with parents/guardians, and maintaining facilities and equipment.
Open Until Filled: First review of candidates extended Thursday, February 26th, 2026
The ASL Inclusion Leader position provides language inclusion support to facilitate the participation of the deaf and hard of hearing participants in district programs. Candidates hired in this position will receive a differential on top of their hourly rate upon completed language assessment.
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Provides language inclusion support for the deaf and hard of hearing participating in district programs, facilitating communication between participants, district staff, and families. Interacts with participants through developmentally appropriate crafts, games and/or other planned activities. Quickly translate directions in a noisy, fast paced, stimulating environment (ex: swim lessons). Prepares necessary materials. Plans and instructs activities within a larger program plan. Participates in field trips including, but not limited to swimming, hiking, bowling, skating, and various other physical activities. Communicates effectively with parent/guardian of participants regarding behavior issues, participants special needs, questions and concerns. Sets up and breaks down equipment and facilities. Maintains the cleanliness of facilities and equipment. Responds to accidents and incidents according to procedures. Acts as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect. Purchases supplies not to exceed $25. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Currently hiring for a very part-time/fill-in ASL Inclusion Leader. Hours may vary, but close to 3-4 hours/week.
What you'll need for success: Strong Knowledge of: Comprehension and expression of American Sign Language, Contact Variety, and Manually Coded English with children and adults; Community engagement with emphasis on diversity and equity issues and practices. Skill and Ability to: Model appropriate use of ASL and spoken English; Assess and understand individual student’s communication abilities and styles and adjust/adapt interpretation to ensure message accuracy as related to the students age, cognitive level, register, personality, affect, learning style and language competencies; Follow through on directions; Exercise some independent decision making; Demonstrate initiative and a strong work ethic; Communicate effectively with participants and their parents/guardians, other staff and the public; Interact with diverse populations and individuals; Facilitate participation in activities; Plan, lead and instruct assigned recreation activities; Understand the needs of participants and adapt accordingly; Motivate participants through positive encouragement; Perform independently within a structured environment; Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative working relationships with all contacts. What we're looking for: Education, Experience, and Training: Must be a minimum of 16 years of age; AND Currently attending high school or high school diploma or equivalent; AND Some previous work, training/certification or volunteer experience related to community outreach; OR Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training. Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in ASL sign. License and Certifications: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certification – NIC, CI, or CT preferred.
Works under the general supervision of Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor. Receives ongoing and specific direction from program lead staff.
Supervision is not a responsibility of this position; however, position may provide direction over Recreation 1’s and volunteers.
The following are working conditions, including environmental and physical demands, required for this classification. Depending on job assignment, duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include exposure to environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures. Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends and holidays. Ability to walk and stand for sustained periods of time with frequent climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting. The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time. Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, and kneeling in order to deliver equipment and supplies and set-up and break-down equipment and facilities. Exposure to large crowds, uncooperative or difficult individuals, exposure to illness, and periods of continuous demand.
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position. Veteran Preference Status Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx
Market context
In Oregon, ASL Inclusion Leader roles are often tied to school and community support needs, so candidates with strong signing skills and experience working with children or youth may see steady interest. These positions can be competitive because employers may prefer applicants with RID credentials such as NIC, CI, or CT, and the posted differential after a completed language assessment can make verified proficiency especially important. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your ASL experience and certification details before applying.