Careers with Vocational Rehabilitation
Sign Language Interpreting Internships FAQs
- Can VR provide internship placements throughout the state of Florida?
- Yes, but local internships are contingent upon availability of VR staff interpreters throughout the state. VR will do its best to find a suitable location/site that the interpreter intern requests.
What can VR offer with internships?- VR offers a limited number of VR sign-language interpreter internships per year. No intern can begin working until the Background Screening has been approved by the FDOE Office of the Inspector General.
How Interested Students Get Started-
- Complete a Staff Interpreter Questionnaire
- Email your resume, your RID Student or Associate card, and questionnaire to Cory Parker
What is the Background screening requirement?- It is the policy of FDOE that all applicants for employment or volunteering undergo a national criminal history background screening (Level 2) in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. If you are accepted for an internship, you will be contacted to arrange for the fingerprinting. Fingerprinting is paid for by VR.
What is Next?- Once approved, a student will be supervised by a nationally-certified VR staff interpreter. The staff interpreter will orient the student through VR process and explain how interpreting services are provided in VR. Then, the staff interpreter will arrange for the interpreter intern to observe and provide interpreting as soon as it is determined appropriate. Any customer who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deafblind involved in any interpreting session with the intern present will need to first sign a waiver/consent. The staff interpreter will also provide feedback to the intern after each time the intern provides interpreting.