Are you a recent graduate who feels like you need more support as you start working in the field? Did COVID-19 impact your ability to learn ASL over the last few years? Did you get a degree but are now doing something else and want to get back into the field? Are you looking for a steady income while you are paid to develop your skills? This may be the opportunity for you!

DeafLink is excited to announce that applications are now open for our Bridge Program with a start date in August and January! The Bridge Program Residency is a 6-to-9 month, paid opportunity to grow your skills in a supported environment. This is a temporary, full-time position while you focus on growing your skills through mentorship and training.

There are two resident application options:
August – May (6 to 9 month option)
January – July (6 month option)

Pre-Requisite:
• Preferred graduation from a 4-year ITP (2-year ITP grads are encouraged to apply)
• Equipment for VRI (Laptop/desktop/tablet)
• Flexible schedule (assignments include occasional pager coverage and occasional nights and weekends work)
• Great attitude
• Professionalism (mastery of soft skills)
• Preferred: Passed the written EIPA and/or the RID written test (not required)
• Willing to relocate to the Fort Wayne area.

Duties:
• Working 38 hours per week, as assigned. (Actual hands-up hours will vary according to agency needs)
• Accepting work that is equal to skill level.
• Accepting challenging work with a mentor or team
• Working with staff in a mentor/mentee role
• Assisting with general agency duties/cross-training
• Attending professional development activities
• Attending/working Deaf events

Perks:
Guaranteed full-time pay for up to 38 hours per week, mentorship, and testing fees are paid for either the RID or EIPA upon the successful completion of the program.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, link to website (if you have one), and letter of recommendation from an ITP professor to karenh@the-league.org.

• Novice Interpreters (Induction/Onboarding)

Accepting applications all year long.

Interviews will be in June/July for August and in November for January.

It is set up to be a 6 to 10 month program, depending on the needs of the resident.

Nine months is the recommended duration of the program for full benefit and application of the skill development plan.

• In person/onsite

We operate primarily in Indiana but there may be opportunities in Ohio and other surrounding states.

This is a paid skill development program.

Guaranteed up to 38 hours per week. Hands-up hours will vary but the paid time is guaranteed.

Resident is paid for training, observation, interpreting and skill development time.

The Bridge Program starts with a baseline evaluation and then sets up a learning plan. There is initially one-on-one debriefing after observations coupled with skill specific video work. There is also in person interpreting with a mentor team to give feedback. As well as, during phase two, going on a job with a mentor who is a "fly on the wall" and just observes then debriefs afterwards with the resident to provide feedback/discussion of things that came up during the observation. We do a middle of the time evaluation and an exit evaluation to track skill development.