Jennifer Sweeney
Aurora,CO
Summary
To continue to provide sign language interpreting for the work force with the goal to provide equal access and accommodations to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Disability Leave Services Interpreter Manager
Amazon
03.2020 - Current
- Established successful completion of ASL Translation service delivery, from request to delivery. Created Standard Operating Procedures, Best Practices, Job Aids and practical Training for ASL Interpreter. Average increase 300% YoY.
- Contributed to increased customer satisfaction by addressing client concerns through professional interpretation services and hosting Deaf Round Tables.
- Bridged cultural gaps within communities through participation in outreach programs aimed at fostering understanding among diverse populations.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the workplace, resulting in an inclusive environment that fostered creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements by implementing comprehensive policies and training programs for staff members.
Director of Recruiting and Retention
Convo Relay
05.2019 - 02.2020
- Highly motivated and self-directed in the implementation of this department
- Identified hiring needs by working closely with Work Force Management
- Identified trends and needs of Interpreter for retention efforts
- Implemented a Resiliency Program for 300+ Video Interpreters to include weekly resilience tips, required on-site training and optional personal development workshops
- Led Focus Group on VRS at Home feasibility – to include technology requirements, equipment requirements and security concerns
- Developed comprehensive list of recruitment activity tool for each Center to utilize
- Created internal intake and request form for recruitment and retention activities
- Optimized and managed recruitment and retention budget
- Worked closely with marketing to develop social media videos and strategies for recruitment of Interpreters
- Implement reward and recognition gamification program to support strong employee retention
- Managed and led Center Manager team on revamp of Annual Review Process
- Managed and led Center Manager team on revamp of Call Monitoring requirements
- Developed comprehensive Exit Interview process and questionnaire
- Overhaul of all requisitions regarding Interpreting Department
- Managed and Led Customer Service Committee for optimization of customer service in both internal and external customers.
Interpreter Recruiter
01.2014 - 06.2018
- Work closely with Purple Centers to identify recruiting needs and create annual recruiting goals
- Schedule events to support local recruiting efforts
- Represent Purple at national interpreting events
- Created database to maintain records for recruiting
- Work one-on-one with potential employees until hired
- Schedule and proctor internal skills assessments
- Utilize productive communication and effective tracking for all Purple Centers
- Use of social media to advertise events
- POC for presenters
- Create curriculums for presentations/workshops as needed
- Owned implementation of FCC Pilot Program for VRS at Home
- Identified internal and external requirements for working at home for both business needs and interpreter requirements
- Developed Interview and Screening Process for New Hires of this program
- Identified and implemented safety requirements for working at home in adherence to FCC regulations
- Created and maintained technology requirements for working from home
- Worked closely with our training department to modify training for new hires in at home.
Full-time Sign Language Interpreter
05.2009 - 12.2013
- Certificate of Transliteration/Certificate of Interpretation
- VRS/Community Interpreter
- Extensive Interpreting Training: Legal, Mental Health, Medical, Working with a CDI, Conference Interpreting and Coordination
- Requested for high level voicing assignments
- Requested for conferences/high level meetings/business professionals
- Currently mentoring for Legal Certification
- Maintain an excellent rapport with Deaf and Hard of Hearing community as well as members of the Hearing community who use interpreting services.
Center Supervisor
Purple Communications
12.2007 - 05.2009
- Oversee fast-paced Video Relay Services Communication Center
- Worked closely with Communication Center Manager
- Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
- Responsible for daily operations of VRS
- Work closely with Training Department
- Coordinate new-hire training
- Facilitate information from Training Department to VI’s
- Train VI’s on new VRS platforms
- Train new Trainers
- Work closely with Operations Coordinators
- Balance VRS schedule
- Reporting
- Act as a liaison between Ops and VI’s
- Analyze reports to ensure VI’s meet business expectations
- Maintain positive and supportive work environment.
Sign Language Interpreter/Team Leader
Purple Communications (Formerly Sign Language Associates)
10.2005 - 06.2007
- Provide interpreting services in the community
- Manage center operations
- Market services in the community
- Maintain communication logs between interpreters, clients, facility
- Act as liaison for remote IT administration
- Manage opening and closing schedules of Interpreters
- Compile and review monthly Team statistics
- Conduct Performance Review’s for Interpreters
- Implement strategies for quality assurance
- Manage personnel to increase their interests, abilities, and preferences
- Work with team members to set individual goals
- Attend and advocate for interpreters at corporate meetings and events
- Extensive knowledge of DLinks, VP100’s, VP200’s, webcam and other accessories for video interpreting
- Up to date with FCC guidelines for VRS and VRI services.
Video Interpreter/Team Leader
Purple Communications (Formerly Sign Language Associates)
10.2005 - 06.2007
- Provide interpreting services in the community
- Manage center operations
- Market services in the community
- Maintain communication logs between interpreters, clients, facility
- Act as liaison for remote IT administration
- Manage opening and closing schedules of Interpreters
- Compile and review monthly Team statistics
- Conduct Performance Review’s for Interpreters
- Implement strategies for quality assurance
- Manage personnel to increase their interests, abilities, and preferences
- Work with team members to set individual goals
- Attend and advocate for interpreters at corporate meetings and events
- Extensive knowledge of DLinks, VP100’s, VP200’s, webcam and other accessories for video interpreting
- Up to date with FCC guidelines for VRS and VRI services.
Emergency Services Coordinator/Staff Interpreter
Birnbaum Interpreting Services
09.2001 - 07.2003
- Responsible for processing after hours requests and adjusting staff schedules in accordance to contractual obligations
- Assisted in contract negations providing long-term contractual services
- Developed Emergency Services guidelines for interpreters to adhere to
- Marketed interpreting services to hospitals and police departments with an emphasis on compliance with the ADA
- Coordinated back-up and on-call list for 24-hour emergency services
- Maintained clear communication with interpreters, requestors and coordinators
- Provided cross-cultural communication presentations to government agencies and businesses
- Attended business meetings as a representative of the Emergency Services division.
Video Remote Interpreting Coordinator
Birnbaum Interpreting Services
05.2001 - 08.2001
- Served as co-facilitator in marketing VRI to hospitals and government agencies throughout the United States
- Trained staff interpreters to use and operate VRI equipment
- Maintained an up to date billing schedule and service log for company accounting
- Outreach Interpreter for cross-cultural training.
Gallaudet University: Office of Admissions
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Assisted in developing and facilitating orientation programs
- Acted as orientations leader for visiting students and families
- Co-organized in standardizing guidelines applied to the New and Visiting Student Orientation Program
- Managed office duties while attending to customer service needs.
Contractual sign language interpreter
MassMutual Insurance Company
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Interpreted meetings, employee evaluations, training programs
- Coordinated interpreting services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees.
Education
Baccalaureate - Psychology
Elms College
Chicopee, Massachusetts 01.1996 - 05.2000
Deaf Studies
Gallaudet University
Washinton, DC 01.1999 - 05.2000
Skills
Subject matter expertise
undefinedAffiliations
Member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Member of Colorado Registry Interpreters for the Deaf
Member of CODA International
Activist and selected representative for the pilot Hearing Undergraduate Program (H.U.G) at Gallaudet University
Interpreter/Cast Member/Creative Analyst for TV show Christy’s Kids
Volunteer Interpreter for Miss Deaf Colorado
Member of Colorado Quality Standards for Interpreters (CQSI)
Consistently provides 20+ hours of pro-bono interpreting annually
Timeline
Disability Leave Services Interpreter Manager
Amazon
03.2020 - Current
Director of Recruiting and Retention
Convo Relay
05.2019 - 02.2020
Interpreter Recruiter
01.2014 - 06.2018
Full-time Sign Language Interpreter
05.2009 - 12.2013
Center Supervisor
Purple Communications
12.2007 - 05.2009
Sign Language Interpreter/Team Leader
Purple Communications (Formerly Sign Language Associates)
10.2005 - 06.2007
Video Interpreter/Team Leader
Purple Communications (Formerly Sign Language Associates)
10.2005 - 06.2007
Emergency Services Coordinator/Staff Interpreter
Birnbaum Interpreting Services
09.2001 - 07.2003
Video Remote Interpreting Coordinator
Birnbaum Interpreting Services
05.2001 - 08.2001
Gallaudet University: Office of Admissions
01.1999 - 01.2000
Deaf Studies
Gallaudet University
01.1999 - 05.2000
Contractual sign language interpreter
MassMutual Insurance Company
01.1996 - 01.1998
Baccalaureate - Psychology
Elms College
01.1996 - 05.2000