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ASL GM I - Game Master: American Sign Language, Volunteer, Trainee

Spokane, United States

American Sign Language (ASL) proficient Game Masters needed for our community and event tabletop role-playing games to run games for ASL signing Deaf & Hard of Hearing players. NOT AN INTERPRETER POSITION, you will just be communicating in ASL to others in ASL as you run the game in ASL.  If you are proficient in ASL, we will gladly train you in how to be a GM, even if from scratch. 
MUST ATTEND OUR FREE RPG TRAINEE PROGRAM TO WORK TOWARD TRAINING DIPLOMA..

Training Information

  • Attend weekly training (4 hours per session).

  • Complete all requirements for Level 1 RPG Trainee Diploma.

  • Act as player to help train other game masters.

  • Act as Game Master to run session training other volunteers.

  • Act as facilitator and GM to run programs for community, event, and other programs.

Additional training information here:


Responsibilities

Facilitating & running role-playing games in American Sign Language as the Game Master (GM)

Attend training once per week (4 hours)

Run (or assist running) community and/or event RPG sessions to "give back to the community" twice per month (3-4 hours per session).

Challenges

Work specifically with Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Ages 2 years old through senior adults & all between

ASL proficient.

Multiple RPG systems & settings (will train).

Must Have

Strong American Sign Language proficiency

Excitement about helping with our programs

Availability for training & running programs as per listed schedule.

Strong enthusiasm to help others.

Excited about learning.

Job Description

  • Volunteer trainee position open for Deaf, Hard of Hearing (HoH), or hearing, ASL proficient signers.

  • Non-profit RPG Research has openings for 2-3 ASL proficient game masters for tabletop (TRPG) and live-action (LARP) role-playing games (RPG), trainee volunteer positions.

  • Training does apply toward RPG Therapeutics LLC's certified professional game master certifications.

  • Requires strong proficiency in American Sign Language, and commitment for the training necessary to become a proficient game master working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing players.

  • Expedited application processing for applicants that fill out our 2nd step online application here:

  • Applicants that do not fill out the 2nd form may expect a response in 4 to 8 weeks. Applicants that do complete the 2nd form may expect a response within a few days to a couple of weeks.


REQUIREMENTS

  • ASL proficient Game Master Volunteer for Deaf & HoH, Tabletop and/or Live-action Role-Playing Games.

  • A volunteer proficient in American Sign Language to be game master for tabletop (TRPG) and/or live-action (LARP) role-playing games (RPG).

  • We are looking for an American Sign Language (ASL) proficient volunteer Game Master for Role-Playing Games.

  • If needed, we will train an ASL proficient person interested in becoming a Game Master (GM) for one or more tabletop role-playing game and/or live-action game systems.

  • If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, if you are patient with our trainers' rusty ASL skills we can still train you as a Game Master.

  • At least 5 years proficiency with American Sign Language, actively working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

  • 3-9 month training commitment minimum to GM RPGs in a way that meets RPG Research's stringent requirements.


PREFERRED:

  • At least some RPG GM experience preferred, though we are willing to train anyone interested and committed enough for the 3-9 month (part time) training program.

  • If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, our organization founder and lead trainer has some (rusty) ASL proficiency, so can work with you, (as long as your patient), to help you learn to GM a group.

  • Needs to meet the RPG Research GMing skills requirements for a proficient GM in a public setting, especially with youth players from ages 5 through 17 and up, but also adults of all ages.

  • Must pass background check since will be working with youth and other protected populations.


Department(s): RPG, Accessibility

Location(s): Varies, primarily greater Spokane area, and/or greater Northwest USA (Washington/Oregon/Idaho/Montana).

Reports to: Senior Game Masters and staff supervisors.


General Purpose

Run tabletop role-playing (RPG), live-action role-playing (LARP). Provide training to new players, including understanding the game system rules and gaming etiquette. Help fellow volunteers.


Key Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Run tabletop RPG sessions at various locations.

  • Typically 1-6 players per session.

  • Prepare adventures in accordance with RPG Research rules and guidelines, including GM Code of Conduct.

  • Complete assessment forms when appropriate.

  • Prepare character sheets for participants to choose from.

  • Run adventures ranging from "one shots" to ongoing mid-length and long-term campaigns.

  • Address any group interpersonal issues, and maintain players compliance with RPG Research Player Code of Conduct.

  • Attend either in-person, or via remote access, at least one free training session / administrative meeting per week (3-4 hours)

  • Availability for at least 2 regular group sessions per month (game sessions typically 3-5 hours) (in addition to training sessions).

  • Strongly self-motivated

  • Strong collaborative work ethic

  • Reliable schedule compliance



REQUIRED

    Proficient with ASL(conversational enough to run an RPG session as GM). (at least 5 years ASL experience)

    Must pass background check before allowed to work with clients.

    Comprehensive knowledge of role-playing game system rules for at least one published game system (willing to train).

    Assertive (not aggressive) presence with confident but warm, friendly, empathetic, and compassionate communication style.



Preferred

    At least some RPG GM experience preferred, though we are willing to train anyone interested. If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, our organization founder has some ASL proficiency, so can work with you, as long as your patient, to help you learn to GMa group.

    Needs to meet the RPG Research GMing skills requirements for a proficient GMin a public setting, especially with youth players from ages 5 through 17 and up.

    Experienced theatrical acting skills

    Effective voice acting skills

    Experienced broadcasting skills

    Experienced audio/video skills

    Experience with online broadcasting: Youtube, Twitch, etc.


* Formats include: tabletop (RPG), live-action (LARP), computer-based (CRPG), and solo adventure books and modules (SABM).




Core Competencies (will train)

    Organizational skills

    Group dynamics conflict resolution skills

    Storytelling skills

    Verbal and written communication skills.

    Enthusiastic communication style that excites others with your passion about the topics discussed.

    "Can do" attitude, and an eye for seeing where people need help before they have to ask.

    Outgoing presence.

    Well organized approach to preparing for game sessions and tracking participant progress

    Passionate supportive energy


Working Conditions

  • Online and/or in-person sessions, typically ranging between 2-5 hours (including setup and tear-down).

  • Game Master may frequently work at Spark Central, RPG Research studio, RPG Research offices, RPG Bus, RPG Trailer, or other locations including but not limited to.

  • Conventions

  • Libraries

  • Community centers

  • Educational institutions

  • Care facilities

  • Remote work



Hours:Training:

  • 4-6 hours per week free training (we offer multiple training sessions per week, require attending at least one per week).

  • "Give back" to the community at least twice per month (equivalent of 8-10 hours per month).


Compensation

  • As with all positions at RPG Research, this is an unpaid Volunteer position with no financial compensation.

  • Free training.


Job Types:

  • Part-time, Temporary, Internship, Remote Options.



Application Questions

  • How many years of American Sign Language experience do you have?

  • How many years of Role-playing Game (RPG) experience do you have?

  • Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law/regulations?

  • How many years of working with the Deaf and HoH ASL experience do you have?

  • How many years of tabletop RPG game master experience do you have?

  • How many years of live-action role-playing (LARP) experience do you have?

  • Are you in Spokane, WA 99201?

  • Are you able to work in Spokane, WA 99201?

  • Can you work remotely (have sufficient bandwidth, computer, audio, video, and location setup)?