Educational Associate - Deaf Support Specialist

Primary Purpose:
Under general supervision, provides support through sign language. Employee coordinates services and works with teachers to appropriately modify classroom activities for the auditorily impaired student.

Education / Certification:

1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Associate of Applied Science Degree in American Sign Language: Deaf Support Specialist or hold a certification in Deaf Support Specialist or Associate’s Degree in Deaf Education.
3. Paraprofessional Certification as required by the State Board and the District.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

1. Ability to work with children with disabilities. 
2. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. 
3. Ability to communicate effectively.
4. Knowledge of general office equipment. 
5. Ability to operate a variety of computerized equipment.
6. Ability and willingness to learn new technological skills.

Experience / Other Requirements:

1. Some experience working with children.
2. Six months related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Works directly with students to facilitate communication between the deaf student and hearing individuals. 
2. Works directly with students in reinforcing skills previously introduced by the teacher and consistently uses students’ designated modes of communication, to include sign language, and classroom FM equipment.
3. Monitors students who are working with individualized programmed materials.
4. Supervises students individually and in small groups as learning activities are conducted in accordance with teacher directions using sign language and speech simultaneously or in accordance with students’ recommended communication modes. 
5. Continues to learn content area sign vocabulary necessary to assist with classroom activities for Auditorily impaired students.
6. Assembles materials, programs and equipment prior to arrival of students.
7. Daily listening check and troubleshooting of FM equipment and notify deaf and hard-of-hearing program teacher of any needed repairs.
8. Maintain confidentiality.
9. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned. 
10. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.