Language Facilitator Instructional Assistant

In MSD of Decatur Township, we’re seeking individuals who want to make a significant impact on students’ lives, grow in their practice, and be part of an innovative community of educators.

Position Overview & Definition

A Language Facilitator is an instructional assistant whose primary responsibility is supporting Deaf/Hard of Hearing students with communication needs related to accessing and/or using spoken language receptively and expressively, as well as alternative forms of communication such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices or sign language.

180 Days a year - 7.5 hours a day

Pay- $17.00/hour

Supervision & Training

• Direct Supervisor: Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
• Collaborative Support: Receives guidance from Special Education and General Education teachers.
• Professional Development: Receives direct training in hearing, language, and educational support provided by the Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Primary Responsibilities & Duties

Assistive Technology & Amplification

• Perform daily checks of Hearing Assistive Technology equipment.
• Assist in managing and maintaining the student’s amplification and communication equipment.
• Facilitate and encourage the student’s use of Augmentative Communication Devices (AAC).

Instructional & Classroom Support

• Observe and support "on-task" behavior of the assigned student within the educational setting.
• Check for comprehension of oral directions and, when appropriate, have the student repeat directions back.
• Monitor student follow-through with minimal and decreasing levels of support.
• Demonstrate knowledge of state academic standards for the assigned student's grade level and assist the student in meeting those standards.
• Support grade-level vocabulary, academic concepts, and language development.
• Perform targeted academic tasks, including one-on-one tutoring, pre-teaching, and re-teaching core concepts.

Language Facilitation & Communication

• Understand the potential impact of hearing loss on communication, development, and learning—specifically regarding language and literacy skills.
• Repeat and expand upon the child’s expressive language output.
• Model age-appropriate language to foster and expand expressive language skills.

Student Engagement & Advocacy

• Encourage active participation in all classroom activities.
• Promote age-appropriate self-advocacy and social interaction skills.
• Facilitate positive communication and social interactions between the student, peers, and school staff.

IEP Implementation & Team Liaison

• Understand the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and maintain accurate records to share with staff for progress monitoring.
• Assist in the active implementation of the IEP, particularly regarding hearing and language support.
• Ensure recommended instructional and classroom accommodations are implemented appropriately.
• Serve as an active liaison between classroom teachers and the Teacher for the Deaf.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Specialized Skills: Specialized training—or willingness to undergo training—in the use of assistive devices, amplification equipment, and language facilitation techniques.
• Experience (Preferred): Prior experience working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Background (Preferred): Training or coursework in child development and/or education.