ASL Specialist/Deaf Mentor – Teacher of the Deaf
Primary Responsibilities
● Serving students in preschool or public school settings with goals for ASL development virtually and in person
● Providing individual Family or Parent Training as requested by IFSP or IEP team per referral.
● Providing Special Instruction, Specially Designed Instruction or Consultation as requested by IFSP, IEP team per referral
● Collecting and documenting data on IFSP and IEP goals
● Participating in the IFSP/IEP processes, preparing present levels of ASL performance and planning goals and objectives
● Providing American Sign Language classes for students and families in person and/or virtually
● Developing an ASL Curriculum for MECDHH
● Utilize video and online technology and platforms to create ASL materials for instruction and sharing
● Acting in the role of Deaf Mentor for the Regional Peer Support Programs and “Kids Like Me” programs for elementary students and for mid-high school students
● Providing itinerant specially designed instruction to deaf and hard of hearing students communicating in American Sign Language in mainstream settings
● Providing ongoing educational consultation and technical assistance to professionals working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing communicating via American Sign Language in public and private schools throughout designated areas in Maine
● Participating at IEP meetings and provides input into IEPs for students on the ASL Specialist’s caseload
● Providing observation and consultation at student’s mainstream school
● Conducting a summary meeting for staff and parents at the conclusion of the student’s observation
● Providing comprehensive and individualized written reports after on-site observations
● Providing in-service training to professionals related to American Sign Language and/or Deaf Culture
● Providing American Sign Language Evaluations for expressive and receptive ASL skills upon referral
● Writing in-depth and timely evaluation reports at the conclusion of ASL evaluation
● Assisting teachers and support staff in developing appropriate instructional environments to support students access to ASL
● Acting as a resource to instructional staff related to language use, variation, technical signs, communication strategies, etc.
● Participating in periodic programs sponsored family activities in the role of Deaf Mentor/ASL Specialist
● Communicating regularly and documenting on-going family and school communication
● Working with the Statewide Education and Family Services team to develop educational webinars
● Presenting student awareness programs’ for the student and his/her classmates customized to the student’s age and grade, using interactive hands-on materials
● Providing current ASL materials (articles, hand-outs) to the SEFS team, case manager, classroom teacher, and/or parents on topics relevant to that child’s needs
● Communicating regularly with a broad variety of professionals
● Working collaboratively with parents and professionals to develop positive and successful educational programs for students
● Attending and presenting at Deaf Culture Festival and other conferences or events as requested by Director
● Maintaining professional digital calendar of all services and meetings
● Documenting communication and service provision in CINC database or google file
● Reporting monthly activities as requested by Coordinator or Director
● Abiding by all the policies and procedures of MECDHH/GBSD and Federal/State regulations
Required Skills
● Bachelor’s Degree (Masters preferred)
● A minimum of 5 years of experience in Deaf/Special Education
● State of Maine Certification as a 292 Teacher of the Deaf or related certification/licensure
● Background and knowledge in ASL linguistics/Deaf Studies
● Native or Native-like fluency in American Sign Language
● ASL PI score of 4 or higher.
● Experience conducting ASL evaluations.
● Such alternatives to the qualifications listed above as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable
● Prior teaching experience with children who are deaf or hard of hearing
● Knowledge of the variety of communication modalities used by students who are deaf or hard of hearing
● Sensitivity to cultural diversity, race, gender, and other individual differences in the workforce; recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and experiences and fosters a work environment reflective of the community at large.
● Experience using social media and digital technology or a willingness to learn
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
● Current CHRC Certificate required
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment in the Falmouth, ME office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.