Description
Location - Brentwood Elementary
Position - Signing Education Assistant
Assignment Type - Continuing
Hours - 27.5 per week
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION
Signing Education Assistant
SUMMARY
Under the direction of a School Administrator, Classroom Teacher, Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Inclusion Support Teacher supports learning needs and facilitates inclusion of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
DUTIES
Implements Individual Education Plans (IEPs) by assisting the team with planning, researching, adapting and collecting materials
Provides direct educational classroom support to students in various classrooms
Participates as a member of the School Based Team to plan for, implement and evaluate the social, emotional, physical and academic needs of students
Collects student learning and behavioural data (eg. records, reports, plans, including functional assessment data)
Assists students during dysregulation using non-violent crisis intervention strategies
Monitor and supports students' behaviour during daily arrival, class changes, dismissal, in lunchroom and playground and on field trips and a variety of settings in the community
Assists school and district staff in evaluating students for social, emotional, physical and academic progress
Observes, monitors and documents health, behavioural and academic changes/progress of student(s), emotional, physical and academic needs
Assists students in carrying out programs as set out by District Staff (e.g. Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Psychologist and
Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
Uses computers and specialized equipment to provide support and instruction
Provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to students using specialized equipment and resources (e.g. computers, F.M., switches, communication boards, basic sign language, oral interpretive skills); troubleshoots and programs such equipment
Provides information to appropriate staff regarding student specific program needs (e.g. safety, health, academic, emotional and social needs)
Dispenses medications and carries out procedures as outlined in the health care plan or the Medication Administration Form
Acts as an advocate for student(s) and assists with communication
Advises supervisor of any unusual student comments or behaviour patterns
Supports students in the development of self-esteem, personal skills, hobbies and interests
Provides life skills training (e.g. hygiene, cooking, shopping, banking, working)
Provides support with mobility, lifts and transfers, and personal care (e.g. toileting, menses, clothing, catheterization, oral and tube feeds, diapers)
Assists with the behavior support of students (e.g. clarify expected behaviour, support self- regulation, develop social skills)
Assists students during times of dysregulation using non-physical crisis intervention strategies
Monitors student work and assists students with work completion.
Monitors class/students when teacher is out of the room for short periods of time
Transports and supports student(s) at community-based activities
Organizes and monitors the safe arrival, departure and emergency evacuation and care of students by maintaining site, road and traffic safety procedures
Provides preventative and emergency response care for students as outlined in the Health Care Plan (e.g. seizures, choking, other health problems)
Compiles information and materials for meetings with parents and school/district staff and participates in same
Follows District Policy and Procedures related to privacy and confidentiality
Provides language support and extensions for students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing to promote both receptive and expressive language skills and vocabulary reinforcement to support academic concepts.
Provides communication opportunities and support in and out of the classroom, adjusting to the signed, educational and communicational levels required by the students; this may include scribing expressive and receptive ASL skills to written and spoken English and vice versa.
Facilitates communication in educational situations such as classroom instructions, student-to- student dialogue, counselling sessions, tutorials, assemblies, parent/student meetings, field trips, and in any other situation as required.
Prepares, in collaboration with the Classroom Teacher(s) and the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as necessary for supporting the student by reviewing educational materials, vocabulary, concepts, sentence structure and plan for a variety of situations (e.g. non-closed- captioned videos, field trips, school assembly presentations).
Addresses difference in auditory, perceptual, visual and memory abilities through augmentative communication by using a variety of communication and access tools. This may include using a computer and various applications, scanner, FM equipment and other augmentative communication devices as required by the student.
Performs other assigned duties that are within the area of knowledge and skills required by the job description.
QUALIFICATIONS
Grade 12
Education Assistant and Community Support Worker Certificate, or equivalent
Certificate in ASL level 3 or higher and/or ASLPI (ASL Proficiency Index) assessment of 3 or higher
Two years related experience in a supervised work environment with children/youth, including
experience working with people who are Deaf or hard of Hearing
Experience using hearing technology, such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, and RM systems
Specialized relevant skills (e.g. POPARD Intro to ASD, Behaviour Support, Non-Violent Intervention)
Level One First Aid and CPR Certificate
Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver's License (where transportation of students is required)
Working knowledge of computer software and hardware
Demonstrated use of alternative communication strategies and effective behaviour intervention
DESIRABLE SKILLS
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work collaboratively as a member of the educational team
Acquired or willingness to acquire an understanding of the learning and social needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners in a mainstream education setting
Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
