Signing Paraprofessional

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF DESOTO COUNTY

SIGNING PARAPROFESSIONAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

2. Meet the following requirements:

1.  Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or

2. Associate’s or higher Degree; or

3. Must have passed the Paraprofessional Assessment Test.

1. Satisfactory criminal background checks and drug screening.

2. Persons with native language experience Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) welcome.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS A ND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) (vocabulary, syntax, morphology) structures.  Ability to work in a classroom setting; establish and maintain working relationships with staff, support personnel, counselors, principals, parents, medical personnel, and students. Provide expressive and voice interpreting for students who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing. Knowledge of Deaf culture and other related courses needed to develop interpreting skills.

REPORTS TO:

    Exceptional Student Education Director/Coordinator for Students who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

JOB GOAL

To provide a communication link between school personnel and students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

SUPERVISES:

N/A

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Signing para-professional primary function is to facilitate communication among students who are Deaf and/or Hard-of-Hearing and their hearing peers, the classroom teacher, and other personnel in the school system.  Other responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Understanding of the English language 

2. Use effective, positive interpersonal skills

3. Assist the classroom teacher(s) in supervising classroom learning activities.

4. Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and equipment.

5. Plan and organize appropriate instruction using guidelines established by the teacher or administrator.

6. Possess a flexibility to interpret in a variety of situations and settings.

7. Records classroom assignments, ensures that students are aware of assignments and have access to complete notes for each class.

8. Collects data regarding students’ behavior and classroom performance on a daily basis and provides information to the itinerant teacher and/or the teacher for students who are deaf/hard-of-hearing; services as liaison between classroom teachers and teachers for students who are deaf/hard-of-hearing. 

9. Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students.

10. Assist students with personal hygiene and/ or grooming if required.

11. Carry out learning activities as prescribed by the classroom teacher(s).

12. Maintain ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students (according to the Code of Ethics for Educational Interpreters).

13. Upgrade and maintain interpreting skills.

14. Participate in in-services and workshops for professional development

15. Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

*Essential Performance Responsibilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently as needed to move objects. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation for this position is Pay Lane A03, B03  

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Application procedure:
https://www.applitrack.com/desotoschools/onlineapp/