SY 26-27 Classroom Assistant Deaf and Hard of Hearing

School District of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

Assists special education classroom teachers assigned to programs for students with disabilities, including impaired hearing. Assists teachers of deaf/hard of hearing support in the implementation of instructional activities in school and community settings.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of American Sign Language.
Demonstrated knowledge of the growth, development and potential educational challenges of students with impaired hearing and disabilities.
Demonstrated knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a basic level.
Demonstrated knowledge of the types of educational disabilities and special education programs as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a basic level.
Demonstrated ability to communicate with students using American Sign Language.
Demonstrated ability to use and understand American Sign Language on a basic level.
Demonstrated ability to illustrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students of varied age groups, temperaments and abilities.
Demonstrated ability to behave and speak in a professional manner at all times.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a cooperative staff relationship with all personnel in the education setting.
Demonstrated ability in reading, writing and speaking English.
Demonstrated ability to operate standard office equipment (e.g. computer, printer, fax machine, copier) including relevant software applications.
Demonstrated ability to maintain student confidentiality and handle information and materials with complete security.
Demonstrated ability to learn and apply behavior modification or management strategies, techniques and reinforcement methods.
Demonstrated ability to learn and utilize teaching aids, assistive technology and/or communication devices used by students with disabilities.
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, complete and correct service logs for all students.
Demonstrated ability to move rapidly forward, backward and laterally.
Demonstrated ability to lift, move and position a student up to age twenty-two who may weigh 150 pounds or more with the assistance from properly trained personnel and/or a mechanical lift.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
High School Diploma or GED.
Pass the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Highly Qualified test.
Possession of valid certificates documenting the completion of approved courses in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) upon appointment and during tenure of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Two years of full-time, paid experience working with school-age children or adults with disabilities, which include impaired hearing requiring the use of American Sign Language, or three years of volunteer experience working with school-age children or adults with disabilities, which include impaired hearing requiring the use of American Sign Language in an institutional, educational, or childcare setting.
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
One year of full-time, paid experience working with school-age children with school-age children or adults with disabilities, which include impaired hearing requiring the use of American Sign Language, or two years of volunteer experience working with school-age children or adults with disabilities, which include impaired hearing requiring the use of American Sign Language in an institutional, educational, or childcare setting.
Completion of 60 credit hours as a matriculated students at an accredited college or university.
One year of full-time, paid experience working with school-age children or adults with disabilities which include impaired hearing requiring the use of American Sign Language, or two years of volunteer experience working with school-age children or adults with disabilities which include impaired hearing requiring the use of American Sign Language in an institutional, educational or childcare setting.
Possession of the Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraprofessionals issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
One year of full-time, paid experience working with school-age children with disabilities which include impaired hearing, two years of volunteer experience working with school-age children with disabilities which include impaired hearing requiring the use of American Sign Language in an institutional, educational or childcare setting.
Experience using American Sign Language to communicate with a member of the household with impaired hearing may be substitutes for the one year of experience.

Responsibilities

Uses basic American Sign Language, in a non-interpretive manner, to assist students in the execution and completion of assigned tasks and to facilitate the educational process for students with impaired hearing.
Assists students in using instructional materials and equipment.
Provides verbal and/or written feedback of observations to the teacher for the purpose of evaluating students’ progress and/or implementing IEP goals and objectives.
Works with students individually and in groups to reinforce instructional objectives and implement IEP goals and objectives.
Records and reports appropriate data regarding academic, behavioral, and/or health information and services provided to the student using the appropriate service log.
Attends IEP meetings at the request of the principal, teacher and/or parent.
Adapts activities, assignments and/or materials as directed by the teacher to allow students performing at different levels and/or disabilities to participate in the instructional program.
Assists the teacher with the preparation and maintenance of instructional materials and classroom displays.
Guides and assists students in small group instruction setting with class routines and in transitioning form one activity to the next.
Guides students in developing positive, appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
Supports students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
Assists in the management and shaping of student behavioral techniques and/or positive reinforcement strategies.
Monitors and assists students in educational and community settings.
Assists students with ambulation, positioning, turning, and/or mobility within the school premises, class trips, and in the community.
Assists students with the use of mobility and/or weight bearing equipment, such as leg braces, walkers, standers, and tricycles.
Assists students in accessing communication devices such as switches, pointers, feeders, picture boards, and voice output devices, including ensuring that the equipment is hooked up and functioning properly.
Assists students with daily living skills, including feeding, grooming and dressing.
Assists students with all aspects of toileting, which may include lifting on and off the toilet, diapering and the use of changing tables and mats.
Assists with student’s tube feeding needs when required as instructed by the teacher and/or school nurse.
Administers First Aid and/or CPR whenever needed and/or required.
Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regularly-assigned teacher.