Language Acquisition Specialist-TheChimes School

Chimes•Baltimore, MD

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Language Acquisition Specialist facilitates interaction, communication, and the transmission of information according to the student's needs, as identified by the IEP team. This requires proficiency in the mode(s) of communication language, such as ASL and/or Pro Tactile Sign language, used by the student. The specialist acts as a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) by relaying classroom, educational, and social information to the designated student. This includes interpreting using pro-tactile when the teacher is teaching, addressing the whole class during morning meetings, centers, special classes, or any other time the student is involved in a group setting. The specialist will work alongside the teacher to break down concepts using approaches that best fit their students, including structuring the students’ curriculum. The specialist will work with the student’s transdisciplinary team to implement and meet the goals of the student’s IEP. They create, modify, and obtain instructional, experiential learning, or Assistive Technology (AT) materials, as needed. The specialist can be creative when it comes to the child’s education, materials used, and methods to teach and break down difficult concepts in the teacher’s lesson plans. The specialist will work alongside the teacher to create modifications to the lessons to best fit the student’s needs. The specialist accompanies and supports the student across all environments for all school-sponsored activities. They meet the physical needs of the student, including assistance with toileting, dressing, feeding, and monitoring the student’s hearing aid usage, etc., based on the individual needs of the student. The specialist works with the teacher to maintain communication between home and school as needed and determined by the team. They participate in IEP meetings and assessments of the students, and the preparation of progress reports, behavior plans, data collection, and other documentation for program monitoring as needed with the teacher’s assistance and direction. The specialist assists in maintaining the Code of Maryland State Department of Education regulations (COMAR). They attend and participate in in-service training, staff meetings, and other activities to facilitate professional development. Technology is used for the completion of specified job duties. The specialist attends work regularly according to the assigned work schedule and by Agency policy. They work cooperatively with others, including all staff, supervisors, administrators, co-workers, individuals served, community professionals, customers, vendors, and the public. Additional duties, responsibilities, and special projects are assumed as needed.

Requirements

Ability to use tactile ASL.
Proficient in American Sign Language.
High motivation and positive approach.
Strong communication and social skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; uses sound judgment.
Must have a high school diploma.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is a plus.
Additional related experience and/or education may be substituted instead of the requirements specified above under Education and Experience.

Responsibilities

Facilitates interaction, communication, and the transmission of information per the student’s needs, as identified by the IEP team, requiring proficiency in ASL and/or Pro Tactile Sign language.
Acts as a CDI by relaying classroom, educational, and social information to the designated student, including interpreting using pro-tactile.
Works alongside the teacher to break down concepts and structure the students’ curriculum.
Works with the student’s transdisciplinary team to implement and meet the goals of the student’s IEP.
Creates, modifies, and obtains instructional, experiential learning, or Assistive Technology (AT) materials.
Accompanies and supports the student across all environments for all school-sponsored activities.
Meets the physical needs of the student, including assistance with toileting, dressing, feeding, and monitoring hearing aid usage.
Works with the teacher to maintain communication between home and school.
Participates in IEP meetings as needed.
Participates in student assessments and the preparation of progress reports, behavior plans, and data collection.
Assists in maintaining the Code of Maryland State Department of Education regulations (COMAR).
Attends and participates in in-service training, staff meetings, and other activities for professional development.
Uses technology for the completion of specified job duties.
Attends work regularly according to the assigned work schedule and by Agency policy.
Works cooperatively with others.
Assumes other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as needed.