Sign Language Paraeducator

The Maryland School for the Blind

36d • Onsite

About The Position

With supervision, assists the classroom teacher in the implementation of individualized educational programs (IEP). This role involves assisting the teacher with classroom instruction, curricular programs, data collection, and creating instructional materials. It also includes developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs. The paraeducator will assist students with personal hygiene tasks and toileting, supervise student activities (including getting into the pool when necessary), and assist students with travel skills and concept development. The position requires programming and using augmentative communication devices, assisting students with the use of computers and iPads, and providing vocational job coaching. Additionally, the role may involve using sign language and Braille as needed, performing additional duties as assigned, and assisting with G-tube feeding when necessary.

Requirements

• Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree, 48 college credits, or a ParaPro Assessment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and fluent in American Sign Language.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and push or pull in excess of 100 lbs. unassisted.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computers, Microsoft office, and Google Suite.
• Gastrostomy tube (G-tube)/Medication Management Certification (may be required)
• Braille (may be required)
• Sign Language (may be required)
• Lifting, Transfers & Positioning/Mechanical Lift (may be required)
• Computer Skills (may be required)
• Driving Certification to transport students (may be required)
• First Aid/CPR Certification (may be required)
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training (may be required)

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors degree preferred.
• Basic knowledge of special education classroom principles and practices, and their application to the instruction of students with multiple disabilities and visual impairments including blindness preferred.
• Experience instructing students with severe and profound disabilities, or students with emotional disorders and use of behavior management strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge child development and visual impairment and related materials, i.e. large print and Braille preferred.
• One year of experience in a youth leadership role preferred.
• Basic knowledge of orthopedically disabled children including handling, lifting, positioning, and feeding techniques, and use of related equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists teacher with the development and implementation of classroom instruction including curricular programs, data collection and the creation of instructional materials.
• Assists teacher in developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs.
• Assists students in performance of personal hygiene tasks and toileting.
• Supervises student activities, including getting into the pool when necessary.
• Assists students with travel skills and concept development.
• Programs and uses augmentative communication devices.
• Uses and assists students with use of computers and iPads.
• Provides vocational job coaching.
• Uses sign language and Braille as needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Assist with G-tube feeding when necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for individuals and families
• Life and AD&D insurance, short and long-term disability, employee assistance program
• 403(b) match after 1 year of employment
• 1 religious leave day, 6 paid holidays, up to 3 days of business leave per year, paid sick leave accrued at a rate of 1.4 hours per 30 regular hours worked in a pay period, paid spring break and winter break
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees