We are currently recruiting for a Language Acquisition Specialist or Certified Deaf Interpreter or CDI that will support a deafblind student to ensure efficient and effective communication.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION(S):

1. Facilitates interaction, communication, and the transmission of information per the student’s needs, as identified by the IEP team, requiring a proficiency in the mode(s) or communication language such as ASL and/or Pro Tactile Sign language used by the student.
2. The Language Acquisition Specialist acts as a 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, specials classes or any other time the student is involved in a group setting.

1. The Language Acquisition Specialist will work alongside the teacher to break down concepts using approaches that best fits their students, including structuring the student’s curriculum.
2. The Language Acquisition Specialist will work with the student’s transdisciplinary team to implement and meet the goals of the student’s IEP.
3. Creates, modifies and obtains instructional, experiential learning, or Assistive Technology (AT) materials, as needed. It is the teacher’s responsibility to create lesson plans. The Language Acquisition Specialist can be creative when it comes to the child’s education, materials used, and methods in order to teach break down difficult concepts in the teacher’s lesson plans. The Language Acquisition Specialist will work alongside the teacher to create modifications to the lessons to best fit the student’s needs.
4. Accompanies and supports the student across all environments for all school-sponsored activities.
5. Meets 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.

8. Work with the teacher to maintain communication between home and school as needed and determined by the team.
9. Participates in the IEP meeting as needed and determined by the team.

1. Participate in the assessments of the students and in the preparation and progress reports, behavior plans, data collection, and other documentation for program monitoring as needed with the teacher’s assistance and direction.

11. Assist in maintaining Code of Maryland State Department of Education regulations (COMAR).
12. Attends and participates in in-service training, staff meetings and other activities to facilitate professional development.
13. Uses technology for the completion of specified job duties.
14. Attends work regularly according to assigned work schedule and in accordance with Agency policy.
15. Works cooperatively with others including all staff, supervisors, administrators, co-workers, individuals served, community professionals, customers, vendors, and the public.
16. Assumes other duties, responsibilities and special projects as needed.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 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.

EDUCATION:

• Must have a high school diploma. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is a plus.

Details