SpEd Paraprofessional Communication Access Facilitator

SpEd Paraprofessional Communication Access FacilitatorLocation: EAC (Education and Administration Center) Colorado Springs, COTime Type: Full timeSpEd Paraprofessional Communication Access Facilitator performs transcriptionist duties that provide students who have an educationally significant hearing loss with equal opportunities to access the regular curriculum; performs tutoring and functions as sign and/or oral communication facilitator for students who are non-verbal and/or Deaf/Hard of Hearing in and out of the classroom; performs duties that provide students who have an educationally significant hearing loss with equal opportunities to access the regular curriculum; tutors and facilitates communication for students who are nonverbal and/or deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH), in and out of the classroom; involved in oral and auditory interaction, requiring interpersonal communication and use of technology and/or communication devices; performs day-to-day activities under the supervision of a teacher; does not make diagnostic or long-term evaluative decisions regarding students. Note: This position addresses current student needs at the specified school. If the current program/school should experience a change in student needs, the individual filling this position may be required to change locations to another school where needs are demonstrated. This could occur at any time during the school year.The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and other key duties that may be required. The description may not include all functions performed by the incumbents in various locations. The district reserves the right to modify or change the duties or the essential functions of this job at any time.Reports consistently for work as scheduledPerforms other duties as assignedAttains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance StandardsAdapts sign language level and/or mode to meet the communication needs of studentsAssists staff and peers in understanding students' total communication needsAssists team in assuring student is meeting current IEP goalsAssists team members with other tasks/projects as directedAssists the student and other professionals in understanding the role of a transcriptionistAttends conferences and/or workshops specific to attain interpreter Continuing Education UnitsAttends pre-job and on-going professional learning opportunities, and meetings as required during the school year in order to remain up-to-date on job dutiesConfidentially communicates student's social, emotional, and academic progress and needs with appropriate staffFacilitates all communication between deaf, heard of hearing, and nonverbal students, staff, peers, and othersInforms appropriate service provider or supervisor of progress, changes, problems, and equipment needsInterprets message faithfully using American Sign Language (ASL), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), and/or Pidgin Signed English (PSE) guidelines in all student-related situationsMaintains regular communication with teachers to identify concepts, specific vocabulary, and necessary materials for tutoringParticipates in the IEP team meeting for students receiving services, as requestedPerforms real-time transcription of academic lectures and discussions for students who are deaf or hard of hearing accurately so that the intent and spirit of the message is conveyedPlans, prepares, and teaches sign language lessons to hearing peers of the deaf students to foster student independence and peer relationshipsPrepares instructional visual or tactile aids and prepares for future lessons under guidance of licensed teacherRecords quarterly documentation of student expressive signing vocabularySupports verbal communications with the use of sign languageTroubleshoots education devices and amplification equipment as a sign or oral communication facilitator to ensure proper functioningTroubleshoots transcription equipment to ensure proper functioningTutors students as needs arise under licensed instructor supervisionTutors students to support curriculum under licensed instructor supervisionKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Ability to access and follow school policies and procedures and defer discipline to the appropriate authorityAbility to adapt to changing technologies and to learn functionality of new equipment and systemsAbility to communicate effectively verbally and in writingAbility to create, access, input, retrieve, and manipulate information in various software systems, including databases and spreadsheetsAbility to determine salient points of a lecture and discussionAbility to establish and maintain accurate record keeping, document management, and filing systemsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from many diverse backgrounds and professions including supervisors, administrators, coworkers, staff, students, parents, and the general publicAbility to follow oral and written instructionsAbility to greet and interact with the public in a courteous and professional mannerAbility to maintain an impartial attitude during assistance to studentsAbility to maintain confidentialityAbility to manage simultaneous demands and set clear prioritiesAbility to operate standard office equipment, performing a wide range of supportive tasksAbility to receptively understand students' signs and expressively communicate in the students' preferred communication methodAbility to travel and provide own transportation between buildingsAbility to troubleshoot basic technical related issuesAbility to work days, hours, locations, and assignments as directed by the supervisor within the position responsibilitiesAbility to work independently without direct supervisionAbility to work individually with students to assist them in completing assignments and independent work using classroom teacher's strategiesCommitment to the education of students as a primary responsibilityComputer proficiency including office productivity applicationsDemonstrated ability to work well with others in a team settingDemonstrated oral and written fluency in EnglishDemonstrates citizenship, compassion, courage, discernment, excellence, honesty, hope, integrity, patience, perseverance, reliability, respect, responsibility, and trustworthinessDemonstrates understanding of tutoring methods for working individually and as part of a team in tutoring children with hearing loss in a classroom settingDetail-orientedEnergetic, creative, innovative, flexibleExcellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem-solving skillsKnowledge of or willingness to learn about issues facing students with hearing lossStrong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skillsWillingness to be trained to carry out delegated nursing practicesWillingness to participate in ongoing professional learning coursesWorking knowledge of sign language using American Sign Language (ASL), Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE), and/or Pidgin Signed English (PSE)Work Environment:The noise level in the work environment may alternate among quiet, moderate, and loud.The incumbent is frequently required to interact in person and through communication methods with the students, public, and/or other staff.The incumbent is required to work scheduled school/work hours and/or days.The incumbent may be required to work extended school/work hours and/or days as directed.Work is generally performed in the classroom setting.Physical Demands:Sits, stands, walks, stoops, kneels, and crouches/squats while performing dutiesHas oral and auditory capacity enabling interaction interpersonally and/or through communication devicesUses eyes, hands, and finger coordination enabling the use of equipment and writing utensilsLifts/pushes/pulls or carries burdens weighing up to 50 lbs.; may have to lift students when assistance is required; able to safely lift 50 lbs. each in a two person liftAbility to physically escort a student to various locationsUses eyes, hands, and finger coordination for signingConducts activities involving climbing, stooping, kneeling/bending, crouching/squatting, twisting, and reachingCognitive Functions:The staff member may be required to analyze, communicate,