Paraeducator, Deaf or Hard of Hearing

To establish an eligibility list for part-time vacancies and substitute assignments during the 10-month school year. The eligibility list will remain active for six months. The current vacancy is a part-time, 10-month position (6 hours/day) at Sycamore Elementary School in Simi Valley, CA.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are submittedno later than 11:59 pm. on: a week prior to the test.

TESTING PROCESS:
A) Multiple Choice Test = 40% weighting on final score
Tentatively scheduled for as early as TBD
B) Structured Interview = 60% weighting on final score
Tentatively scheduled for as early as TBD

Applicants will be tested on English - Language Arts, Math and Ability to Assist in Instruction as well as ability to Interpret and communicate fluently using ASL sign language system.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the testing process. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the multiple choice test. Those with the highest scores on the multiple choice test will be invited to the structured interview. The testing process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.

The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications arenotintended to reflect all duties performed within the job.Summary
Assists students in specialized educational programs who have a variety of physical handicaps, learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral problems on a one-to-one or group basis reinforcing lesson plans; independently adjusts methods/approach/pace of instructional material; maintains student discipline in group activities; performs classroom support activities; maintains a variety of records; and performs other related duties as required. Positions in this class require incumbents to work with deaf or hard of hearing students by communicating using American Sign Language (ASL), Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), Assistive Technology Devices, or other Auditory Verbal programs that use spoken language through listening, language and speech development.

• Provides sign to voice and voice to sign interpreting of communications between students and teachers using American Sign Language (ASL), or other Auditory Verbal programs that use spoken language through listening, language and speech development.
• Observes teachers' lesson presentations and works with primarily deaf or hard of hearing students reinforcing the teachers' lesson plan;
• Assists primarily deaf or hard of hearing students on a one-to-one or group basis and adjusts teaching methods/approach to individual student needs, moods, and work situations;
• Assists students in academic subjects and study activities relating to various aspects of their Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.);
• Confers with teachers regarding individual student's educational level, specific learning disabilities, learning program and rate of success;
• Motivates students by giving them individual assistance and direction as to what they are supposed to be accomplishing and assists them in completing assignments;
• Maintains daily record of instruction time spent with individual students and material covered;
• Applies behavior modification techniques to maintain student control and writes referrals;
• Administers a variety of specialized tests and records results;
• Serves as liaison between classroom teachers, designated instructional service providers, and resource specialists;
• Uses both oral and manual communication in order to explain assignments and answer questions;
• Assists students in developing communication skills such as sign language, speech reading, and English;
• Operates a variety of specialized equipment including visual tech machines, tele-type phones, and other audio-visual equipment;
• Assists primarily deaf or hard of hearing students in the utilization of classroom materials and equipment;
• Assists students in becoming self-reliant;
• Assists students in learning bathroom skills and eating skills;
• Moves students from area to area by foot or wheelchair;
• Assists with lifting students in and out of wheelchairs, braces and other orthopedic equipment;
• Assists students with toileting needs by lifting the student from wheelchair on to toilet, unsnapping his/her pants, washing his/her hands, wiping student, and changing diapers;
• Maintains a variety of records;
• Administers routine first aid and CPR to students as needed;
• Assists in maintaining a neat, orderly, and attractive work and learning environment;
• Monitors and assists students in the bathroom, on the playground, and other assigned areas;
• May read lessons aloud to students;
• May assist primarily deaf or hard of hearing students in a computer lab under the technical supervision of a teacher;
• May hand feed students who are unable to feed themselves;
• May operate a variety of office equipment including copiers and computers;
• May assist non- and limited English speaking students with language development skills;
• May travel to multiple classrooms/schools to work with students;
• May ride on school bus with students and assist in the loading and unloading of students from buses and the transferring of students to and from classrooms;
• May be required to attend I.E.P. meetings and parent-teacher conferences regarding deaf or hard of hearing students in order to facilitate communication;
• May help facilitate communication between deaf or hard of hearing students and Career Vocational Assistants for the purpose of job placement;
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

This position requires graduation from high school or equivalent. A minimum of 48 semester or 72 quarter units of college coursework or an Associate or higher degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. Six months of sign language interpreting experience working with students or school-age children in a school, health services, or other structured environment is required. Experience working with special education students is desirable. Successful completion of the district's competency exam demonstrating knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics (or readiness in those subject areas).

*Completion of 48 semester units at an institution of higher education, or an associate's (or higher) degree highly desirable. Incumbents hired into this classification, and who have completed (and provided proof) of this level of education will be assigned as a Paraeducator, Deaf or Hard of Hearing at salary range 70.

Valid California Driver's License required.Knowledge and Skills

• KNOWLEDGE is required regarding sign language systems including American Sign Language, Basic manual communication skills, English usage, grammar, and spelling; use of assistive technology for communication purposes; other Auditory Verbal programs that use spoken language through listening, language and speech development; Deafness and foundational concepts of deaf culture; The Interpreters' Code of Ethics; Different approaches of instruction based on student's needs/problems; A variety of instructional curriculum in grades Pre-K through post-secondary; Behavior modification techniques and positive/negative reinforcement system; Principles of good public relations; Correct keyboard techniques; Data input and retrieval techniques; Basic understanding of instructional methods and techniques; Child guidance principles and practices; Basic subjects taught in District schools; Student supervision techniques; Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; Classroom management techniques; and routine record keeping techniques.
  
  SKILLS required include operating a variety of equipment such as copiers, computers, telephone, and specialized equipment intended to assist with the various needs of students in special education programs; Using sign language and manual communication in order to communicate effectively with deaf or hard of hearing individuals.

Abilities

• Interpret and communicate fluently with high proficiency in the ASL sign language system appropriate to the individual needs of the students; Use total communication including facial expressions and physical gestures in order to communicate effectively with deaf or hard of hearing students; Reverse interpret manual communication into oral and written communication; Assess and adjust to students' language abilities and their preferred sign language system; Demonstrate sensitivity to the communication process between deaf or hard of hearing persons and the needs of the persons involved in that process as outlined in the Interpreters' Code of Ethics; Establish rapport and motivate students; Establish and maintain effective working relationships; Exercise good judgment; Maintain discipline and control; Learn instructional programs, curriculum, methods and procedures; Plan, schedule, and organize work; Work effectively within established time schedules; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Communicate in written form using correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure; Understand and follow oral and written instructions; Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.

Physical Abilities

• Employees in this classification stand, walk, repetitively use fingers, use both hands simultaneously, stoop/bend, reach overhead, have rapid mental and/or muscular coordination, lift and carry up to 50 lbs. or over 50 lbs. with assistance, push/pull students of varying weights in wheelchairs, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see other persons communicating in sign language, use a computer, telephone, and other audio-visual equipment.
  
  Additional physical requirements specific to this classification include the following:
  Hearing acuity sufficient to understand information to be interpreted in a variety of educational environments.
  Facial dexterity to produce readable mouth movements for specific sign language expressions.
  Manual dexterity to produce readable sign language through movement of fingers and arms.
  Visual acuity to see information to be voiced (such as sign language and facial expressions).

Working Conditions
Employees in this classification work both inside and outside, may be exposed to wetness, urine, feces, strong odors, airborne pathogens and germs, and have direct contact with students and the public.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Simi Valley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants for employment. The application, examination, and selection process shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.