Job Description

Department: Statewide Education and Family Services (SEFS)
Reports to: Coordinator, Early Intervention and Family Services and
Director of Statewide Education and Family Services

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf (MECDHH/GBSD) with early intervention programs and offices on Mackworth Island (located outside of Portland, ME) is charged with the provision of statewide services to individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing from birth to age twenty-two.

We are seeking an Early Intervention ASL for Families Deaf Language Mentor with a can do attitude. This position interacts with many in our organization, so the willingness to be part of a collaborative team is essential. This is a full time, 203 day position (school year plus 20 flexible days in the summer).

Primary Responsibilities
? Provide families with information in areas of Deaf Culture, American Sign Language, and Visual Communication.
? Provide ASL mentor supports in homes, childcare settings, and the community to families using ASL or a Bilingual Bimodal language approach
? Provide American Sign Language classes for families and invested partners in person and/or virtually in collaboration with ASL team
? Participate in the IFSP/IEP processes, preparing present levels of ASL performance and planning goals and objectives
? Support the development of an ASL Curriculum for MECDHH/GBSD
? Utilize video and online technology and platforms to support the ASL Team in creating ASL materials for instruction and sharing
? Co-lead Bilingual Bimodal Family playgroups in the role of Deaf mentor
? Participate at IFSP or IEP meetings and provide input into IFSPs and IEPs for children on the Deaf Mentor’s caseload
? Participate in Ongoing Assessments and Language Evaluations by adding input regarding visual communication and ASL development.
? Support the ASL Team in providing in-service training to professionals related to American Sign Language and/or Deaf Culture
? Act as a resource to EIFS staff related to language use, variation, technical signs, communication strategies, etc.
? Participate in periodic programs and family activities in the role of Deaf mentor
? Provide current ASL materials (articles, hand-outs) to the EIFS team, parents, childcare providers, and/or educational team on topics relevant to that child’s needs
? Communicate regularly with a broad variety of professionals
? Work collaboratively with parents and professionals to develop positive and successful educational programs for students
? Attend and present at conferences or events as requested by Director
? Maintain professional digital calendar of all services and meetings
? Document communication and service provision in CINC database, Google file, and/or MECDHH Student Database.
? Report monthly activities as requested by the Director
? Abide by all the policies and procedures of MECDHH/GBSD and Federal/State regulations

Minimum Skills and Qualifications
? Bachelor’s Degree
? A minimum of 2 years of experience in Deaf/Special Education (preferred)
? State of Maine Certification as a TOD, Ed Tech III, Deaf Mentor, or related certification/licensure
? Background and knowledge in ASL linguistics/Deaf Studies
? Native or Native-like fluency in American Sign Language
? ASL PI score of 4 or higher
? Such alternatives to the qualifications listed here as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable
? Prior experience with children who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as families
? Thorough knowledge of various communication opportunities for expressive and receptive language utilized by individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing
? Experience using social media and digital technology or a willingness to learn
? Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
? Current CHRC Certificate required
? Sensitivity to cultural diversity, race, gender, and other individual differences in the workforce; recognize the value of diverse perspectives and experiences; and foster a work environment reflective of the community at large

Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment in the Falmouth or Bangor office. This job requires travel to see children and families. The job also operates in children’s
homes, daycares, and preschool classrooms. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines, and teleconferencing equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel statewide is a critical function of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Other Duties

Please note, this job is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits
A competitive salary and benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, Maine Public Employees Retirement, paid sick and personal time, and federal public loan forgiveness is offered.

If interested in applying for this position, please click the APPLY link next to the ASL for Families/Deaf Language Mentor listing on our Career Opportunities page at

PLEASE NOTE: Employment cannot be finalized until the applicant has completed requirements for complete background checks and fingerprinting as required by Maine state statute.

We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings.

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