Communication Facilitator

JOB LOCATION:

This position is located at the Milton Area Middle School, 700 Mahoning Street, Milton, PA.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:
The Communication Facilitator is responsible to the classroom teacher and reports directly to the Special Education Program Supervisor and in their absence, to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement.

JOB DEFINITION:
The Communication Facilitator is employed to assist the Special Education Teacher(s) with teacher-supervised instructional and non-instructional activities. The person occupying the position takes direction from the assigned teacher. This is a non-tenured position and is subject to annual review. The Communication Facilitator is responsible for the effective performance of assigned activities, including those described below.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Facilitates communication for students with hearing impairments via sign language, finger spelling and all aspects of the total communication approach as appropriate.

* Performs instructional and non-instructional activities as assigned/directed by the classroom teacher and/or Special Education Teacher.

* Supervises pupils in the school and the community settings as assigned.

* Utilizes positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior.

* Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team.

* Displays competence and strong professional judgement when dealing with physical and/or medical emergencies.

* Maintain updated records and complete paperwork, including progress monitoring, in order to successfully operate the program.

* Keep the classroom teacher informed of any problems and/or needs of each family and child. Utilize support staff for teaching and programmatic concerns/needs.

* Demonstrates an awareness of and ability to use classroom technology.

* Collaborates with the IEP team to assist in developing an educational program that will be directed toward the development of academic, communication and social/emotional skills.

* Adheres to Federal, State, IU, District, and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations.

* Provides instructional/functional skills support to students within the general and special education environments.

* Orients to environment/familiarizes self with curriculum and materials prior to working with students.

* Adheres to strict standards of confidentiality pertaining to information protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA").

* Maintains a current understanding of technology designed to meet the needs of students who are deaf/hard of hearing.

* Educates general and special education staff on nuances of students' modes of communication.

* Attend and be punctual for staff meetings; notifying the classroom teacher and program supervisor if unable to attend.

* Performs other instructional and non-instructional activities as directed by the Special Education Teacher/Program Supervisor.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND

SKILLS REQUIRED:

* Minimum educational requirement is an Associate's degree in Interpreting/Sign Language or relevant field. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.

* Additionally, the attainment of the special education competency checklist (as approved by the immediate supervisor) or; attainment of a Child Development Associate certificate (CDA) within the first 90 school days of initial employment is required for the position.

* This communications facilitator must have excellent communication and interpersonal skill. Additionally, this individual must have the ability to communicate with students using sign language and total communication approach.

* Able to establish/maintain positive working relationships with team members. Additionally, this individual must be responsive to students' needs and be able to customize their approach while supporting a diverse group of learners.

* Ability to cope with stressful situations and a professional attitude are required.

* Ability to accept great cultural diversity, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload.

* Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.

* Must be flexible in adapting to student needs and various teaching styles.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).

* Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

* Continued professional development or training in the use of sign language.

* Training in CPR and First Aid are required and subject to recertification.

* Must complete 20 hours of staff development activities…