Connector-Special Projects Location: Based in Talladega or Decatur

Click Below to Apply:

https://al.harrisschool.solutions/AIDB/S/Applicatio

R-0146 Reference# 3282495515105

Posting Date: April 15, 2025

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL) Project is a national effort currently established in two regions with two more regional centers in development. REAL South, located at AIDB, is the premiere agency working in collaboration with the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University. Once all four regions are established, they will work together to provide national professional development and resource dissemination efforts focused on early language acquisition for young deaf and hard of hearing children. The REAL South Connector, reporting to the REAL South Director, supports families and professionals serving deaf and hard of hearing children aged birth to three. This role involves planning activities, developing materials, managing data, and providing technical assistance to families, Early Intervention (EI) providers, and medical professionals. The REAL Connector collaborates with the regional team to create integrated support systems and training for states and territories, aligning their work with other regional centers and the national REAL team to ensure consistency across the project.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields of study Deaf Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology or Audiology, Linguistics, Family Studies, or another related field from an accredited college or university.
• A sign language proficiency level of INTERMEDIATE according to the AIDB evaluation system.
• A sign language proficiency level of ADVANCED must be obtained within the first 36 months of employment.
• Must provide recent documentation of sign language proficiency (SCPI) or take a sign language proficiency evaluation (SCPI) available through AIDB.
• Experience with language acquisition and child development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in one of the following fields of study Deaf Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Pathology or Audiology, Linguistics, Family Studies, or another related field from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Alabama Teaching Certificate or valid teaching certificate in another state with the ability to obtain reciprocity from the Alabama Department of Education within 6 months of hire date.
• Certification in Early Intervention Studies or Infants, Toddlers, and Families Interdisciplinary Program from Gallaudet University or another Deaf Education/Early Childhood Education or related field involving individuals from birth to age 3
• Three (3) years of successful experience working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children ages of birth through age three.
• A sign language proficiency level of ADVANCED according to the AIDB evaluation system.
• Knowledge of language acquisition and child development.
• Knowledge of current research in early intervention, family engagement, and language acquisition.
• Knowledge of special education laws, current trends, and best practices relating to early intervention for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
• .Knowledge of current federal and state statutes related to Early Intervention services and IDEA.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Familiarity of current federal and state statutes related to Early Intervention services and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Familiarity with language acquisition and child development.
• Familiarity of current research in early intervention, family engagement, and language acquisition.
• Familiarity of special education laws, current trends, and best practices relating to early intervention for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children
• Develop, coordinate, and provide various resources, services, and training to Early Intervention programs, professionals, and families with infants and toddlers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing across the REAL South service area.
• Ability to educate and support adults, including families, early intervention providers and medical professionals on a wide range of topics related to language acquisition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants and toddlers.
• Frequent in-state and out-state travel to attend events & conferences and to provide training and support.
• Work a flexible schedule as needed including nights and weekend
• Experience managing and coordinating a network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), ensuring effective collaboration, resource development, and delivery to meet project goals and support target audiences.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with community, state, and national partners to develop and expand state and local resources to meet the unique needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants and toddlers, their families, and the service providers who support them.
• Design and evaluate the outcome of the activities (training, technical assistance, resources, and events) to improve the effectiveness of the activities for the identified audience
• Contribute to and maintain a database of resources available for all states and territories in the REAL South region.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow a high standard of ethics.
• Ability to work with the Clerc Center representatives in the development, implementation and monitoring of REAL project goals and objectives.
• Prioritize work appropriately and make the best use of available time and resources to meet deadlines and individual goals in an organized way.
• Ability to easily adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities to achieve successful solutions and results.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and a willingness to collaborate with a team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB.

230 Days

https://al.harrisschool.solutions/AIDB/S/Application