ASL Mentor

ASL Mentor – NMSD Statewide Educational Outreach

Job Description

Summary

NMSD is seeking individuals who are native users of ASL, have direct experience with Deaf Culture and have completed a master’s, bachelor's or associate's degree. Previous experience teaching ASL is preferred, but not required. Applicants should have a passion for ASL and those who wish to learn it. This service position can be based on campus in Santa Fe or in a community a distance from NMSD. Individuals should have strong communication skills in both ASL and English, organizational skills and a desire to make a difference in the lives of Deaf children. Applicants should be able to adapt to new environments and embrace new experiences. This is a service-based program that includes ten months commitment and a great deal of regional travel. ASL Mentors living outside of Santa Fe are required to have their own registered and insured vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage and approved travel costs. If the ASL Mentor is based on campus, they can use a state vehicle when traveling. It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed in a positive and receptive manner, while helping to advance the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Work closely with the ASL Program Coordinator and other NMSD staff to provide American Sign Language instruction in small and large communities statewide. 
• Teach ASL in the homes of families and in public schools.
• Provide virtual and In Person ASL services.
• Plan and implement structured lessons and track the progress of program participants' ASL growth.
• Participate in pre-service orientation and training specific to service delivery as required by NMSD.
• Coordinate, facilitate and/or participate in community and department events as required and requested.
• Provide high-standard ASL instruction with public school staff, family members and community members.
• Maintain program documentation and timely paperwork. 
• Collaborate with a variety of colleagues, families, school staff, administrators and the supervisor regarding program planning and development.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented.
• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.
• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity.
• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.
• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.
• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Written Communication- Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.
• State and Federal IDEA Compliance- exhibits knowledge of and adherence to all legal requirements related to early intervention.
• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organization values.
• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
• Adaptability- Manages competing demands.
• Personal Appearance- Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed.
• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.
• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or an Associate's degree from a two-year college or program.

Language Skills: Native user of American Sign Language.

Sign Language: The applicant must have fluency in American Sign Language or a willingness to acquire this fluency. Spanish skills are helpful in this position but are not required.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to think independently, problem solve and work with the whole team.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel, as well as various software packages including Microsoft Office.

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. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to answer the phone and respond to callers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

NMSD conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Primary Location: Statewide Educational Outreach

Shift Type:   Full-Time or Part-Time