What are the responsibilities and job description for the Language Interventionist position at Texas School for the Deaf?
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Length of position: 189 days- Contract
Hours: Full time
JOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY
The Language Interventionist supports the language development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students through direct instruction and collaboration with division and department teams. This position focuses on planning, developing, and presenting American Sign Language (ASL) assessments, instruction, and interventions as related to bilingualism, academic achievement, and literacy skills. The Language Interventionist provides specialized support tailored to meet the unique language acquisition needs of D/HH students, many of whom may be at risk for language delays due to limited early exposure to accessible language. Through direct instruction, modeling, and interactive language experiences, the Language Interventionist promotes the development of expressive and receptive ASL skills, supports cognitive and academic growth, and empowers students to become confident communicators. This position requires a strong understanding of Deaf culture, bilingual (ASL/English) education models, and language development principles in both signed and spoken modalities. This position will be in collaboration with district/department administrators and service providers to design and implement instruction, assessments, interventions, and data collection. Works under the general supervision of the Director of Student Support Services and Student Support Service department supervisors.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Identify, analyze, and apply knowledge of research related to the development of ASL literacy.
- Designs and conducts action research on ASL literacy to collect data and evaluate programs/processes in the area of ASL literacy and bilingualism and shares data with the district.
- Conducts assessments and data collection as required by federal/state laws and regulations as well as district/department expectations.
- Develop and adapt materials to support ASL language acquisition.
- Identifies, designs, and implements ASL and English bilingual assessments, screeners, and interventions designed for students.
- Develop and adapt materials to support ASL language acquisition.
- Supports classroom instruction by providing ASL modeling and language-rich interactions.
- Facilitates language access and development in both structured and naturalistic environments.
- Serves as a resource for multidisciplinary teams including teachers and service providers with regard to best instructional practices in ASL development and literacy.
- Work with parents and families to support carryover of ASL skills in the home setting.
- Coordinates and supports the development of ASL corpus planning.
- Develops and implements language goals and objectives for students’ individualized education plan and monitors the implementation of the IEP in varied instructional settings.
- Regularly reviews assessment data to determine individual student and program needs in the area of bilingualism.
- Facilitates learning in the classroom (e.g., maintain discipline; encourage participation; consult with parents, school staff, and other care providers to identify and address social or developmental needs).
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying theposition.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor or master degree in Deaf Education, Speech-Language Pathology, Special Education, or a related field.
- Valid Texas teaching certification – Special Education or Deaf and Hard of Hearing and ASL Bilingual
supplemental; or A current/active license to practice Speech Language Pathology in the state of Texas.
- Experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, particularly students.
- Sign Language: The ultimate required proficiency level for the position using the levels designated in the Signed Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) is SUPERIOR.
Desirable Qualifications
- Three or more years of classroom teaching or practicing as an SLP in a deaf education environment.
- Two or more years of experience coordinating and/or administering ASL assessments.
- ASL EST/RST Evaluator Certification.
- VCSL Evaluator Certification.
- Experience using eSped.
- Experience in technology, including the use of digital instructional tools, graphic design, and video editing programs.
- Experience in coaching teachers to improve content knowledge and pedagogical skills.
- Experience in fostering independent learning.
- Strong presentation skills.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Attributes
- Instructional Knowledge— knowledge of content; instructional methodologies, classroom management, techniques, principles, reading content and instruction.
- Knowledge of State, local, and Federal laws and regulations affecting the lives and education of students. Must have an understanding of child and adolescent development and have
the skills to manage student behavior.
- Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
- Effective Communication—the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public using variety of media.
- Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
- Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
SUPERVISOR
Director of Student Support Services
MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS) CODE:
N/A
It is the Texas School for the Deaf’s (TSD) policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. TSD expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Retaliation against individuals who oppose unlawful discrimination or participate in an employment discrimination proceeding is also prohibited. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. In addition to federal law requirements, TSD complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
