American Sign Language Deaf-Blind Intervener Job Description
An Intervener is a deaf-blind student’s bridge to the world. This is done by working with the student and interpreting the world to them. Essentially, an intervener is a deaf-blind student’s ears and eyes. Their job is to offer support throughout the instructional day of school, as indicated by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This support will look different based on each individual student's needs and abilities. Interveners collaborate with members of the visual impairment team and other specialized service providers to make sure the needs of the student are met. They assist in classwork and socializing with the student. Interveners utilize a range of communication techniques from American Sign Language (ASL) to signed exact English (SEE), cues and signals, and tactile sign, depending on the student's needs and educational goals. This position is itinerant and requires the employee to have a reliable means of consistent transportation. The employee will be with one student for the time specified by the IEP/contract, however, if a student no longer requires SBES, Inc.’s services, then the employee should be flexible in transitioning to any other available position.
American Sign Language Deaf-Blind Intervener Roles and Responsibilities:
- The intervener's specific duties will be individualized according to the needs of the student and the profile of the current IEP.
- Primary responsibility is to provide direct support to a student with deaf-blindness during all or part of a school day as part of an educational team, and as indicated in the student's IEP
- Follow the student's IEP, modifications, and instructional techniques recommended by related service staff
- Become proficient in students' individual communication methods and strategies (ASL)
- Create instructional materials as needed
- Accompany and support the student during community-based instruction
- Maintain communication between home and school, and keeps a daily log of information about the student and his/her activities
- Participate in IEP and student staff meetings. Participate in the assessment of the student and in the preparation of IEPs, progress reports, behavior plans, data collection, and other documentation for program monitoring.
- Participate in site-based, regional, and statewide training in the area of deaf-blindness
- Collaborate in a team model on issues related to deaf-blindness
Other duties include but are not limited to:
- Accurate and professional record-keeping of student progress
- Material preparation,
- Braille preparation,
- Completion of Intervener Credential
Qualifications and Skills:
- REQUIRED: Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Preferred: Intervener Certification
- Preferred: Experience with tactile sign
- Feels comfortable working in close physical proximity to students while frequently using touch to communicate with and instruct students who are primarily tactile learners
- Feels comfortable working with students with moderate to severe disabilities
- Demonstrates frustration tolerance, emotional maturity, stability, and ability to perform under stress
- Shows the ability to exercise good judgment, cooperation, tact, and discretion in dealing with the student, family, and others
- Shows interest in developing additional knowledge and skills
- Follows team decisions, established policies and procedures, and designated lines of communication and authority
- Punctuality and reliability
- Willingness to learn new skills
- Must be prepared and comfortable working with students with moderate to severe aggression.
Benefits
- Paid training and credential
- Continuing education
- Professional growth and development
- Generous PTO
- Health insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Chiropractic and Acupuncture
- 401k
- Life insurance policy
- Awesome team
- Flexible hours outside of direct work with student
- Time off for holidays
- Growth and leadership opportunities
The main office is located in Gilroy, CA but the position is open in Fremont, CA