Special Education Assistant - Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Langley School District is situated on the traditional unceded territories of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations. At Langley School District, we prioritize student success through a holistic approach to education, valuing both academic achievement and personal growth. Our dedicated team of educators, support staff, and administrators work collaboratively to create dynamic learning experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.

Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive community that celebrates diversity, innovation, and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned educator or embarking on your journey in the field of education, Langley School District offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

Education assistants specializing in working with deaf and hard of hearing students play a crucial role in facilitating their academic and social development. They provide interpretation services in sign language during various school activities, ensuring seamless integration into classroom settings. Working closely with students individually or in small groups, they reinforce previously taught concepts through tailored approaches like repetition and demonstration. Beyond academics, they assist in fostering social interaction and understanding of hearing profiles, implementing behavior management programs and tracking student progress.

Responsibilities extend to maintaining and checking hearing aids and auditory equipment, marking assignments, assisting with student supervision, and preparing teaching materials. With their dedication and specialized support, education assistants create inclusive environments where deaf and hard of hearing students can thrive academically and socially.

POSTING DETAILS

• Position -  Special Education Assistant
• Focus - Supporting students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing
• Start Date - As soon as possible (flexible)
• Hours -  Full time

PREFERRED INSTITUTES

We hire Special Education Assistants who have completed programs at the following institutions; however, we may consider candidates from other institutions if the applicant has additional SEA school-based experience (beyond a practicum).

• Delta’s DTAC Program
• Douglas College
• Kwantlen Polytechnic
• Langara College
• Ridge Meadows College
• Sprott Shaw College
• Stenberg College
• Surrey Community College

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interprets in sign language for deaf and hard of hearing students for a variety of school functions including classroom activities, assemblies, and integration into regular classes.
• Works with students one to one or in small groups to learn previously taught concepts through review, repetition, demonstration and drills.
• Works with students on social interaction and understanding of their hearing profiles.
• Implements and monitors behaviour management programs including observation, record keeping and follow-up.
• Tracks student's progress, specific and signing to the teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing.
• Advises regular class teachers and students regarding the presence of hearing profiled students and an interpreter in the classroom.
• Ensures proper functioning of hearing aids and F.M. auditory equipment.
• Checks cochlear implant equipment.
• Marks student assignments and tests, using a key, if required.
• Assists with student supervision, which includes, but is not limited to, crosswalk supervision, when and where required
• Prepares teaching materials such as display charts, flash cards, worksheets and bulletin boards.
• Operates equipment such as F.M. auditory equipment, close-captioned video camera, and computer. Performs other assigned comparable duties which are within the scope of knowledge, skills and abilities required by this class specification.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 graduation and possession of a Special Education Teacher Assistant Certificate, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must be proficient in sign language at a minimum of intermediate level 6 - Ability to discuss with some confidence routine social work topics within a conversational format with elaboration; generally 3 to 5 sentences.
• Ability to be flexible to meet the varying academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.
• Emergency First Aid Certificate (or Standard First Aid) including sufficient medical knowledge to effectively cope with seizures.
• Ability to interact with the students in an effective manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively using tact, discretion, and diplomacy in contacts of a difficult or specialized nature.
• Ability to determine, judge and select appropriate course of action within limits of established methods and procedures.
• Working knowledge of behaviour management techniques and task analysis techniques.
• Basic knowledge of computers.
• Physical ability to perform the required duties.
• Completion of the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD) training on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These certifications are required for term and continuing positions.

For your application to be considered, all required documents must be included:

• Resume and cover letter 
• Signing coursework
• Certification as an EA / Letter of Completion (stating that you have met all graduation requirements of the program)
• Copy of your transcript (official or unofficial) from your EA program
• A report from your practicum (if completed within the last 2 years)
• Email addresses for a minimum of three references (ideally, supervisors from your most recent/relevant role/practicum)
• Proof of high school graduation (or completion of other post-secondary education)
• Valid/Current first aid certification (proof of registration for the course can serve as a placeholder for your application; however, you need to complete the course prior to beginning work in the district)
• ASD / ABA certifications from POPARD (for Term or Continuing positions)

For applicants who are in the process of completing their program, some of the above documents may be 'pending' at the time of submission; however, the application will still be considered. Please upload a blank document to meet the submission requirements of the platform to proceed with your application.

PLEASE NOTE

• In accordance with the Criminal Record Review Act, successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Record Check prior to employment.  
• We thank you for your interest in the Langley School District; however, only those persons selected for interviews will be contacted.