ASL & Inclusive Communication Specialist

Indianapolis Public Schools; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

ReNEW Schools is looking for a Communication Facilitator in Indianapolis to assist DHH students, enhancing their communication skills and participation in learning environments. This role involves supporting students in understanding assignments and documenting their progress.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Education and proficiency in American Sign Language. A commitment to professionalism and collaboration with educators is essential.

Competitive wages, benefits including health coverage, and opportunities for professional growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Must have highly developed communication skills.
• Proficient in American Sign Language preferred.
• Ability to support DHH students in various learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist during instruction, providing support to DHH students.
• Collaborate with teachers for modifications based on IEP.
• Encourage student participation through preferred communication.

Skills

Communication skills

American Sign Language proficiency

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.A. or B.S.)

Job description

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful.We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A Career in IPS Offers…

Purpose and Impact:

• Essential Contributions: In every non-teaching and non-leadership role, your work directly supports the success of IPS students and schools. Whether you’re maintaining facilities, providing student services, or managing administrative operations, you play a key part in ensuring an equitable and high-quality educational environment.
• Belonging and Community: IPS is a place where every employee is valued. You’ll join a supportive community that promotes respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving students and families.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Training and Development Opportunities: IPS offers a variety of training programs to help staff build new skills and grow professionally. This includes access to development opportunities for administrative, technical, and operational roles, as well as pathways to becoming a certified teacher.
• Skill Enhancement: Whether you’re new to your role or seeking to deepen your expertise, IPS provides resources and support for continuous improvement.

Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits:

• Fair Compensation: IPS ensures competitive wages and regularly reviews pay structures to maintain equity.
• Extensive Benefits Package: Employees enjoy comprehensive health coverage, dental and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plans. Additional financial benefits include flexible spending accounts and eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Generous Leave Policies: IPS offers vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with paid holidays. Twelve-month employees benefit from floating holidays, and unused personal leave rolls into the sick leave balance.
• Wellness Programs: IPS prioritizes staff well-being with access to wellness initiatives, including health screenings and an employee assistance program for confidential support and counseling.

What We Expect:

• Professionalism and Reliability: Every role at IPS is vital to the district’s success. We expect staff to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to providing excellent service to students, educators, and families.
• Collaboration and Communication: IPS values teamwork. Working collaboratively with your colleagues ensures a supportive environment for all. Clear communication and mutual respect are key to maintaining this culture.
• Flexibility and Problem-Solving: As a large, dynamic district, IPS needs staff who are adaptable and proactive in solving problems to meet the ever-changing needs of students and schools.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

Summary:The Communication Facilitator (CF) uses multiple means of communication, both those familiar to the student along with expanding the student's vocabulary and language skills in order to facilitate two-way communication between educators, peers, and the educational community as a whole.These methods include but not limited to: American Sign Language, auditory/oral, word approximation, and electronic devices. The CF will assist others in communicating directly with the student as well as voicing student's response, as needed. The CF will also work with students on understanding assignments under the direction of the teacher of service or teacher of record. Other responsibilities may include hygiene skills, recess, cafeteria, bus duty or assisting other students in other classrooms when assigned student is absent.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide assistance during instruction, including modeling and support of DHH students across multiple learning environments.

Collaborate with classroom teachers to provide appropriate modifications and accommodations for DHH students in accordance with their IEP.

Encourage students to participate through their preferred mode of communication in classroom learning experiences in order to ensure comprehension of subject manner.

Support and document the development of effective friendships and social relationships.

Utilize a system for progress monitoring student achievement toward IEP goals.

Monitors appropriate use and care of equipment and materials.

Communicate regularly with parent/guardians regarding their student's progress.

Maintain confidentiality regarding records and information.

Attend case conferences, as needed.

Other duties may be assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Critical core competencies for successful performance in this role include:
• Highly developed communication skills
• Results-oriented
• Unwavering moral compass guided by personal ethics, integrity, tolerance, and trustworthiness
• Ability to successfully navigate within varying degrees of ambiguity in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to support the classroom teacher and other building staff in a professional and collegial manner

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements 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

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.A. or B.S.)

Preferred: Proficient in American Sign Language

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Non-Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Not eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements 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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.