Communication Facilitator

Capital Area Intermediate Unit; Enola (PA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual stipend of $2,950

Job summary

Capital Area Intermediate Unit seeks a paraprofessional to support students who use sign language and to assist teachers in various educational settings.

The role involves collaborating with staff to provide instructional, communication, language, and behavioral supports under teacher direction, with a 190-day schedule and annual salary between $28,880 and $31,160 plus a $2,950 annual stipend.

Qualifications

• Paraprofessional role requires working with students using sign language.
• Ability to support instructional and behavioral plans under teacher direction.
• Experience in educational settings and collaboration with staff is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support instruction, especially expansion of signed communication.
• Collaborate with teacher on language and social development.
• Maintain positive learning environment.
• Assist in behavior management per policies.
• Model positive social and emotional behavior.
• Provide visual supports and access to content for the student.
• Help staff improve signing skills.
• Communicate progress and needs to the educational team.
• Follow schedule, attend trainings, and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Sign language support

Communication with staff

CPR/First Aid

Team collaboration

Education

HS diploma or higher

Associates degree or 48 college credits

Job description

Salary: This paraprofessional position follows the Collective Bargaining Agreement Salary Schedule - HS Diploma: $28,880 (daily rate $152.00) or High School plus 48 college credits OR Associates Degree OR 5 years of classroom support: $31,160 (daily rate $164.00) for the 26/27 SY

Additional Stipend: This position qualifies for an annual stipend of $2,950

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7.5 hours/day, 190 days/year

Job Goal: To facilitate effective communication and participation between students who use sign language and staff in a variety of educational environments. Provide individualized instructional, communication, language, and behavioral supports to students at the direction of the classroom teacher.

Performance Responsibilities

• Support the instruction of the student, especially in the expansion of signed communication system.
• Work with the teacher as a team member in the educational, language, communication, and social development of the assigned student.
• Assist the teacher in developing and maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Assist the teacher upon request in the management of the student’s behavior in accordance with established disciplinary policies and procedures.
• Act as a positive social and emotional role model for the student.
• Facilitate all school activities, announcements, and related comments in the prescribed mode so the student has visual supports, access to the content, and supports for educational participation.
• Support educational staff in the development of their signing abilities.
• Communicate with all members of the educational team to ensure accurate, timely sharing of important information relevant to the student.
• Communicate clearly and concisely; communicate the essential information related in the educational setting at an appropriate developmental level.
• Communicate student progress and needs to all staff included in educational program.
• Apply sound judgment in resolving conflicts and solving problems.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, coworkers, and the general public.
• Respond to common inquiries or complaints from internal and external customers.
• Apply basic mathematical concepts in the performance of routine assignments.
• Define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret technical instructions and regulations.
• Perform instructional activities and monitor the results of those activities under the teacher's direction.
• Provide input to the teacher regarding relevant information on the student’s academic progress, behavioral change, physical needs, and other areas as appropriate.
• Foster a good educational paraprofessional to teacher working relationship, but in no case supersede the teacher's authority in managing all aspects of the instructional program.
• Perform CPR, First Aid, and/or proper child restraint techniques as needed.
• Apply sound judgment to resolve conflicts and solve problems.
• Assist in meeting the student's personal care needs as directed.
• Provide coverage, under the supervision of a certified professional teacher, and monitor recess, lunch, etc., as needed.
• Assist the assigned student to and from vehicles and other parts of the building, and/or offsite experiences, all of which may include lifting.
• Participate in preparation of materials, bulletin boards, and other displays.
• Perform clerical and housekeeping duties as required.
• Complete the School-Based ACCESS Program (SBAP) daily or weekly logs, if the assigned student is eligible, in an accurate and timely manner.
• Attend and participate in training for the School-Based ACCESS Program and SBAP paperwork.
• Maintain confidentiality by refraining from discussion of student progress and problems as required in the CAIU Policy on Confidentiality of Information (FERPA).
• Follow assigned schedule including attendance, start and end times, and overall punctuality.
• Work to create, maintain, and build positive working relationships with internal and external (district, community, agency) staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and the school community.
• Follow all established CAIU policies and administrative procedures.
• Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws; rules; and regulations, particularly as they relate to the Pennsylvania School Code.
• Attend in-services, training, and meetings as directed.
• Assume any other responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor, Team Director, or his/her designee.
• Assume any other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director or his/her designee.