Deaf Mentor

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Social Service MN is seeking a Deaf Mentor to help families improve communication with their deaf child through sign language. Provide parents with opportunities to identify their child’s subtle communication attempts and to evaluate strengths in communication using ASL.

The role supports the child’s development of language, communication and self-identity, fostering understanding of ASL, Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community within the family setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a human services field is preferred.
• Experience with counseling, education, nonprofit work or related fields is preferred.
• Ability to communicate fluently in American Sign Language (ASL) and be bi-lingual in English and ASL.

Responsibilities

• Help families communicate with their deaf child using sign language.
• Identify child’s subtle communication attempts and evaluate strengths.
• Increase awareness and understanding of ASL, Deaf Culture, and Deaf Community within families.

Skills

ASL fluency

English & ASL

Sign language

Family communication

Flex schedule

Education

Bachelor Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, early childhood education, sign language, linguistics, or related human services field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lutheran Social Service MN

Lutheran Social Service MN is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize and reward employees. Consider joining us!

Job Overview

As the Deaf Mentor you will help increase the family's ability to successfully communicate with their deaf child through the use of sign language. Provide parents with opportunities to identify their child's subtle communication attempts and evaluate their child's strengths in communicating. Increase parent's appreciation for and understanding of American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf Culture, and the Deaf Community. Support the child's development of language, communication, and self‑identity through use of American Sign Language.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, early childhood education, sign language, linguistics, or related human services field preferred
• Preferred: 1 to 2 years of experience working with children and their families, including but not limited to counseling, education, non‑profit management or other related field.
• Be either Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Ability to communicate fluently in American Sign Language.
• Must be bi‑lingual in English and ASL.
• Must have a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents who are hearing.
• Knowledge of the technology available to assist with effective communication with families.
• Ability to interact and implement activities with a variety of children and adults, including infants, toddlers, siblings and parents.
• Ability to interact with and develop rapport with a variety of parents and professionals in a positive, unbiased, non‑judgmental manner.
• Ability to be unbiased, open‑minded and supportive of family decisions with their communication choices.
• Ability and access to appropriate computer technology, including internet access or other approved system to complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports to supervisor per program policies (i.e. bi‑weekly time sheets, lesson plans, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability of skills in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Able to travel to homes or other designated sites in locations as assigned.
• Knowledge of and participation in Deaf Community activities preferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.