Deaf Mentor

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused social service organization in Minnesota is looking for a Deaf Mentor to assist families in communicating with their deaf children using American Sign Language. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, experience with children and families, and be Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This role involves flexible scheduling and supporting children’s communication development through ASL.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience working with children and families preferred.
• Must be either Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Ability to travel to homes or other designated sites.

Responsibilities

• Help parents communicate effectively with their deaf child.
• Evaluate child's strengths in communication.
• Support child's development of language and self-identity.

Skills

Fluently communicate in American Sign Language

Bilingual in English and ASL

Interaction with children and adults

Ability to provide counseling and education

Education

Bachelor Degree in social work, psychology, counseling or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

Overview

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!

Responsibilities

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 bilingual 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.

Lutheran Social Service of MN is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. It is the expectation that all LSS/CHS employees will behave in a manner that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelors of Social Work (preferred)

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.