Language Facilitator Instructional Assistant

Decaturproud; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 31,616,000 - 37,195,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD of Decatur Township is seeking a Language Facilitator to support Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in accessing spoken language and alternative communication methods. The role includes assisting with hearing assistive technology, AAC devices, and classroom language development.

The position involves 180 days/year, 7.5 hours/day, with direct supervision from the Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and opportunities for professional development in hearing and language support.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Specialized training—or willingness to undergo training—in the use of assistive devices, amplification equipment, and language facilitation techniques.
• Experience (Preferred): Prior experience working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Background (Preferred): Training or coursework in child development and/or education.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily checks of Hearing Assistive Technology equipment.
• Assist in managing and maintaining the student’s amplification and communication equipment.
• Facilitate and encourage the student’s use of Augmentative Communication Devices (AAC).
• Observe and support "on-task" behavior of the assigned student within the educational setting.
• Check for comprehension of oral directions and, when appropriate, have the student repeat directions back.
• Monitor student follow-through with minimal and decreasing levels of support.
• Demonstrate knowledge of state academic standards for the assigned student's grade level and assist the student in meeting those standards.
• Support grade-level vocabulary, academic concepts, and language development.
• Perform targeted academic tasks, including one-on-one tutoring, pre-teaching, and re-teaching core concepts.

Skills

Assistive tech

AAC devices

Deaf/HH

One-on-one tutoring

Educational support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Amplification equipment

Job description

In MSD of Decatur Township, we’re seeking individuals who want to make asignificant impact on students’ lives, grow in their practice, and be part of an innovative community of educators.

Position Overview & Definition

A Language Facilitator is an instructional assistant whose primary responsibility is supporting Deaf/Hard of Hearing students with communication needs related to accessing and/or using spoken language receptively and expressively, as well as alternative forms of communication such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices or sign language.

180 Days a year - 7.5 hours a day

Pay- $17.00/hour

Supervision & Training

• Direct Supervisor: Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
• Collaborative Support: Receives guidance from Special Education and General Education teachers.
• Professional Development: Receives direct training in hearing, language, and educational support provided by the Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Primary Responsibilities & Duties

Assistive Technology & Amplification

• Perform daily checks of Hearing Assistive Technology equipment.
• Assist in managing and maintaining the student’s amplification and communication equipment.
• Facilitate and encourage the student’s use of Augmentative Communication Devices (AAC).

Instructional & Classroom Support

• Observe and support "on-task" behavior of the assigned student within the educational setting.
• Check for comprehension of oral directions and, when appropriate, have the student repeat directions back.
• Monitor student follow-through with minimal and decreasing levels of support.
• Demonstrate knowledge of state academic standards for the assigned student's grade level and assist the student in meeting those standards.
• Support grade-level vocabulary, academic concepts, and language development.
• Perform targeted academic tasks, including one-on-one tutoring, pre-teaching, and re-teaching core concepts.

Language Facilitation & Communication

• Understand the potential impact of hearing loss on communication, development, and learning—specifically regarding language and literacy skills.
• Repeat and expand upon the child’s expressive language output.
• Model age-appropriate language to foster and expand expressive language skills.

Student Engagement & Advocacy

• Encourage active participation in all classroom activities.
• Promote age-appropriate self-advocacy and social interaction skills.
• Facilitate positive communication and social interactions between the student, peers, and school staff.

IEP Implementation & Team Liaison

• Understand the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and maintain accurate records to share with staff for progress monitoring.
• Assist in the active implementation of the IEP, particularly regarding hearing and language support.
• Ensure recommended instructional and classroom accommodations are implemented appropriately.
• Serve as an active liaison between classroom teachers and the Teacher for the Deaf.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Specialized Skills: Specialized training—or willingness to undergo training—in the use of assistive devices, amplification equipment, and language facilitation techniques.
• Experience (Preferred): Prior experience working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Background (Preferred): Training or coursework in child development and/or education.