TEACHER AIDE MSD - Transition Specialist (Contractual Position)

State of Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals to join their mission of providing exemplary education to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. This role involves developing work-based experiences, mentoring students at job sites, and ensuring they receive the necessary support for job readiness and transition services. With a focus on inclusivity and personal excellence, you will play a crucial part in shaping the futures of these students. If you are passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of young learners, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Subsidized health benefits

Dental coverage option

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Life insurance option

Leave accrual for contractual employees

Qualifications

• Strong background working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
• Experience in developing job sites and providing job placement services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor work-based experiences for high school students.
• Assist students with job application processes and job readiness training.
• Provide Pre-transition services such as Job Exploration Counseling.

Skills

Fluency in American Sign Language

Written English proficiency

Mentoring skills

Job placement services experience

Knowledge of Deaf culture

Education

High school degree

Tools

Motor vehicle

Job description

Introduction

Anticipated openings for the 2024-2025 School Year. Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a diverse, bilingual community that, in partnership with families, provides an equitable and exemplary education in a nurturing, engaging, and challenging environment to ensure our students achieve personal excellence and become lifelong learners. As such, we are looking for dedicated individuals who can join us in the education of the children at MSD.

LOCATION OF POSITION

MSD, Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705

Main Purpose of Job

Ensure all children with disabilities have a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. Implement the transition services outlined within the student’s secondary transition plan, a part of the student’s individualized education plan. Provide Pre-employment transition services.

POSITION DUTIES

1. Develop and monitor work-based experiences for high school students by networking and establishing working relationships with employers, businesses, and agencies in Frederick County and surrounding areas where our students reside.
2. Review the student’s IEP, transition assessments, and transition activities.
3. Provide support and mentor students at job sites using effective instructional strategies.
4. Perform site analyses of specific employment sites to determine the suitability of sites for students.
5. Provide travel training when needed.
6. Assist students with the job application process, provide job readiness training, and assist students in understanding the payroll process.
7. Provide transportation from the school to the job site and back to school.
8. Provide Pre-transition services such as Job Exploration Counseling, Self-Advocacy Training, and Postsecondary Education Counseling.
9. Complete and submit Work Based Learning Experience reports required by the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
10. Maintain professional competence through service, workshops, training, and other professional development activities.
11. Assist the Pre-Employment Transition Coordinator in maintaining and preparing all necessary data required by funders and agencies.
12. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school degree with a strong background working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

Experience: Experience in developing job sites and providing job placement services. A Maryland driver’s license is required. Lifting may be required when working with students. Requires periods of time standing while mentoring students at worksites. Fluency in American Sign Language and written English are required.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the Deaf culture and Deaf education.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this position may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

New hires are subject to a criminal background investigation at their own expense. Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation with their application.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be prescreened before candidates are invited to an interview. As an equal opportunity employer, MSD is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If online access is not available or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time. Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time. Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following:

Mailing Address: Maryland School for the Deaf Recruitment Department, P. O. Box 894, Columbia, MD 21044

E-mail: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone], TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Fax: [phone]

Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.