SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Personnel Commission
CLASS TITLE: Education Associate, Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HOH) Program (NCLB)
DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To assist certificated teacher(s) and staff in the instruction, supervision, and training of individual or groups of deaf and hard of hearing students by performing a variety of instructional support activities; to assistant in the facilitation of communication between non/limited hearing students/parents and the Special Education Department by performing designated interpretive functions.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The class of Education Associate, Deaf/HOH Program (NCLB) is assigned to a middle or high school site with assigned deaf and hard of hearing students. Employees in this class receive direct supervision within a well defined framework of policies and procedures. This class provides responsible instructional support activities within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. This class requires a high degree of proficiency in sign language and the professional demeanor to serve as a role model to deaf and hard of hearing students.
ESSENTIAL TYPICAL DUTIES
Assists assigned teacher(s) in the instruction of individuals and small groups of students using designated sign language; assists students with assigned work, answers operations, reinforces concepts, checks work for completeness and accuracy, etc.
Works with students in small groups or in prescribed one-to-one assignments to tutor, reinforce, or follow up learning activities in basic academic, language, and/or specialized subject areas related to the level of achievement; under direction of teacher, provides individualized instruction by matching instruction to needs of each learner
Controls volatile students physically as needed according to approved P.A.R.T. (Professional Assault Response Training) techniques
Assists in the implementation of assigned sections of the students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and behavior intervention plans which may involve use of approved behavior modification, physical management techniques or other skills or knowledge to establish and maintain appropriate behaviors
Assists the teacher in establishing and maintaining a clean, safe, and cooperative classroom and learning environment
Maintains accurate daily student attendance records for assigned classrooms
Assists in organizing learning materials, equipment, and classroom; sets up materials for daily activities; maintains, issues, and distributes textbooks and other instructional materials and supplies; inventories and orders supplies and equipment; maintains neat and orderly instructional areas
Assists in the supervision and monitoring of students during lunch, recess, bus loading/unloading etc.; accompanies and assists students in “mainstream classroom activities”, computer lab, library, etc.
Accompanies and supervises students on community based instructional outings, work programs, and/or field trips; reinforces positive behavior in public settings; assists students in learning life skills such as crossing streets safely, riding buses, etc.
Performs routine clerical tasks as assigned; operates duplicating machines; assembles materials for classroom projects; prepares material and masters; files classroom, student, instructional and program materials; and may perform incidental typing tasks
Prepares instructional materials and/or equipment for use in classroom activities; types and makes copies; gathers appropriate resource information, materials, and equipment; prepares bulletin boards; assembles, collates, and staples materials, sets-up and/or requests equipment
Administers, corrects, scores, and records standardized and/or classroom tests, daily assignments, and homework
Monitors students' behavior; rewards appropriate behavior and discourages inappropriate behavior within established guidelines
Provides teachers and other certificated personnel with relevant feedback and information on students' progress through observation and daily contact; maintains accurate student progress reports
May interpret a variety of information during parent conferences and other meetings; may sign for substitute teacher when regular teacher is absent
Assists physical handicapped children with a variety of functions as needed; lifting students and/or pushing wheelchairs from place to place
Assists in coordinating instructional and related activities and special events as assigned
Performs kneeling, stooping, standing, and lifting activities in the performance of required daily activities
Perform related duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Basic concepts of child development and behavior
The unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing children
Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Designated sign languages
Effective record-keeping practices and procedures
Ability to:
Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics sufficient to obtain a passing score on a standardized proficiency test as designed by the County Office of Education
Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms
Learn the proper methods and procedures to be followed in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of the Special Education Department
Learn the special needs and requirements of deaf and hard of hearing students
Understand the needs of limited/non-hearing students and effectively relate to these needs in a learning situation
Recognize and report safety hazards; learn, understand and adhere to laws, rules, practices, and procedures related to public education for pupils and those related to the program which assigned
Understand and follow both oral and written instructions
Establish and maintain accurate records and files
Maintain calm and patience in stressful situations
Exercise tact, diplomacy, and good judgment in dealing with students
Maintain the security and confidentially of records and information
Operate standard office and instructional equipment
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties
Establish and maintain a positive and effective work relationship with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
May require the ability to:
Speak, read, and/or write in another language other than English.
Requires:
Passing a pre-employment physical examination related to job duties/assignments and in accordance with applicable law, statutes, bargaining unit agreements, and merit system rules.
Passing proficiency examinations for sign language
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND/OR TESTING REQUIREMENTS:
One year experience working with or serving individuals in a deaf or hard of hearing program; and any of the following:
Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent and at least 48 college semester units earned at an institution of higher learning; OR
Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent and possession of a degree earned at an institution of higher learning OR
Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent and the ability to obtain a passing score on the County Office of Education No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Paraprofessional Examination.
BARGAINING UNIT: Aides Unit
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Frequently (34-66%): smell and reach above shoulders
Continuously (67-100%): bend, twist, push, pull, climb, squat, crawl and kneel
Frequently (34-66%): lift 40-50 lbs. to waist height
Frequently (34-66%): sit, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stand and walk; grasp with hands and fingers; and lift up to 50 lbs.
Continuously (67-100%): use hands to finger, handle or fell objects, tools, or controls; see (including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus); key (i.e., computer, calculator, telephone); and lift (up to 40 lbs.).
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Approximately 95% of the time performing job duties is spent indoors, within a specialized classroom environment.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Approximately 30 minutes each day is spent at bus loading area where noise is extremely shrill and loud.
The temperature of the work environment is moderate and ranges from 65 – 80 degrees.
MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Seldom (1-5%): automobile
Occasionally (6-33%): copier, fax and computer
Frequently (34-66%): writing instruments and telephone
Frequently (34-66%): hand-crank Hoyer lift, IV stands and tubes for feeding and medication
TRAVEL:
This job class requires minimal routine travel within close proximity to the regular assigned work location.
Approved by the Personnel Commission: July 30, 2009