ASL Mentor

Position Title: ASL Mentor

Reports to: Director of Statewide Educational Outreach; ASL Program Coordinator

Service Area: Hiring in Northwest Region and Southern Region of New Mexico

Employment Term: Limited Term, Temporary

Salary/Wage Range: $20-$40 per hour, depending upon qualifications; travel pay and mileage reimbursement are offered.

Deadline for Application: Open until filled

Summary

ASL Mentors provide direct American Sign Language (ASL) instruction to Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students in school and home settings throughout their assigned region of New Mexico. They also provide ASL instruction to families, school staff, and community members to help build communication access and ASL skills across the student’s everyday environments. Instruction may include one-on-one sessions, small or large group instruction, school staff instruction, and community ASL classes.

Preference will be given to candidates who live in or near their assigned region of New Mexico. Frequent regional travel is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Provide direct ASL instruction to DHH students in school and home settings throughout the assigned region of New Mexico.
• Provide individualized and group ASL instruction based on students’ language levels, communication needs, and instructional goals.
• Provide ASL instruction to families and school staff to strengthen signing skills and promote communication access across the student’s everyday environments.
• Provide community ASL classes and participate in NMSD-sponsored events (e.g. regional Statewide Educational Outreach hosted family events) as agreed upon.
• Maintain accurate records of instruction, participant progress, and services provided, and submit required documentation within established timelines.
• Communicate and coordinate with designated NMSD Statewide Educational Outreach team members regarding instructional plans, student progress, and service needs.
• Provide services in person and virtually, as appropriate to the needs of students, families, school staff, and community members.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and build collaborative relationships with school district staff, families, and NMSD colleagues.
• Possess a valid NM driver’s license and the ability to travel statewide, including overnight stays.
• Travel within the assigned region as scheduled and as needed to deliver contracted services in school, home, and community settings.

Regional Preference: Preference will be given to applicants who live in or near their assigned region of New Mexico. Frequent regional travel may be required.

Position-Specific Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. A degree in Deaf Education, ASL, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent relevant experience providing ASL instruction or working with Deaf and hard of hearing students, families, or school staff will be considered.

Language Skills: The applicant must have fluency in American Sign Language. Spanish or Navajo and other Indigenous languages are helpful in this position but are not required.

General Qualifications and Expectations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Commitment to Vision- Must be committed to NMSD’s Vision, Mission, and Beliefs
• Language Skills- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.
• American Sign Language: Proficiency in or willingness to learn American Sign Language required.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.
• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented.
• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.
• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity. Has a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Mathematical Skills- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Reasoning Ability- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to think independently, solve problems and work with the whole team.
• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.
• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.
• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles.
• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values.
• Adaptability- Manages competing demands.
• Personal Appearance- Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed.
• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.
• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Physical Demands- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to drive for long periods of time; stand; walk and sit. Unless otherwise stated in this job description, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

NMSD is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We adhere to all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.? As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.