Teacher Aide (Sign Language Required)

POSITION:  Teacher Aide (Sign Language Required)
DEPARTMENT:  Comprehensive Programs
POSTING #:  24-57
TWC JOB ORDER #:
MONTHLY SALARY:  Based upon qualifications below; $3,467 minimum
SHIFT:  Monday-Thursday, 7:15am-4:00pm; Friday 7:15am-2:45pm
OPENING DATE:  08/12/2024
CLOSING DATE:  Until Filled
CLASSIFICATION / GROUP #:  0813, 0814, 0815 / A11, A13, A17

$500 recruitment bonus available for a limited time (contact HR for details)

Ways to Apply

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides communication access to students who require sign language communication
• Provides intervener services to students who are Deafblind (after receiving training)
• Maintains familiarity with health and instructional information regarding assigned students, and adheres to those specifications when implementing programming
• Cooperates with other staff in implementing the instructional program for assigned students
• Informs teacher of all significant events or changes related to students in classroom
• Assists in the assessment of student needs as requested by teacher
• Provides input in preparing IEP progress reports, behavior plans, assessments and other documentation for program monitoring
• Participates in ARD and team meetings for students as required
• Monitors, implements effective programming for, and documents student behavior in a prompt manner as required by teacher
• Continues professional growth and development, including participating in all assigned in-service training
• Utilizes effective teaching techniques and classroom strategies to accommodate the various learning styles and modes of students
• Monitors the safety of students
• Interacts and responds with verbal and non-verbal blind or visually impaired students
• Attend work regularly in accordance with TSBVI leave policy.
• Comply with all applicable security and safety rules, regulations, and standards.
• Perform related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Teacher Aide II (0813 – A13):  

• High school graduation or equivalent
  AND
  Completion of two years (60 hours if institution considers 15 hours/semester as full-time or 48 hours if institution considers 12 hours/semester as full-time) coursework from an accredited college or university [Original college or university transcript(s) required at time of interview]
  OR
  One-year full-time experience working with children with disabilities plus one year of college plus a passing score on a local or state paraprofessional assessment**
  OR
  Two years’ full-time experience working with children with disabilities plus a passing score on a local or state paraprofessional assessment

** If the applicant selected for the position has not passed a local or state assessment, the applicant will be offered the position contingent upon passing the TSBVI paraprofessional assessment administered during the interview.

• Must receive TEA certification as an Educational Aide III (at your own expense) within 6 months of beginning employment.
• Must know or be willing to learn advanced sign language (for certain assignments).
• Must have sufficient physical strength to assist in lifting and/or transferring students up to adult age.
• Ability to communicate, receptively and expressively, through both sign language, written language, English, and/or total communication with ASL fluent and non-signing staff and students.
• Good writing and data collection skills.

Teacher Aide III (0814 – A15):

• Teacher Aide II qualifications
  AND
  At least two years full-time experience as a Teacher Aide II at TSBVI with an overall rating of exceeding expectations on last performance appraisal
  OR
  Three years of external classroom experience as a teacher or teacher aide
  AND
  Assists with training and mentoring other TAs

Teacher Aide IV (0815 – A17):

• Teacher Aide II Qualifications
  AND
  Certification in Literary Braille Transcribing by the Library of Congress
  OR
  Certification as an intervener by the National Intervener Credentialing Program or the National Intervener Certification E-Portfolio or the NIAA National Intervener Credential
  OR
  Certification as a sign language interpreter by the Texas Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI)
  OR
  Certification as an interpreter of Spanish / English
  OR
  Certification by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification in special education or degree in special education
  OR
  Certification as a Registered Behavior Technician by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
  AND
  Assists with training and mentoring other TAs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience providing intervener services to students who are Deafblind
• Completion of college level coursework in child development, education, psychology, vocational or closely related field.
• Experience working with children and youth with disabilities in a classroom or work setting.
• Experience working with students with multiple disabilities.
• Familiar with braille.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Completion of training related to students with visual and multiple impairments.