SCHOOL DISTRICT OF DESOTO COUNTY
SIGNING PARAPROFESSIONAL
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Meet the following requirements:
• Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or
• Associate’s or higher Degree; or
• Must have passed the Paraprofessional Assessment Test.
• Satisfactory criminal background checks and drug screening.
• Persons with native language experience Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) welcome.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS A ND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) (vocabulary, syntax, morphology) structures.  Ability to work in a classroom setting; establish and maintain working relationships with staff, support personnel, counselors, principals, parents, medical personnel, and students. Provide expressive and voice interpreting for students who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing. Knowledge of Deaf culture and other related courses needed to develop interpreting skills.
REPORTS TO:
Exceptional Student Education Director/Coordinator for Students who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing
JOB GOAL
To provide a communication link between school personnel and students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
SUPERVISES:
N/A
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Signing para-professional primary function is to facilitate communication among students who are Deaf and/or Hard-of-Hearing and their hearing peers, the classroom teacher, and other personnel in the school system.  Other responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Understanding of the English language
• Use effective, positive interpersonal skills
• Assist the classroom teacher(s) in supervising classroom learning activities.
• Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and equipment.
• Plan and organize appropriate instruction using guidelines established by the teacher or administrator.
• Possess a flexibility to interpret in a variety of situations and settings.
• Records classroom assignments, ensures that students are aware of assignments and have access to complete notes for each class.
• Collects data regarding students’ behavior and classroom performance on a daily basis and provides information to the itinerant teacher and/or the teacher for students who are deaf/hard-of-hearing; services as liaison between classroom teachers and teachers for students who are deaf/hard-of-hearing.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students.
• Assist students with personal hygiene and/ or grooming if required.
• Carry out learning activities as prescribed by the classroom teacher(s).
• Maintain ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students (according to the Code of Ethics for Educational Interpreters).
• Upgrade and maintain interpreting skills.
• Participate in in-services and workshops for professional development
• Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.
*Essential Performance Responsibilities
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently as needed to move objects.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.
COMPENSATION:
Compensation for this position is Pay Lane A03, B03
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
Board Approved: April 23, 2024
Application procedure:
https://www.applitrack.com/desotoschools/onlineapp/