Education Sign Language Assistant at Global Village Healthcare Initiative for Africa (GHIV Africa) Full Time NEW

Job Title: Education Sign Language Assistant

Location: Borno
Reports To: Education Officer or Education Field Supervisor
Duration: Education Program Manager

Job Purpose

• The Education Sign Language Assistant is responsible for providing sign language support in educational settings to ensure that deaf or hard-of-hearing students have equal access to learning opportunities.
• This role involves working closely with teachers, students, and other educational staff to facilitate communication in the classroom and promote an inclusive learning environment.
• The Education Sign Language Assistant will also support the development and implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Key Responsibilities
Sign Language Support in the Classroom:

• Provide real-time sign language interpretation for deaf or hard-of-hearing students, translating verbal instructions, discussions, and lessons into sign language.
• Assist in facilitating communication between the student and their peers, ensuring that the student can fully participate in classroom activities and discussions.
• Work closely with the teacher to ensure that learning materials are accessible and appropriate for deaf or hard-of-hearing students.
• Support the implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with hearing impairments, working with the teacher to adapt lessons and materials.

Inclusive Education and Classroom Support:

• Promote inclusive education practices within the classroom, ensuring that deaf students feel included and have equal access to learning.
• Provide additional support to deaf students during group work, activities, and interactions with peers, ensuring that they can fully engage in the curriculum.
• Assist in creating a classroom environment that is visually accessible and conducive to the learning needs of deaf students.

Collaboration with Educational Staff:

• Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and other support personnel to ensure that deaf students receive the necessary academic, social, and emotional support.
• Offer feedback to teachers on the student’s progress, challenges, and needs, ensuring that all aspects of the student’s development are addressed.
• Assist in preparing and modifying learning materials, such as worksheets and presentations, to make them accessible to students with hearing impairments.

Student Support and Advocacy:

• Support students in developing their communication skills, including sign language literacy, social communication, and independence in learning environments.
• Advocate for the inclusion and well-being of deaf or hard-of-hearing students within the educational community, ensuring that their needs are met and they are supported.
• Assist in resolving communication challenges, helping students navigate their academic and social environments.

Training and Awareness:

• Provide basic sign language instruction to teachers, staff, and peers to promote greater understanding and communication within the school community.
• Raise awareness among students and staff about the needs of deaf or hard-of-hearing students, promoting empathy, respect, and inclusivity.
• Assist in the development of sign language training programs and materials for staff and students to improve overall communication in the school environment.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of the student’s progress, including communication development and academic performance.
• Report any concerns or challenges regarding the student’s needs to the teacher or relevant staff, ensuring timely interventions and support.
• Assist in documenting adaptations to the curriculum and teaching strategies used for students with hearing impairments.

Qualifications

• Education: A High School Diploma or equivalent; a Degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a similar role supporting deaf or hard-of-hearing students, especially in an educational setting.
• Experience in sign language interpretation or translation; certification in sign language interpretation (e.g., NIC, RID) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of deaf culture, sign language, and inclusive education practices.

Core Competencies:
Proficiency in Sign Language:

• Strong proficiency in national or international sign language, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both classroom and social settings.
• Ability to adapt sign language use based on the context, ensuring that communication is accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing students.

Knowledge of Inclusive Education Practices:

• Understanding of inclusive education principles, particularly for students with hearing impairments.
• Ability to implement individualized learning strategies and modify materials to ensure accessibility for students with disabilities.
• Familiarity with developing and supporting IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) for students with hearing impairments.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, special education staff, and other support staff to provide holistic support to students.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with teachers, students, and parents, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Sensitivity and Awareness of Deaf Culture:
• Strong understanding of the social, emotional, and academic needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Ability to advocate for the inclusion and well-being of deaf students within the broader school community, promoting respect and empathy.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Ability to adapt to varying classroom environments and support different students with unique needs.
• Flexibility to modify sign language interpretation based on the student’s preferred language mode (e.g., American Sign Language (ASL), Signed Exact English (SEE), etc.).

Effective Communication Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both sign language and spoken/written language.
• Ability to relay information clearly to students, teachers, and other staff, and to interpret and translate information accurately.

Problem-Solving and Initiative:

• Ability to identify and address challenges faced by students in accessing educational content and social interactions.
• Proactive in finding solutions to communication barriers and ensuring that students can engage fully in their educational experience.

Empathy and Patience:

• High level of empathy and patience when working with students with disabilities, ensuring that their needs are met and they feel supported.
• Ability to build trust with students, encouraging them to be active participants in their learning.

Personal Attributes:

• Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
• Integrity: Maintains the highest ethical standards in all professional activities.
• Resilience: Capable of working under challenging conditions and managing stress effectively.
• Problem Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and implementing solutions.

Application Closing Date
27th December, 2024.

Important Information: GHIV African PSEA / GBV, and Child Safeguarding policies:  The successful candidate shall comply and promote the PSEA/GBV, and Child safeguarding Policies at all course and all levels.