Deaf Mentor Contract Position

2725 Island Home Blvd Knoxville, TN 37920 USA Phone Number: (865) 579-2500 Fax Number: (865) 579-2484 www.tsdeaf.org Deaf Mentor Contracted Position – Statewide (District) – Apply Online Description: Tennessee Schools for the Deaf is committed to providing comprehensive support to families with Deaf or hard-of-hearing children through the Deaf Mentor & Parent Advisor Program. This service empowers families and enhances the development of children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and Deaf Plus. Deaf Mentors are trained Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing adults who work directly with families to increase their ability to successfully communicate with their child using American Sign Language (ASL). They provide opportunities for families to identify and respond to their child’s subtle visual communication attempts, evaluate communication strengths, and foster language development within home and community environments. Deaf Mentors also help families develop a deeper appreciation for and understanding of ASL, Deaf Culture, and the Deaf Community, while supporting the child’s growth in language, communication, and self-identity. Terms of Employment: Contracted position; renewed annually. Location: Statewide, Deaf Mentors must be able to provide virtual and/or in-person services within the state of Tennessee. Salary Range: Not applicable; contract rates are commensurate with education and experience. Required and Preferred Qualifications: • High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Higher education preferred. • Native ASL signer or native-like proficiency required; preferred SLPI:ASL rating of Advanced or higher. • Experience with bilingual ASL and English education. • In-depth knowledge and understanding of Deaf culture, history, local community resources, and other related topics. • Familiarity with visual learning strategies and communication approaches for effective engagement with children who are Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or Deaf plus. • Demonstrated engagement with adults who are Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, and Deaf plus in the community. • Expertise in modeling for families how children acquire language naturally in their everyday environments. • A state-issued driver’s license required. Ownership and/or access to a vehicle is preferred. • Access to internet, working professional knowledge of computers and Microsoft 365 required. • Strong skills in written communication, reporting, scheduling, planning, and work ethics. • Effective communication skills and a positive, customer-focused approach when interacting with families, professionals, Deaf community members, and the community at large. • Ability to work effectively on diverse, multi-disciplinary teams. • Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Meet weekly for one (1) hour with families and their Deaf, hard-of-hearing, Deaf-Blind, and Deaf plus children, unless the family requests less frequent visits. • Model full language access for children in daily routines using American Sign Language (ASL) and bilingual instruction. • Support children’s natural learning preferences using visual and/or auditory strategies in everyday activities. • Strengthen the family’s ability to successfully communicate with their child using ASL. • Provide opportunities for families to identify their child’s subtle visual communication attempts and evaluate their child’s communication strengths. • Offer families resources and information about the range of communication opportunities available to them. • Support the child’s development of language, communication, and self-identity through the use of ASL. • Monitor family and child progress through home visit logs, observations, and evaluations as required. • Increase family knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of ASL, Deaf culture, Deaf history, and the Deaf community. • Administer language assessments as directed to monitor language gains, identify gaps, and guide families/caregivers in observing their child’s acquisition of ASL and/or bilingual language skills. • Conduct monthly joint visits with Parent Advisors to expand language use at home for families and their children. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: • Comprehensive knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) grammar, syntax, and regional variations. • Knowledge of bilingual ASL/English language development principles and milestones in early childhood. • Awareness of various communication modalities and assistive technologies used with Deaf children. • Awareness of the grieving process and active listening strategies when supporting families adjusting to a child’s diagnosis. • Ability to explain linguistic and cultural concepts clearly to individuals with little or no prior exposure to ASL. • Capacity to build trusting, respectful relationships with families from diverse backgrounds. • Strong technological skills, including the ability to effectively navigate online systems, platforms, video communication services, and data management systems. • Proficiency in maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries. • Ability to self-direct, prioritize tasks, and meet program deadlines. Benefits: Not provided.