Deafblind Intervener 

REPORTS TO: Director of Low Incidence

DEPARTMENT: Department of Low Incidence

JOB DESCRIPTION LINK

POSITION OVERVIEW 

As a deafblind intervener, you will support students who are deafblind during all or part of a school day as part of their educational team, and as indicated in the student’s Individualized Education Plan. You will accompany and support deafblind students and assist with and foster their access to both general and special education by supporting their communication needs.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS 

• Employment terms covering compensation, benefits, and working conditions are specified by the Board of Education’s policies, procedures, and agreements.
• Hourly wage determined by the board of Education
• 10 month at-will employment based on annual evaluation in accordance with this job description. 
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience 

• Completion of a 2-year program of studies in the area of intervener for deafblind-required

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• Certification as an intervener by the National Intervener Credentialing Program or the National Intervener Certification E-Portfolio such as an intervener specialist for the Deafblind (ISDB) designation
• Substitute certification through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide direct, IEP-aligned support to deafblind students, facilitating access to environmental information typically gained through vision and hearing, and supporting communication development.
• Build a trusting, supportive relationship that fosters the student’s social and emotional well-being.
• Become proficient in and support the student’s communication methods, including sign language or other non-verbal techniques..
• Assist in creating instructional materials, supporting the student during community-based instruction, and helping maintain communication between home and school, such as through daily logs.
• Collaborate with the educational team to implement the student’s instructional program, working closely with staff and maintaining adherence to policies, procedures, and team decisions
• Demonstrate resilience, emotional maturity, and judgment under stress, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Monitor and ensure the student’s safety, document behavior promptly, and assist with routine classroom duties, including preparing materials, maintaining classroom order, and engaging in meetings
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Represent the Special School District positively, adhere to attendance policies, and comply with all legal and regulatory standards.

Professional Responsibilities

• Communicates and works collaboratively with stakeholders 
• Promotes a positive image of Special School District
• Maintains the dignity of others and confidentiality of information
• Maintains regular attendance, follows assigned work schedule, and complies with attendance procedures
• Adheres to Special School District’s policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Board of Education Policies 
• Complies with applicable legal, regulatory, and procedural expectations in the workplace
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The requirements described below represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Communication Skills 

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and before groups.

Mathematical Skills  

• Ability to collect and graph skill programming and behavior data, add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Reasoning Skills

• Ability to problem-solve and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written and/or oral diagram form.

Technical Skills

• Understanding of sign language and assistive communication devices.

Other Skills

• Fluent in a variety of technology platforms (Google, Microsoft)

Physical Requirements 

• While performing the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, stand, move and walk at a brisk pace, sit, and use hands and arms to handle, feel and reach. The position requires the ability to accompany students anywhere on school premises. The employee is occasionally required to stoop or kneel and occasionally lift and move up to 30 pounds. Additionally, the employee must be physically able to implement all Board of Education Policies, District procedures, and to perform Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and techniques. The employee must be physically able to react and intervene quickly during crisis situations, such as but not limited to the following circumstances: student elopement, physical altercations involving students, or any situation that requires physical intervention to maintain student safety.  Yearly NCI training with participation in physical intervention strategies is a requirement for the job.

Environmental Requirements

• The duties for this role will be completed in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.  Outdoor work conditions will vary based on the weather.  Some evening work may be required.  Noise associated with this role will vary based on the setting and is consistent with a typical school environment.  The role requires the individual to be up and moving throughout the day.
• There may be some instances where travel to different school sites or locations for training or district events is required.  

Disclaimer  

The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties  performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently  holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.  

Special School District serves nearly 25,000 students and employs over 5,700 staff in St. Louis County. With core values of equity, commitment, and collaboration, the District's mission is to support and empower students of all learning abilities to excel to their greatest potential. SSD staff thrive in a culture deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Special School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law. To request an ADA Accommodation, please contact our Director of ADA and Accessibility for Staff at 314-989-8299. For TTY, contact RelayMO711 or 1-800-735-2966.

Posting open 11/19/24 - 12/01/24 

Salary

$24 per hour

Calendar

• 10-month school year (August to June), exact dates dependent on assigned location(s)

Benefits

• Group benefits plans for medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Enrollment in Missouri public school retirement systems; PEERS
• Staff Health Clinics
• Paid holidays
• 13 PTO days per year
• Employee assistance program
• Healthcare spending account  

Board Approved:  September 2023

Date/s Revised: November 2024