Deaf Mentor

The Deaf Mentor Program assists families in implementing bilingual/bicultural home-based programming for children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. The Deaf Mentor will assist families in increasing their ability to successfully communicate with their deaf child through the use of American Sign Language (ASL). Children of hearing parents are usually exposed to an English-only approach and to the hearing culture of their parents and family members. The Deaf Mentor program offers families the option of a Deaf Mentor (deaf adult) who makes visits to their home or interacts through distance technology, interacts with the child using ASL, shows family members the dynamics of ASL, and helps the family understand and appreciate deafness and Deaf Culture in an easy to learn approach. The Mentor works with the child directly to model language and differing ways to communicate while being a role model for the child. Families already receiving Family Advising services for birth to school age can continue with that program in addition to having a Deaf Mentor. The Deaf Mentor uses a specific Curriculum Manual provide by MSDB and purchased through HOPE Inc . Deaf Mentors will work directly with the MSDB Outreach Consultants to support the child to learn both ASL and English.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

A Deaf Mentor’s duties include but are not limited to:

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  Attending a two day Deaf Mentor Training from Utah State University on the campus of the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind (MSDB).
  
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  Assists the Consultant in caring out a specific plan to educate the family on ASL and Deaf Culture.
  
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  Works with Outreach Consultant to understand the developed plan with goals, frequency and budget to meet the needs of the child for the current school year.
  
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  Participates in activities within the home to educate family members on ASL and Deaf Culture using the HOPE Inc . materials.
  
• Interact with child using ASL with activities and materials appropriate to the child’s age and development.
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  Provide exposure to and information regarding the local Deaf community and Deaf Culture.
  
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  Travel to the home of families located in your region of the state (could be up to 100 miles)
  
• Maintain records and reports for MSDB (i.e. lesson plans, time and expense reports, evaluation documentation, etc) and submit report via email weekly to Outreach Consultant and Outreach Director.
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  Alert the Consultant to any concerns or special information about an individual child.
  
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  Keeps children safe by reporting concerns to the Consultant immediately after any concerning events.
  
• Follow verbal and written instructions from the Parent, Outreach Consultant and Outreach Director.
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  Maintain confidentiality.
  
• Ability to interact with and develop rapport with a variety of families and professionals in a positive, unbiased, non-judgmental manner.
• Ability to be unbiased, open-minded and supportive of family decisions with their communication choices.
• Ability and access to appropriate computer technology, including internet access to complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports to supervisor.
• Other duties/tasks as assigned to meet the Deaf Mentor Goals.

Qualifications:



Bachelor Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, early childhood education or related human services field preferred. High School Graduate or GED required. Experience with students who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. Considerable knowledge of child development, ASL, Deaf Culture are required. Play activities, first aid techniques and safety precautions preferred. Must be able to get along with a variety of personalities, be pleasant and courteous. Must have a positive attitude and a serious amount of self discipline. Must be able to work effectively without supervision. Must be reliable and dependable at all times.



Eligible Training Assignment:

40.00