APSEA Job Board
2023-49 Educational Deaf Interpreter - Early Learning (EL)
Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada .
contract . April 4, 2023
Description
Competition #: 2023-49
Initial Posting Date: July 19, 2023
Position: Term, Full-Time, One (1) Position Available
Location: Halifax Regional Municipality, HRM area (this position requires in-person services, not virtual)
Application Deadline: Open until Filled
Anticipated Start & End Dates: End of August 2023 until August 30, 2024
Compensation is in accordance with the APSEA/NSGEU Collective Agreement
Who We Are
Atlantic Provinces Special Educational Authority (APSEA) is an interprovincial cooperative agency established in 1975 by joint agreement among the Ministers of Education of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
APSEA provides educational services, programs, and opportunities for children and youth who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired who reside in Atlantic Canada. Our employees support learners to reach their highest potential for an independent, self-sufficient, and fulfilling life.
What We Offer
APSEA offers meaningful opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inspiring, supportive, and inclusive.
In joining APSEA's team, you would receive:
- Access to a Pension Plan
- Access to Comprehensive Health and Dental benefits
- Professional learning opportunities
Position Summary
Reporting to the Supervisor of Educational Interpreting Services, the Educational Deaf Interpreter (EDI) - EL is responsible for American Sign Language (ASL) linguistic modelling and support to Deaf signing learners, along with facilitating the learning of Deaf culture in various early learning settings, and the understanding of how to navigate an environment where both ASL and English are the predominate languages.
Working with the early learning educator(s), Supervisor of Educational Interpreting Services, Education Support Teacher, and Education Support Specialist - ASL, the EDI -EL provides the Deaf learner with ASL instruction in the early learning and social settings, as well as supporting the learner in their understanding of the differences between the unique cultures of home and classroom. In conjunction with the educational team, the Educational Deaf Interpreter works to support the learner with the transition from Educational Deaf Interpreter to Educational Interpreter.
The EDI - EL brings their lived cultural identity and linguistic knowledge to the classroom; it is a transitional role that builds the necessary linguistic and cultural foundation within the Deaf learner.
This role also:
- Works in collaboration with the early learning educator(s) and works with the plans for the day to develop ASL with the learner, as well as supporting learning opportunities and strategies for connections to the English language.
- Supports the learner’s acquisition of ASL by facilitating the learning of vocabulary, syntax, semantics, and critical thinking skills as it relates to school-based and social language; the EDI - EL brings the activities and discourse to the learner’s linguistic level and builds on this foundation.
- Works in collaboration with the Education Support Teacher, Early Learning Specialists and teams to support their goals for the learner.
- Coaches the learner on joint attention, appropriate interactions in the classroom, and supports the learner in the learning of social interactions.
- Models the skills of turn-taking, attention-getting, and learning social and school-based structures
- Participates in team meetings with the early learning team
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are among APSEA’s guiding principles. Moreover, diversity within APSEA is a strength that must be cultivated. It is the responsibility of every APSEA employee to foster a culture that embraces and promotes diversity.
Education & Qualifications
- Lived experience/first voice perspective as a signing Deaf person is required.
- Native Fluency in ASL
- ASLPI Rating from Sign Language Instructors of Canada (SLIC) with a minimum rating of 3.5.
- Certificate or diploma in Early Childhood Education is required.
- Functional literacy in English.
- Deaf Interpreter Training
- Follows the standards/criteria laid out by the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI)
- Exceptional communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with early learning team members and other educational partners.
- ASL Instruction Training is an asset.
- Deaf Adult Literacy Training is an asset.
- Travel is expected, access to a reliable transportation is required.
Work Experience
- Experience working with children and youth, for example residence counselling, summer camp counselling, etc.
- Linguistic/translation work.
- ASL/English Literacy experience is an asset
- Comfortable working in a virtual learning environment.
- ASL Instructor experience is an asset
- Deaf Interpreter Experience is an asset
- Community support/advocacy work.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
APSEA is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. As part of this commitment, APSEA will ensure that applicants are provided reasonable accommodations, as required. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact Julia Pascucci, HR Generalist at julia_pascucci@apsea.ca.
Compensation
$28.00 - $36.00 per hour