GCS DeafHard of Hearing School Age Mentor (SAM)

The following vacancy exists in Goshen Community Schools for the2025-2026school year:

Goshen Community Schools

Deaf/Hard of Hearing School Age Mentor (SAM)

POSITION PURPOSE:

The School Age Mentor (SAM) Deaf/Hard of Hearing provides specialized support consultation and direct services to students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) their families and school personnel. This position ensures that services are delivered in accordance with Indiana Article 7 and reflect the high-quality educational and communication-access supports historically provided by the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD). The SAM works collaboratively with school teams to promote language access communication development academic engagement and inclusive participation for DHH students across educational environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Student Support

• Collaborate with Teacher of Record for student(s) with DHH eligibility (review IEP provide input for special factor of consideration when developing services and IEP.)
• Provide direct and/or consultative services based on the IEP to support academic communication and social-emotional development.
• Support language acquisition and communication access using the communication mode(s) identified in the IEP (e.g. ASL spoken English total communication tactile supports).
• Assist in monitoring auditory access amplification and assistive technology (e.g. hearing aids cochlear implants FM/DM systems SoundField systems) collaborating with audiologists as needed.
• Facilitate self-advocacy self-determination and communication repair strategies appropriate for the students age and language needs.
• Provide reinforcement of skills in listening spoken language visual language or multimodal communication depending on the students identified communication approach.
• Support transition planning including access needs postsecondary readiness and development of independent communication and self-management skills.

School & Staff Collaboration

• In collaboration with DHH Teacher of Record:
• Consult with general education teachers special education staff interpreters audiologists and related service providers to support accessible instruction and effective communication environments.
• Offer guidance on instructional strategies environmental modifications visual supports and classroom acoustics that promote full access.
• Provide training modeling or coaching to staff regarding communication modes DHH-specific needs assistive technology use and strategies for language-rich environments.
• Collaborate with case conference committees to develop compliant and appropriate IEPs aligned with Article 7 and best practices in DHH education.

Family Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with families to support understanding of their childs communication development educational progress and assistive technology needs.
• Provide families with resources regarding Deaf culture language development communication options community supports and state-level services.
• Support families in navigating Article 7 procedures rights service options and program placements in collaboration with educational team members ( general education teacher DHH Teacher of Record SLP and any other team members)

Assessment & Documentation

• Assist in conducting functional listening assessments communication observations and other data collection to inform educational decisions.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary evaluations and provide input consistent with the students language and communication needs.
• Complete service notes reports and documentation in compliance with Article 7 district policies and timelines.
• Participate in person or through written report in IEP meetings re-evaluations and progress monitoring.

Program & System-Level Support

• Serve as a liaison to community and statewide resources including the Indiana School for the Deaf outreach providers audiology centers and family support organizations.
• Support professional development efforts related to Deaf/Hard of Hearing education across the district.
• Promote awareness and understanding of Deaf culture communication equity language access and the unique educational needs of DHH students.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency demonstrated by Deaf Mentor Certificate Deaf Hard of Hearing Teacher License or significant documented ASL experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• ASL proficiency demonstrated by Deaf Mentor Certification Deaf Hard of Hearing Teaching License or significant ASL experience.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) or willingness to attain and maintain competency.
• Knowledge of auditory development hearing technology and communication access supports.
• Understanding of Article 7 requirements and best practices for serving DHH students.
• Ability to travel between schools and provide itinerant services.
• Strong interpersonal communication organization and collaboration skills.
• Ensure all services are compliant with Article 7 requirements.
• Provide high-quality student-centered support consistent with state standards and statewide best practices.
• Maintain confidentiality professionalism and cultural competence when working with students and families.
• Itinerant position serving multiple school buildings and environments.
• Requires communication across modalities (ASL spoken English written English).
• Involves working with students from preschool through high school.
• May require lifting positioning or supporting equipment related to assistive technology.

HOURS:As needed

SALARY: Schedule 25-3 beginning range of $31.00 to $32.00 an hour

BENEFITS:This position is not eligible for benefits.

APPLICATION PROCESS:In order to be considered all applicants must have completed their on-line application at CURRENT GCS EMPLOYEES CLICK HERE

Please attach the following to your application:

• Letter of interest
• Up-to-date resume

For questions regarding this position please contact:

Cindy Berger

Director of Exceptional Learners

613 E. Purl Street

Goshen IN46526

The Goshen Community Schools Board of School Trustees is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of the applicant will be made without reference to race color creed sex age handicap or national origin.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS IS:Until Filled