Language Acquisition Support Worker

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Job Details

Reports to: Inclusive Student Services Lead

The Language Acquisition Support Worker (LASW) facilitates access to communication for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The LASW provides linguistic modelling of American Sign Language, facilitates the learning of Deaf culture and the understanding of how to navigate an environment where both ASL and English are used to communicate.

Key Responsibilities

FACILITATE LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: Model ASL in all aspects of the student’s educational experience, increase student’s vocabulary, syntax and critical thinking as it relates to language by bringing classroom activities and discourse to the student’s linguistic level, interacts with the student to focus attention on relevant information, guide appropriate responses and develop communication skills.

PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT: Provide academic assistance in collaboration with the classroom teacher and itinerant teacher as needed, prepare for school day by becoming familiar with content areas and developing strategies to facilitate student success, request that all audio materials are accessible and include eliminate closed captioning when appropriate.

COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE AND EDUCATE: Communicate and collaborate with, and educate others to ensure DDSB learning goals and educational objectives are met with respect to hearing loss, deafness and or Deaf culture by providing education to staff and students regarding the needs of students with hearing loss and the Language Acquisition Support Worker’s role, actively participating in team, area, Identification, Placement and Review meetings as well as meetings with itinerant teachers and speech pathologists and other relevant professionals, and staying current with board/ministry initiatives on curriculum/standards as needed/requested by the school.

ENSURE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY: Ensure professional accountability by upholding the highest standards of professional integrity, competence and ethics as outlined in CASLI’s code of ethics, ensuring administration of daily operations related to assigned work, completing assignments, and following DDSB’s guidelines and procedures to ensure the safety and success of all students.

PURSUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Seek and maintain professional development by attending regular professional learning.

DOCUMENT: Document daily student logs and supply specific strategies and notes on student progress.

Knowledge And Skills

Part of Deaf culture/community and previous related experience with children Demonstrated Sign Language Proficiency as deemed satisfactory to the DDSB. Functional literacy in English Knowledge of a student’s hearing loss and use of equipment ( RM Systems, sound fields) Communicate and collaborate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality Work collaboratively with staff and promote teamwork with co-workers Develop and maintain positive relations with others Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines Demonstrate the ability to be flexible for a variety of assignments, organizational skills, the ability to work independently without close supervision, and pay attention to detail Ability to work collaboratively as a team member

Education

Graduate from a post-secondary program in a related field such as Early Childhood Education, Youth Care Worker, Child and Youth Worker, ASL Instructor. ASL Instruction Training is an asset Previous work experience with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is an asset

Experience

1-2 years experience in ASL instruction or related field

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.