Deaf & Hard of Hearing Statewide Student Advocacy and Mentor Coordinator

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #3

JOB DESCRIPTION

Educational Service Unit 3 (ESU 3) is seeking a collaborative and experienced leader for a new role dedicated to increasing advocacy and connection for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) through the Greater Metro Regional Program (GMRP), funded by the Nebraska Department of Education's Office of Special Education.  This professional, exempt position provides leadership and coordination focused on statewide supports for students, families, and professionals related to advocacy, well-being, communication access, and Deaf community connection.   

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work or a related field
• Leadership experience working with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Knowledge of and/or competence in sign language and other modes of communication with DHH individuals
• Flexible work schedule to accommodate chaperoning of regional and statewide activities, which requires some evenings, weekends, and overnights as dictated by the activity
   

If you are passionate about advocacy, mentorship, and improving outcomes for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, we invite you to apply and join the ESU 3 Student Services team today!

The competitive benefits package includes ESU 3 paid employee health and dental coverage.  Salary is negotiable, ranging from $68,000 to $75,000 for a 205-day work calendar, based on experience and education.

Job Title:  Deaf and Hard of Hearing Statewide Student Advocacy and Mentor Coordinator

Job Title Code:  7574

Number of Days Worked: 205 days

Department:  Student Services

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Immediate Supervisor:  Greater Metro Regional Program (GMRP) Coordinator

Staff Supervised:  None 

Essential Requirements:  

1. Education level:  BA/BS in Education, Counseling, Social Work or similar field required. MA in Education or Counseling preferred.  

2. Leadership experience with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) required.

3. Other Requirements

   1. Ability to interact effectively with State Regional Coordinator, Regional Coordinators, school employees and administrators

   2. Knowledge of and/or competence in sign language and other modes of communication with DHH individuals

   3. Valid Driver’s License

   4. Knowledge in various computer software programs such as Microsoft Office, Google suite, and other computer applications

   5. Flexible work schedule to accommodate chaperoning of activities, both regional and statewide, which requires some evenings, weekends, and overnights as dictated by the activity

4. No history of child abuse or negligence, and able to successfully pass required background checks.

5. Regular and dependable in person attendance is required and is considered a condition of employment. The assigned duties of this position may allow consideration of occasional/infrequent remote work with the approval of the supervisor. Remote work is subject to the remote work guidelines and conditions outlined in the job description. The supervisor may withdraw the remote work option at any time.

Essential Responsibilities:  The DHH Statewide Student Advocacy and Mentor Coordinator will focus on statewide student, family, and professional supports related to social-emotional well-being, communication access, and community connection.

1. Develop and maintain ongoing statewide DHH student advocacy groups.

   1. Establish and support a statewide network of DHH mentors and role models who can connect with students in each region

   2. Provide training and coaching to the role models and mentors

   3. Coordinate small group and situational coaching interventions to build student connection and engagement within the Deaf community 

   4. Promote student advocacy and social-emotional well-being for students

   5. Act as a resource for connecting districts with School Mental Health services that match a student’s preferred communication modality, as requested

   6. Plan and coordinate social and educational opportunities for students who are DHH (Birth–21) to interact in environments free from language barriers

2. Assist parents and professionals in understanding, promoting and supporting a culturally responsive environment that respects Deaf culture and identity. (Deaf Mentor Advocacy)

   1. Provide parent and family training focused on social-emotional well-being.

   2. Develop and maintain an up-to-date statewide resource list for districts and families seeking individualized support and services.

   3. Serve as a resource to families, students, professionals, and school districts

3. Assist in providing professional development for DHH educators, sign language interpreters on deaf advocacy and deaf mentoring

4. Provide professional development for school counselors, school administrators and educators on deaf advocacy

   1. Design and deliver training and technical assistance to school counselors and mental health practitioners to improve direct services for DHH students in school and community settings.

   2. Promote social-emotional well-being for professionals serving DHH students

5. Collaborate with the Regional Coordinators to support Deaf mentoring and advocacy during Regional and Statewide activities

6. Develop Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports and statewide resources related to communication access, inclusive practices, and systemic support for DHH students.

7. Attend Regional Coordinator meetings

8. Display appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively work with students, parents, administrators, teachers, co-workers, and community members.

9. Review and respond to written and verbal communication in a timely manner. 

10. Understand and comply with the ESU 3 Board of Education Personnel Policies and Employee Handbook.

11. Provide own transportation to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, including travel to multiple site locations.

12. Other duties as assigned.

At Will Employment: Employment with ESU #3 is not for any period of time, and employment may be terminated at any time at the convenience of the terminating party, with or without cause, and with or without notice.  Employment with ESU #3 is not governed by any express or implied contract of employment containing terms different from or inconsistent with those stated in this job description.  The terms of this job description may not be modified except in a writing signed by the ESU #3 CEO.

Essential Physical Requirements: