SUBSTITUTE CLASSROOM SIGNING ASSISTANT
Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization
Job Description
Position Type: Educational Support Staff/Signing Classroom Aide Date Posted: 8/19/2025 Location: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program GENERAL INFORMATION: Title Classroom Signing Assistant Licensure Educator License with Stipulations or Substitute License Endorsement Paraprofessionals Classification Substitute - hourly Reports to Program Coordinator/Classroom Teacher Salary Classification Hourly Rate $25.27 PURPOSE: The Classroom Signing Assistant's primary role is to assist in all aspects of the daily instructional program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The classroom signing assistant may be responsible for an individual student or small group instruction under the direct or indirect supervision of the classroom teacher or other person designated by NSSEO Deaf and Hard of Hearing to direct or supervise classroom assistants. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Assists in the preparation and delivery of the education program under the supervision of, and as directed by the designated staff member. • Conducts individual and small group instruction under the direction of the teacher or related service staff. • Assists in the implementation of behavior management systems as established by the program. • Assists in crisis prevention and intervention in a manner consistent with program policy under the supervision of designated supervisor. • Assists in toileting and feeding of students under the supervision of, and as directed by designated supervisor. • Communicates effectively with students in the students' preferred mode of communication as established by the program. • Participates in general staff meetings, training programs and in-service sessions as required. • Establish and maintain effective relationships with students and staff. • Provide ongoing care for classroom equipment and materials. • Demonstrate cooperation, openness for growth and willingness to contribute to a team approach to the educational program. • Responsible for any data collection and facilitating accommodations as required by the assigned licensed staff member.
OTHER FUNCTIONS: • Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the program. • Facilitate an office atmosphere of service, competence and congeniality. • Support NSSEO policy, NSSEO, and governing board goals and objectives, and The School Code of Illinois. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: • To perform the physically demanding job functions, strength and/or endurance for lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling are occasionally required. • To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical capabilities of climbing and balancing are seldom required. • To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical body movement of stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling is seldom required. • To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the upper extremity physical capabilities reaching, handling, and/or fine motor dexterity are constantly required. • Exposure to temperature extremes is seldom or not present. • Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g. mechanical, cuts, burns, infectious disease, high decibel noise, etc.) is seldom or not present. • Frequency of exposure to injury to self and/or others is seldom or not present. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • Meet the state requirements for Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Paraprofessionals. • Ability to read, write and communicate in English to understand directions and communicate with students and staff.
Proficient in sign language. • Experience working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. • Ability to physically move about the building. • Ability to lift and position students (30-80 pounds) if assigned to a classroom with such requirements. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: Specific skills related to proficient use of technology including accessing the internet, email, phone systems, and software are required. Potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions will be required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job.
Ability is required to independently problem-solve, schedule daily activities, make announcements, and use job related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances and to work with a significant diversity of student abilities and needs. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality, meeting deadlines and schedules, completing work accurately with minimum supervision, working as part of a team, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the Organization's services. Attachment(s): CLASSROOM SIGNING ASSISTANT.pdf