Deaf & Hard of Hearing Statewide Student Advocacy and Mentor Coordinator

About the role

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Statewide Student Advocacy and Mentor Coordinator role is newly established within Educational Service Unit 3 (ESU 3). This position is funded by the Nebraska Department of Education's Office of Special Education and focuses on statewide supports for students, families, and professionals related to advocacy, well-being, communication access, and Deaf community connection.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain ongoing statewide DHH student advocacy groups.
• Establish and support a statewide network of DHH mentors and role models who can connect with students in each region.
• Provide training and coaching to the role models and mentors.
• Cookordinate small group and situational coaching interventions to build student connection and engagement within the Deaf community.
• Promote student advocacy and social-emotional well-being for students.
• Act as a resource for connecting districts with School Mental Health services that match a student’s preferred communication modality, as requested.
• Plan and coordinate social and educational opportunities for students who are DHH (Birth-21) to interact in environments free from language barriers.
• Aid parents and professionals in understanding, promoting and supporting a culturally responsive environment that respects Deaf culture and identity.
• Provide parent and family training focused on social-emotional well-being.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date statewide resource list for districts and families seeking individualized support and services.
• Serve as a resource to families, students, professionals, and school districts.
• Provide professional development for DHH educators, sign language interpreters on deaf advocacy and deaf mentoring.
• Offer professional development for school counselors, school administrators and educators on deaf advocacy.
• 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.
• Promote social-emotional well-being for professionals serving DHH students.
• Collaborate with the Regional Coordinators to support Deaf mentoring and advocacy during Regional and Statewide activities.
• Develop Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports and statewide resources related to communication access, inclusive practices, and systemic support for DHH students.
• Attend Regional Coordinator meetings.
• Display appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively work with students, parents, administrators, teachers, co-workers, and community members.
• Review and respond to written and verbal communication in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in Education or Counseling preferred.
• Leadership experience working with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) required.
• 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.

Skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in various computer software programs such as Microsoft Office, Google suite, and other computer applications.

Benefits

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.