At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in developing identity and communication skills.
- Company: Join Kent ISD, a leader in inclusive education and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy full medical, dental, vision insurance, and generous paid leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by fostering confidence and connection to Deaf culture.
- Qualifications: Fluency in ASL and lived experience as Deaf or Hard of Hearing required.
- Other info: Participate in community events and help shape the future for DHH students.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Michigan School Public Relations Association
Location:
Kent, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
–
EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
5ccf7bc728ea
Job Views:
3
Posted:
21.07.2025
Expiry Date:
04.09.2025
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Job Description:
Title: Deaf Mentor – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Total Communication Program
Classification:Non-Union Professional Contract
Reports to and
Evaluated By:Administrator of Total Communication
Terms of
Employment:182 day position
PositionsSupervised:None
BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Deaf Mentor serves as a positive Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) adult role model for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This position supports the development of Deaf identity, self-advocacy,
social-emotional growth, and effective communication skills in DHH students. Working collaboratively with special education staff, families, and community resources, the Deaf Mentor helps foster inclusion, confidence, and connection to Deaf culture and community resources, both within and outside of the school environment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as a culturally affirming role model for students who are deaf or hard of
- Engage students in meaningful interactions and discussions related to identity, communication, self-advocacy, and social skills.
- Promote Deaf culture and awareness, helping students explore and understand their identity as DHH individuals.
- Provide support in American Sign Language (ASL) acquisition and visual language development for students, staff, and families, as appropriate.
- Collaborate with teachers, support staff, and families to develop communication-rich environments that reflect the needs and preferences of DHH students.
- Assist in planning and leading student-centered activities that build self-confidence, social engagement, and communication competence.
- Participate in IEP team meetings when appropriate to provide insight on cultural and identity development and student needs.
- Support outreach efforts to connect students and families with Deaf community events, resources, and opportunities for engagement outside the school setting.
- Provide training or presentations to school staff and peers to increase awareness of Deaf culture and effective strategies for inclusion.
- Serve as a liaison and advocate for DHH students, promoting equitable access to school programs, instruction, and social participation.
- Maintain documentation of services provided and participate in relevant professional development
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Lived experience as a Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Strong understanding of Deaf culture, identity, and the lived experiences of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Ability to relate positively and effectively with children and adolescents with varying communication preferences and backgrounds.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and mentoring
- Ability to work collaboratively with educators, families, and support
- Understanding of educational supports, communication access strategies, and self-advocacy skill development for DHH students.
- Familiarity with community resources and organizations that serve the DHH
- Willingness to travel to schools within the district or region to support
- Bachelor’s Degree in Deaf Education, Special Education, or related field preferred (Master’s Degree preferred).
- Prior mentoring or youth engagement experience
- Ability to work independently and
- Must pass a criminal background check as required by School Safety
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Benefits:Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid sick and personal days; State of Michigan School Employment retirement program; Kent ISD is a participating employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF/ SAVE plan) for eligible Federal student loans.
Please note, due to the large number of applications, we are unable to attend to e-mail or telephone inquiries on application status.
The final candidate for this position will be required (at their cost) to furnish Kent Intermediate School District with a current Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check prior to our recommendation to hire.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the School Board may be considered. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. The Coordinator for Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act and Title II is: Dave Rodgers, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
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Deaf Mentor employer: Michigan School Public Relations Association
Contact Detail:
Michigan School Public Relations Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deaf Mentor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Deaf culture and the specific needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Understanding their experiences will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting their development.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the Deaf education field. Attend local events or join online forums related to Deaf culture and education. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your lived experiences as a Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual, if applicable. Sharing personal stories can highlight your authenticity and passion for mentoring DHH students.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your skills in American Sign Language (ASL) during any interactions with the hiring team. Being able to communicate effectively in ASL will not only demonstrate your fluency but also your dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Deaf Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Deaf Mentor. Familiarise yourself with the duties listed in the job description, such as promoting Deaf culture and supporting students' self-advocacy.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any lived experience as a Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual, as well as any mentoring or youth engagement experience. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, be sure to highlight your fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and any other relevant communication skills in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Deaf Mentor position. Use keywords from the job description to show that you are a perfect fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michigan School Public Relations Association
✨Show Your Deaf Identity
Emphasise your lived experience as a Deaf or Hard of Hearing individual. Share personal stories that highlight your journey and how it has shaped your understanding of Deaf culture and identity.
✨Demonstrate ASL Proficiency
Be prepared to showcase your fluency in American Sign Language (ASL). You might be asked to communicate in ASL during the interview, so practice common phrases and ensure you can express your thoughts clearly.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Discuss your ability to work with educators, families, and community resources. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated to support DHH students and foster inclusive environments.
✨Prepare for Cultural Awareness Questions
Anticipate questions about promoting Deaf culture and awareness. Think of specific strategies you've used to engage students in discussions about their identity and self-advocacy, and be ready to share these insights.