Summary

Responsible for supervision of students in a residential setting. Plans learning experiences that motivate students and meet their interests and individual needs. Prepares and utilizes instructional materials that support the residential curriculum. Integrates critical thinking and literacy/signacy into activities and plans. Works with Co-SLE in cottage. Supports NMSD’s progressive vision, mission and beliefs. It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed in a positive and receptive manner, while helping to advance the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Oversees and maintains a residence unit that promotes the overall growth and development of students.
• Assumes responsibility, under the supervision of the Student Life Supervisor, for the students’ physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and recreational needs in a nurturing, clean, safe and comfortable environment.
• Utilizes NMSD’s Student Development Framework to support each student’s education and development as a whole person.
• Plans and supervises daily and weekly activities, programs and field trips that support student development.
• Provides tutoring to reinforce academic instruction.
• Follows the school’s positive discipline philosophy and utilizes appropriate techniques to support children’s growth and development in becoming self-reliant, independent problem-solvers and decision makers.
• Writes detailed and clear incident reports.
• Communicates regularly with parents, instructional faculty, and support staff concerning student progress in all areas of student life.
• Maintains confidentiality related to student situations and other personal matters.
• Assumes responsibility for the general appearance of the residence unit.
• Makes transportation arrangements for after-school student trips, including communicating transportation arrangements with students, parents, and staff.
• Accompanies and supervises students on trips.
• Drives school vehicles to transport students as needed (Current Driver’s License required. Mandatory Defensive Driving Course will be provided upon hiring).
• Communicates regularly with the Student Life Supervisor concerning student activities, residential programs, etc.
• Utilizes student files and ensures that the Student Life Supervisor and the Director of Student Affairs have current information.
• Communicates with the Health Center regarding student medical needs.
• Communicates with the Nutrition Services regarding meals and snacks.
• Supports NMSD’s mission, vision and beliefs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented.
• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.
• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity.
• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.
• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.
• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Written Communication- Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.
• State and Federal IDEA Compliance- exhibits knowledge of and adherence to all legal requirements related to early intervention.
• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organization values.
• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values.
• Adaptability- Manages competing demands.
• Personal Appearance- Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed.
• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.
• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience for Student Life Educator I position: Eighteen (18) semester units or equivalent of college level course work required. A minimum of three (3) semester units or equivalent must be completed in at least three (3) of the different areas below. Course content rather than title will determine acceptability as it relates to the minimum requirements.

• Recreational planning and/or Physical Education
• Education
• English
• Health Science and Hygiene
• Psychology, sociology, Behavioral Sciences, Child Development
• Social Work and Rehabilitation

 Education and/or Experience for Student Life Educator II position: Possession of at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Deaf Education, Child/Human Development, Recreation or: Thirty-six (36) semester units or equivalent of college level course work required and at least three (3) years of experience with deaf children/youth in an educational/residential setting.  (A minimum of six (6) semester units or equivalent must be completed in at least three (3) of the below different areas.  Course content rather than title will determine acceptability as it relates to the minimum requirements).

• Recreational planning and/or Physical Education
• Education
• English
• Health Science and Hygiene
• Psychology, Sociology, Behavior Sciences, Child Development
• Social Work and Rehabilitation

 Language Skills: Proficiency in expressive and receptive American Sign Language and written English. Ability to write reports, and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students and parents.

American Sign Language: Advanced American Sign Language skills at hire are required.  The applicant must be proficient in receptive and expressive American Sign Language and able to adjust communication to match students’ language and communication needs. Applicants who do not possess advanced American Sign Language skills will not be considered for this position.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and situations.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications among other programs. Able to utilize web-based resources to supplement instructional materials.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to stand; walk and sit for more than 10 hours a day while supervising. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work within an assigned cottage and be provided with appropriate furniture, technology, and storage space in order to complete assigned duties.

New-Employment Drug Test: New Mexico School for the Deaf requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana, or any drug, will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

NMSD conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.