Communication Coach, Family Conversations

COMMUNICATION COACH, FAMILY CONVERSATIONS (1.0 FTE)

JOB SUMMARY

Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children (NWSDHH) seeks a Communication Coach to join our passionate, dedicated birth-to-three team. This individual will provide home-based, birth-to-three services for families with deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) children between 0-3 years old enrolled in our Family Conversations program. Our Communication Coaches provide appropriate developmental and educational evaluations of D/HH children 0-3 years old in their home or other parent-identified community setting and in family groups. They coach families, supporting them to reach the developmental goals identified in their child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). They assist with administrative and intake services secondary to providing direct services.

For 37 years, NWSDHH has been a leader in education for deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) children. Located in Shoreline, WA, we believe when families and children have the right support, D/HH learners are set up to succeed in school and throughout life. Our mission focuses on: grade-level achievement; English proficiency; and spoken language and listening skills. We are committed to helping D/HH children become self-confident, academically competitive learners, and engaged community members. Our educational programs include: birth to three, preschool – eighth grade and school district support.

Our Family Conversations program serves families with children from birth to age three. We offer a total communication approach which integrates visual communication, including Signing Exact English (S.E.E.), speaking and listening. The children we serve have a variety of hearing levels. We work with families from the first moment a child is identified as having hearing loss all the way through their first three years of life.

NWSDHH is committed to creating a diverse workforce which is reflective of the students and families we serve. We strive to build a staff which embodies the wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to meet the unique needs of each job opening. We encourage individuals of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives to apply and seek those who actively embrace our equity-focused learning environment.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct weekly home visits with D/HH children 0-3 years old and their families.

• Provide direct services including: assessment s and coaching around communication strategies, listening and spoken language, sig n language, language development, parenting/developmental issues.

• Serve as in informational resource and support toward meeting family-identified goals on the IFSP.

• Write summary reports after coaching visits.

• Track child and family progress per IFSP outcomes, and assess child development and write report for IFSP review and annual updates.

• Organize and co-lead family groups for D/HH children enrolled in Family Conversations. Develop appropriate material for lessons.

• Support families in transition to preschool by working with the parents and IFSP team and school district in compliance with WA State regulations. Ensure parents are aware of their education rights and responsibilities and coach them on how to advocate for their child’s needs.

• Collaborate with other service providers, including developing IFSP and transition plans in collaboration with family, FRC and other service providers.

• Collaborate with Family Conversations team to develop and implement new ways to improve and strengthen our program.

• Attend local and regional meetings related to birth-to-three services.

• Provide other services and/or program support as requested by the Program Director and/or Program Lead.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Deaf Education, Audiology, Speech and Language Pathology or equivalent

• Two or more years of experience working with young (0-3 years) D/HH children and their families

• Valid WA State Driver's license

• Familiarity with signing or willingness to learn and coach families in Signing Exact English (S.E.E.) while talking, playing and singing with their children

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with birth-to-three services, particularly serving D/HH children

• Proficiency in Signing Exact English (S.E.E.)

• Fluent in both English and Spanish

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of hearing levels and impact on access to, listening, speech and language development, social-emotional and cognitive development

• Knowledge of early childhood development across domains: cognitive, motor, adaptive, social-emotional and communication

• Use of coaching model in natural environment

• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to work well with a group

• Flexible and reliable

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$50,000 - $60,000 starting salary, generous paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance and retirement account.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references.