Senior Instructional Assistant - Sign Language at Downey Unified School District, CA

About the Department

Only online applications will be accepted: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/downey

This is a Promotional and Open recruitment to establish an eligibility list, fill vacancies, and hire substitutes. Substitutes work on an as-needed basis to fill in for absent employees. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list. In a promotional and open recruitment, the promotional list shall take precedence. When the promotional list contains fewer than three eligible and willing employees, certification of additional ranks shall then be made from the open list.

Positions in this classification are part-time, 30 - 32.50 hours per week, 11 months/ 184 workdays per year.

The recruitment process will consist of a written and performance examination and an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of November 3 - November 25, 2025. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District  will provide you with one upon notice.

BASIC FUNCTION: 
Under the general supervision of an administrator, uses total communication (e.g., sign language) to instruct students individually or in groups in accordance with prescribed learning objectives, and acts as a paraprofessional assistant to a teacher in performing assigned tasks.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This class is distinguished from the Senior Instructional Assistant class by the additional responsibility of using total communication skills (e.g., sign language) to translate and interpret written and spoken educational information or instructions. The Senior Instructional Assistant – Sign Language functions as a paraprofessional assistant for teachers and deaf and hard of hearing students in special education classrooms; the Sign Language Interpreter interprets subject matter and educational concepts for deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstream classrooms.

Position Duties

Under supervision of a teacher, provides individualized instruction by matching instruction to the needs of each student. E

Works with students individually or in small groups to tutor, reinforce, or follow up on learning activities. E

Translates oral or written English into total communication (e.g., sign language). E

May assist students in learning oral speech patterns by helping them produce sounds, words, and sentences. E

Helps students relate to individuals and groups in the mainstream environment. E

Assists by guiding or by providing an example in a variety of areas, including physical development and fitness, communication, personal appearance and hygiene, academic learning, and vocational skills. E

Helps students to be self-reliant by advocating for their needs. E

Assists teachers with classroom activities for students. E

Assists students in learning through the use of computer technology and other teaching devices. E

Assists teachers in establishing and maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant classroom and learning environment. E

Assists with supervision of classroom, outdoor playground, and field trip activities, to direct students into safe activities and relationships. E

Assists teachers with the modification and maintenance of appropriate standards of behavior for students. E

Assists teachers with implementation of student's Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.). E

Confers on a regular basis with a teacher in regard to activities, instructional goals and objectives, student progress and pertinent health or behavior problems. E

Attends in-service and staff meetings as required. E

May assist students with taking medication under prescribed policies and procedures.

Performs routine clerical tasks related to student records and instructional activities. E

May participate as a member to help develop and implement individual or site crisis management plans.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

Minimum Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Practical learning patterns and behavior
Basic characteristics of human behavior
Elementary concepts of child development and behavior
Basic communication skills
Reading, speaking and writing in English
Personal hygiene practices
Basic math
Principles of implementing diversity in the workplace
Laws, rules, practices and procedures related to the education program to which assigned
Recognition and reporting requirements for suspected child abuse

ABILITY TO:
Use total communication (e.g., sign language) continuously while performing tasks
Understand and follow instructional and assessment protocol
Communicate with students and staff, and motivate students to participate in learning activities
Maintain emotional control under difficult situations
Recognize and report safety hazards
Operate computer technology and office equipment
Maintain confidentiality of student information
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff
Model communication and interaction that respects and includes all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions and cultures

Other Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE:
Three months of paid or volunteer experience working with people who can communicate or be communicated with only through sign language. One specialized course in sign language may be substituted for three months of paid or volunteer experience working with people who can communicate or be communicated with only through sign language.

EDUCATION:
High school diploma or equivalent.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/INFORMATION:
Some positions in this classification may require the availability of private transportation; may occasionally be assigned duties from the class specification for Paraeducator. Senior Instructional Assistants – Sign Language who assist in classroom instruction must meet the education and experience requirement and the following requirements as set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):

Must pass assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematic readiness OR, may meet requirements with completion of two years of higher education study OR possession of an Associate’s or higher-level degree in the field of education, or related field of study.

All candidates must meet the state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement for this position. This can be met one of three ways:
 1. Possession of an associate's degree or higher
 2. Completion of at least 48 full semester units at an accredited college or university
 3. Taking and passing the ESSA exam administered by Downey Unified School District
If you meet the ESSA requirement through possession of the associate's degree or higher or have completed at least 48 full semester units, please attach a copy of your degree or college level transcripts to your application.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This summary provides examples of the typical physical demands and work environment of this classification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work requires some physical exertion.
Stands to monitor and assist students with academic instruction
Moves between areas of a school site or within a classroom to monitor students and assist with academic instruction
Sits to assist students with classwork
Rotates head left and right from a neutral position to monitor, supervise, and/or attend to students
Moves head forward and backward from a neutral position to assist students with academic instruction
Uses hands, wrists, and fingers repetitively to communicate using sign language to students who are deaf or hard of hearing
Exchanges information with students and staff to facilitate classroom instruction and ensure safety
Uses near visual acuity at 20 inches or less to facilitate classroom instruction, safety, and other related areas
Observes surroundings within one's periphery to facilitate classroom instruction, safety, and other related areas

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions.
Work in an indoor, climate-controlled environment

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