POSITION SUMMARY:

To coordinate the Workforce Literacy program, helping deaf adults to learn Essential Skills and Workforce Literacy:
•    Provide direction for the Impact ASL Program including public education, curriculum and program development.
•    Coordinate program services, staff and volunteers in order to work with deaf adults and provide independence through the development of language, life and employment skills.
•    Act as instructor in small group sessions for deaf adults.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

•    Accept referrals and assess learners feasibility and eligibility for the program
•    Initiate assessment interviews incorporating background information and assessment in ASL and literacy
•    Prepare and provide lesson plans in relation to client needs in order to develop life skills and communication skills
•    Research and develop materials for class instruction
•    Adapt materials/curriculum to match learner needs
•    Teach classes in communication including ASL, social skills, literacy, math and deaf culture and community awareness
•    Liaise and act as resource for other counsellors, agencies and services in relation to confidential learner information and program developments
•    Work with learners to promote independence within the community
•    Act as intermediary when required to assist with communication in relation to program needs
•    Provide appropriate back up in the absence of other staff
•    Act as a resource and provide information to other internal programs and external contacts in relation to queries regarding Impact ASL program and development
•    Liaise with internal resources including the Regional Director and other Departments for program development
•    Liaise with external resources to develop networks, workshops, program development
•    Review and develop current curriculum in the context of learner needs
•    Contact other agencies and resources for new materials
•    Review and develop program procedures for local program development and on-going curriculum planning
•    Other duties as assigned

Administration:

•    Initiate and maintain accurate learner reports, attendance  records and files
•    Prepare timely lesson plans according to learner needs
•    Collect, prepare and distribute materials in relation to curriculum development
•    Schedule life skills classes and registration
•    Initiate and follow up on correspondence and phone calls from learners, parents, general public and other referral sources including government and agency contacts
•    Maintain internal (CHS) and related statistics and monthly reports
•    Maintain and provide summary client reports when required
•    Develop materials for promotion of Impact ASL program
•    Consult with Regional Director in relation to program expansion according to budgetary needs
•    Maintain awareness of program and learner financial requirements
•    Monitor budget for the program in consultation with Regional Director
•    Consult with Regional Director in relation to program expansion according to budgetary needs
•    Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

•    Represent the Impact ASL Program on external committees, with community contacts, and government contacts including MTCU
•    Liaise with MTCU in relation to staff and learner issues, etc.
•    Accept referrals and delegate responsibility of provision of presentations to other educational sources, agencies and other external contacts in relation to Impact ASL program, literacy, deaf culture, accessibility, etc.
•    Promote and provide information to consumers in workshops and seminars about Program Services and CHS
•    Assist in preparation of and promote special events within the community e.g. United Way, May Month, etc.
•    Consult and liaise with counsellors and relevant departments in relation to program planning and learner needs in conjunction with Freedom of Information Act
•    Network with community sources  

Professional Development:

•    Liaise with Regional Director on a regular basis
•    Attend internal staff meetings
•    Attend and participate in workshops/seminars related to position
•    Keep up-to-date on issues and information related to position and agency
•    Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency required for the position (Superior)

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Reports to Manager, Employment Services and WFL

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education plus Deaf Literacy Initiative Certification; or TESL Certification; or other equivalent certification such as Deaf Literacy/ASL Practitioner Certification
•    Three to five years related experience
•    Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) required
•    Demonstrated experience in lesson planning and curriculum development
•    Demonstrated skills in various teaching styles with adults
•    Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills
•    Demonstrated organizational and effective time management skills
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and internet
•    Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment
•    Occasional local travel in Toronto e.g. field trips; occasional out of town e.g. professional development