SOESD - Educational Assistant with Basic Sign Language for the 2026-27 School Year

The Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Educational Assistant with Basic Sign Language abilities to join our dynamic team. As an Educational Assistant, you will be supported by a highly trained Teacher of the Deaf and work towards developing a career of which you can be proud. This position will serve students ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade who utilize a variety of communication modalities. Commitment to professionalism, growth, and working as a dynamic educational team member, while carrying out your assignment, is vital to the success of our program.  You will be responsible for preparing for classes, working toward ongoing professional goals, following the NAIE Code of Professional Conduct, informally assessing student language skills, and working to ensure that the educational team operates cohesively via the sharing of information. Working for the SOESD will give the successful candidate a unique experience to change students' lives. Applicants should understand the importance of positive relationships with students, professional colleagues, and the spirit of teamwork.  We are passionate about the importance of inclusion and believe in the power of education to transform lives. If you share these views and are dedicated to bringing positive outcomes for all young people, this could be your perfect role.

About SOESD
 Southern Oregon ESD has locations in the Rogue Valley, Grants Pass, and Klamath Falls.
 The Rogue Valley is the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festivals, the Ashland   Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
 Grants Pass is a beautiful river town with access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and rafting on the Rogue River. The city also boasts a lively downtown, a close-knit community, and a rich history.
 Klamath County is proudly the home of Crater Lake National Park. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, outdoor sports are unlimited for all ages and all seasons.

For more information on living in the Rogue Valley, please see:

• Education: http://vimeo.com/5495231
• Cultural Opportunities: http://vimeo.com/5702777
• Recreational Opportunities: https://vimeo.com/5734731
• Health Care: https://vimeo.com/5510082

Educational Assistant with Basic Sign Language

POSITION GOAL:   Provide educational, instructional, tutorial, and communication assistance to deaf or hard of hearing students in regular and special classroom environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:                         
1.         Assist in the evaluation of student performance levels.
2.         Assist in the instruction of individual or groups of deaf and hard of hearing students.
3.         Assist in the tutorial support of deaf and hard of hearing students assigned by teacher.
4.         Assist in basic interpretive support for deaf and hard of hearing students who use sign language for communication or instruction.
5.         Assist in the application of student management procedures including physical care.
6.         Assist in the preparation of instructional materials for deaf and hard of hearing students assigned.
7.         Perform organizational and clerical tasks as assigned.
8.         Communicate clearly and make independent decisions within established policies and procedures.
9.         Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
10.       Participate as an effective team member.
11.       Participate in professional growth activities.
12.       Comply with local district and ESD rules and policies.
13.       Perform job-related tasks as designated by the teacher and accept responsibility for additional duties when they do not conflict with primary responsibilities for assigned deaf and or hard of hearing students assigned.
14.       Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM PREREQUISITES:                 
1.         High School Diploma or equivalent.
2.         Complete at least two sign language classes of increasing difficulty or have equivalent experience in the use of sign language through contact with deaf adults or children.


LOCATION: In person at assigned school(s)
LENGTH OF POSITION:  190 day Calendar (academic year) / .938 FTE
PAY RANGE:  Per Collective Bargaining Agreement: $18.24/hr to $25.00/hr for 2025-2026 school year.
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:  Program Administrator

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE and Over):  

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2114.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees. 
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including an additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation, and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.  

Health Insurance:  

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax  

Options:  

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership  

The following physical requirements are essential functions of the job description: Educational Assistant with Basic Sign Language

1. Stand/walk: 4-6 Hrs/Day   
2. Sit: 1-4 Hrs/Day    
3. Drive: 1-4 Hrs/Day    
4. Bending: .Frequently  
5. Squat: Frequently  
6. Climb Stairs: Occasionally  
7. Single Grasping: Frequently   
8. Pushing: Frequently    
9. Pulling: Occasionally  
10. Fine Manipulation: Frequently    
11. Repetitive Foot Controls: Occasionally  
12. Lifting (less than 25 lbs); 
13. Lifting (25-50 lbs): Frequently    
14. Lifting (50-75 lbs): Frequently     
15. Lifting (75-100 lbs): Frequently     

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable. 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  
SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.