Job Description

Competition

: 2025-45 Education Support Specialist - Deaf/Hard of Hearing Mentor

Initial Posting Date

: July 9, 2025

Position

: Full Time, Permanent

Location

: Flexible within Atlantic Canada, with option for hybrid work

Estimated Start date

: September 2025

Compensation

: In accordance with the APSEA/NSGEU Agreement, $51,731.04 to $64,122.76 annually

Please apply directly on our website, this posting will be live until July 19, 2025 at noon: https://apseacareers.applytojobs.ca/education/39721

Unlock Your Potential with APSEA - A Career That Makes a Difference!???

Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) is more than just an agency - it's a community dedicated to empowering children and youth across Atlantic Canada who are Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH), blind and visually impaired (BVI). Since 1975, we've been on a mission to provide inclusive, responsive, and flexible educational services. Now, we want you to join us and help make a lasting impact on the lives of learners and their families.???

Why Join Us? By becoming an Education Support Specialist (ESS) - Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Mentor with APSEA, you'll have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of children and youth with diverse needs while working alongside a team of dedicated professionals.??

At APSEA, we offer more than just a job - we offer an environment where your passion and skills will thrive.???

Here's what we bring to the table:???

Access to a Pension Plan Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits Professional Learning Opportunities to keep you at the top of your game A supportive, inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and embraced
What's the Role? The ESS- DHH Mentor works under the Coordinator of Programs - DHH to support and model communication, language development (visual and/or spoken), and Deaf/hard of hearing culture with learners, families, APSEA staff, and educational teams.???

Through virtual and in-person sessions, the ESS - DHH Mentor acts as a role model through their lived experience, increasing access to communication and language, self-advocacy, and self-determination. They act as a facilitator to the local DHH community for the learner and their family.?

Day-to-day, the Mentor:???

Collaborates with staff and families, supports the development and implementation of outcomes for learners and families as they relate to; Language strategies and exposure Communication modality options Hearing assistive technology Deaf/hard of hearing culture and fluidity of DHH identity Social skills and/or post-secondary career and education options Supports observation and documentation of the child's language development with the family, Education Support Teacher - DHH, and Education Support Specialist - ASL. Provides exposure to and information regarding community and culture related to Deaf/hard of hearing lived experiences and identities. Works virtually and in-person with learners, both one-to-one and in group settings, developing skills to enhance self-advocacy and success in their familiar environments (e.g., school, home, early learning centre, etc.). Supports processes to create a safe, equitable, positive, and supportive learning environment in which diversities are valued.
What You Bring to the Table: You're not just looking for any job - you're passionate about education, and you bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.??

We are looking for someone who has:????

Lived experience/first voice perspective as a hard of hearing person is required. ASL is an asset. A minimum of (3) years experience working with children, youth, and families. Functional literacy in English. Grade 12 or recognized equivalency. The ability to work collaboratively and relate positively to children, families, early learning staff, APSEA staff, administrators, educational team members and community partners. Confidentiality and professionalism with regard to access and distribution of student information. A strong commitment to professional growth and learning to remain current in the field. Experience working in a virtual learning environment. Excellent organizational and time management skills. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The ability to frequently travel within the four Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador). Has access to a reliable mode of transportation; may require overnight stays. Regular travel is required.
Would be a plus if you have:??

Certificate or Diploma in Human Services, Youth Worker Program, Early Childhood Education or Undergraduate Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work or Education would be considered. ASLPI Rating from Sign Language Instructors of Canada (SLIC). Early?Childhood?Education. ASL/English?Literacy experience. Community support/advocacy work.
Note: an offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $51,731.04-$64,122.76 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Halifax, NS B3T 2H9

Application deadline: 2025-07-19
Expected start date: 2025-09-02