Special Education Assistant & Communication Partner

about the Student

A Grade 9 student, US Citizen, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The student was previously "locked in" and unable to communicate meaningfully until 8, because severe dyspraxia connected to his autism inhibited his ability not only to develop speech (oral dyspraxia) but also to learn fine-motor skills with his hands (manual dyspraxia), making handwriting, sign language and picture-exchange communication system (PECS) impossible.

In late 2016, under the guidance of a certified speech pathologist based in the USA, the student began using a new communication technique called Spelling to Communicate, or S2C (similar to RPM), which focuses on using gross-motor arm movements to spell words using letter boards. This technique was successful, and the student thus began to demonstrate high intelligence, excellent listening skills and an advanced English vocabulary for the first time. He has now started also typing documents – with assistance – using a Bluetooth keyboard.

about the Job

The student is highly intelligent but needs the assistance of a communication assistant skilled in S2C techniques to work with teachers, complete assignments, and socialize with peers. The role’s full title is “communication and regulation partner (CRP),” because it involves not only enabling communication but also helping him to (a) regulate behaviors and emotions and (b) maintain focus on tasks.

He will be home-schooled this school year, enrolling in a California-based online school for his Grade 9 academic classes (Math, Science, English, Social Studies).

The successful candidate(s) will act as his CRP for these online courses, helping him work through course materials, communicate with teachers, and complete all assignments. The job will also include supporting attendance of specialized classes (e.g. art, computer coding) as well as from time to time, certain extra-curricular social interactions with peers, as well.

(The student will receive occupational therapy, physical education and psychological support counseling separately.)

The successful candidate will receive basic training in the S2C technique and be coached on an ongoing basis by a US-based certified S2C practitioner -- skills acquired can in future be used with other non-speaking or minimally speaking students. However, because of the practice-time required to become proficient at S2C (2-3 months), the candidate will be expected to commit to the job until at least the end of 2023.

NOTE: The long-term goal of the child is to advance from using letter boards to touch-screen AAC (tablet) to communicate, and thus achieve increasing independence. Attending university is also a goal.

Work Schedule

4 class hours per day, 3 days per week.

8:00-1:00pm (incl. lunch break and other breaks provided). Either (a) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or (b) Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Note: Work calendar is not based upon the traditional school year. Salary is provided on a monthly basis year-round, but with 22 days of paid vacation leave per year in addition to Philippine Gazetted Public Holidays.

Work Location 

Home with dedicated class room in Bgy. Ugong Norte, Quezon City.

Qualifications

Candidate must possess at least Bachelor's Degree (e.g. in Secondary Education, Special Education or related)Required language(s): English (fluent, professional spoken and written).2-3 years of working experience in the related field is required for this position.Candidates with well-rounded interests including STEM will be preferred.

Benefits

Chance to make a huge difference in a the life of a talented young person with disability.Training in S2C (RPM) and opportunity to advance to high skill level,Competitive salary,Incentive bonuses for longer durations of tenure,Paid vacation leave: 23 days per year,Mandatory employer contribution to SSS, PhilHeath and Pagibig,