ASL Specialist

Title: ASL Specialist SDB00189

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: $65,000 - $85,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: VA School for the Deaf & Blind

Location: VA School for Deaf & Blind

Agency Website: vsdb.k12.va.us

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The ASL Specialist at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB), is to provide specialized expertise in American Sign Language (ASL) to support the language development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, VSDB staff, and families. This role assesses students' ASL fluency, contributes to IEP development, and delivers targeted interventions to strengthen expressive and receptive language skills.
The ASL Specialist collaborates with educational teams, supports staff in implementing effective language practices and accommodations, and provides ASL instruction and resources for staff and families.

The ASL Specialist at VSDB is to advance language access and communication outcomes for deaf and deafblind students by providing specialized expertise in American Sign Language, supporting language development, enhancing educational programming, and building the capacity of staff and families to implement effective communication practices.
Additional Agency Information:

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) is located in the historic, vibrant city of Staunton, Virginia. VSDB provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities.


VSDB offers PreK-12 education with both residential and day student options.


VSDB prepares students for life!

The VSDB offers:
• $3,500 Sign-on Bonus available!
• Great comprehensive benefit package
• Supportive and positive team setting
• School-Residential partnership that supports a 24/7 learning environment

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education.

Hold or be eligible to hold a Virginia teaching license or obtain one within 3 years from the date of hire.


Hold a valid Virginia Driver's license and submit for review by DMV.

Current CPR and First Aid Certification required or must be obtained per school policy.

Knowledge of child growth and development, including the unique educational, communication, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities.

Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and their impact on student behavior, engagement, and learning.

Knowledge of instructional technology and assistive tools that enhance communication, language development, and learning outcomes.

Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language at the "Superior" level as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI)

Ability to design, implement, and evaluate effective instructional strategies for both student and adult learners.

Ability to differentiate instruction and adapt communication methods to meet the needs of diverse learners, including individuals with no functional ASL skills through native ASL users.

Ability to collect, analyze, and utilize data to monitor student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and tailor instruction, interventions, and communication approaches to meet individual needs.

Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work effectively while managing multiple responsibilities.

Ability to collaborate as a member of a multidisciplinary team and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, and staff.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of student, family, and staff information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and school policies.

Ability to follow established school policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Additional Considerations

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with VSDB, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check; verification of education (relevant to employment); and other checks based on the position.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VSDB is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VSDB values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply.

Contact Information

Name: Jody Beelendorf

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer