Employment Specialist for the Deaf

Position Purpose:

We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Employment Specialist who is fluent in American Sign Language to provide specialized support to ensure successful employment outcomes for individuals in the deaf and hard of hearing community. The position requires expertise in connecting job seekers who are deaf or hard of hearing with suitable employment opportunities, while also providing ongoing support to ensure job retention and career advancement. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills, a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments, and a commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible workplaces.

Primary Duties:

• Assess the skills, abilities, and employment goals of job seekers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Provide intensive hands on, one-on-one training as the individual becomes increasingly more competent performing job requirements
• Train and counsel clients, in competitive employment using systematic instructional techniques, compensatory strategies, job adaptation/modification and positive behavioral support techniques.
• Provide on-going support and advocacy as required for the continued employment of the individual
• Provide individualized behavioral and social skills training that improves worker performance and acceptability in a community employment setting with co-workers with and without disabilities
• Write Individual Service Plans (ISP), for each client outlining all goals, objectives and methods of evaluating goal attainment.
• Represent the individual, DARS and VRI in a professional manner to the employer. Provide superior service to the individual, DARS, school systems and business community.
• Provide transportation, training and other support services necessary to sustain employment.
• Coordinate daily on-site activities at community employment sites as assigned and required by funding sources.
• Provide education, consultation and/or training to employers and co-workers of assigned individuals that allows inclusion into the work force.
• Assists Supported Employment leadership in developing job sites for individuals with disabilities.
• Collect data and submit reports in accordance with specific requirements.
• Assist in meeting all applicable licensing and certification requirements as they relate to the employment program by keeping accurate records of placement activities.
• Adheres to policies and procedures of VersAbility Resources.
• Operate a motor vehicle to various work sites in order to train individuals with disabilities.
• Provide hands-on, one-on-one training during days, nights, weekends and holidays when necessary to ensure sustained employment of individuals with disabilities.
• Build strong relationships with supported employment referral source partners.
• Engage with community employers to build working relationships and create employment opportunities.
• Perform other duties, related to the direct support of individuals, as required.

Qualifications/Skills Knowledge & Abilities:

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Human Services, social work, or deaf education preferred but not required. Must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Supported Employment certification a plus.

Experience:

• One year working in an employment-oriented service for people with disabilities
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and familiarity with deaf culture.
• Proven experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, or related fields supporting individuals with disabilities.

Environmental:

Work irregular hours as required at different work assignments. Physically perform job requirements when training individual. Work in inclement weather conditions. Transport individual as needed to stabilize employment. Works nonscheduled hours in support of individual and employer requirements.

Certifications:

This position may be contingent on obtaining and maintaining security clearances and/or authorizations from third parties which are required to access federal property which includes military installations and bases. Failure to obtain or maintain required clearances and/or authorizations will result in termination of employment.

VersAbility Resources Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran