ASL Communication Specialist

AppleOne Employment Services; Fountain Valley (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

AppleOne Employment Services in Fountain Valley, CA seeks an ASL Communication Specialist to support a nonprofit focused on accessibility and community connection. This full-time role provides direct ASL-based communication, resource navigation, and case coordination to help Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals navigate services and build independence.

The position emphasizes collaboration with partners, outreach activities, and careful documentation to ensure meaningful impact for those served.

Qualifications

• Provide ASL-based communication support for Deaf, Deaf Blind, hard of hearing, Deaf Disabled, or late-deafened individuals.
• Coordinate resource referrals, advocacy support, and community-based services for an assigned caseload.
• Support outreach, education, and relationship-building with community partners.
• Strong proficiency in American Sign Language and understanding of Deaf culture.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least two years of experience supporting Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals or related service fields.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication between Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing professionals, service providers, employers, agencies, and community organizations using ASL.
• Help individuals identify, understand, and access resources related to housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, financial assistance, disability services, and public benefits.
• Provide individualized guidance, advocacy support, independent living assistance, referrals, and follow-up for an assigned caseload of approximately 30 individuals.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with nonprofit organizations, employers, housing resources, public agencies, healthcare providers, and other community partners.
• Participate in outreach activities, workshops, educational presentations, and community events that promote accessibility, awareness, and inclusion.
• Maintain accurate case notes, service documentation, reports, and confidential records in accordance with program guidelines.

Skills

ASL Proficiency

Deaf culture understanding

Communication support

Interpersonal skills

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an ASL Communication Specialist for a direct hire, full-time opportunity in Fountain Valley, CA, supporting a mission-driven nonprofit environment focused on accessibility, advocacy, and community connection. This role is ideal for an ASL-fluent professional who is passionate about helping individuals who are Deaf, Deaf Blind, hard of hearing, Deaf Disabled, or late-deafened navigate services, communicate effectively, and build greater independence.

The ASL Communication Specialist will provide direct communication support, resource navigation, outreach, and case coordination in a collaborative setting that values inclusion, compassion, and meaningful community impact. This is a strong opportunity to use your American Sign Language skills in a role where your work directly improves access, confidence, and quality of life for the individuals served.

Candidates can expect a supportive, service-focused work environment with positive teamwork, purpose-driven leadership, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with community partners, service providers, and individuals seeking support.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication between Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing professionals, service providers, employers, agencies, and community organizations using ASL and appropriate communication methods.
• Help individuals identify, understand, and access resources related to housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, financial assistance, disability services, and public benefits.
• Provide individualized guidance, advocacy support, independent living assistance, referrals, and follow-up for an assigned caseload of approximately 30 individuals.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with nonprofit organizations, employers, housing resources, public agencies, healthcare providers, and other community partners.
• Participate in outreach activities, workshops, educational presentations, and community events that promote accessibility, awareness, and inclusion.
• Maintain accurate case notes, service documentation, reports, and confidential records in accordance with program guidelines.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range: $20.00 to $24.00 per hour.
• Annual equivalent: $41,600 to $49,920.
• Employment type: Direct hire, full-time.
• Location: Fountain Valley, CA.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Provide ASL-based communication support for individuals who are Deaf, Deaf Blind, hard of hearing, Deaf Disabled, or late-deafened.
• Coordinate resource referrals, advocacy support, and community-based services for an assigned caseload.
• Support outreach, education, and relationship-building efforts with community partners and service providers.
• Strong proficiency in American Sign Language and solid understanding of Deaf culture.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least two years of experience supporting Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals or working in a related service-oriented field.
• Background in ASL communication, advocacy, disability support, community engagement, social services, interpreting, or client support.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organization, problem-solving, communication, documentation, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining accurate and confidential records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with community resource navigation, housing support, employment assistance, healthcare access, disability services, or public benefit programs.
• Experience participating in outreach activities, workshops, community events, or educational presentations.
• Reliable transportation for occasional community-based activities and appointments.
• Valid California driver’s license and insurance preferred where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

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We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.

We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.