Community Accessibility Specialist

Health & Human Services; Wilmington (NC); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invites applications for the Community Accessibility Specialist at the Wilmington Regional Center. The role focuses on ensuring accessible communication for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals through training, outreach, and collaboration with local agencies and service providers.

Responsibilities include coordinating events, recommending assistive technologies, and developing resources to improve accessibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to the program and two years of directly related work experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, programs, and services relating to ADA is preferred.
• Strong communication, outreach, and collaboration skills with diverse partners.

Responsibilities

• Build capacity with agencies, service providers, and businesses to ensure accessible communication for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals across varied settings.
• Train, advise, educate, and consult on communication accessibility for people with hearing loss.
• Provide recommendations and resources to improve communication access in community environments.
• Set up assistive technology at events and advise on appropriate technology for consumers and providers.
• Collaborate on events with agencies and facilities serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities.

Skills

Public presentation

Problem solving

Cultural awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division Deaf and Hard of Hearing Job Classification Title Casework Associate II (S) Position Number 60043239 Grade NC06

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

DSDHH is hiring! We are seeking a Community Accessibility Specialist to join The Wilmington Regional Center, which serves 12 counties.

A Sign-on bonus of $4000 may be offered to the successful applicant(s) of this posting, contingent on Budget Approval.

Eligibility for Sign-on Bonus

To qualify for the Sign-on Bonus, a newly hired permanent full-time or permanent part-time employee must work 30 to 40 hours per week to be eligible. Those who are eligible and working less than 40 hours a week will receive a prorated rate. An employee is not eligible for a sign-on bonus if: The employee has held a position in the North Carolina State government, including the judicial system, or the University of North Carolina system, within the last 12 months (the employee shall remain ineligible for 12 months from the separation date). The employee has previously received a sign-on bonus from any State agency. DHHS has paid any contract placement or recruitment fees. All Sign-on Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire.

Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found here: https://oshr.nc.gov/documents/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy-effective-august-15-2023/open

In this role, the Community Accessibility Specialist will:

• Build capacity with agencies, service providers, and businesses to ensure accessible communication for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals across varied settings.
• Train, advise, educate, and consult on communication accessibility for people with hearing loss (including combined vision and hearing loss). Topics may include communication modalities, technology, language, cultural norms, accessibility barriers, and practical solutions.
• Provide recommendations and resources to improve communication access in community and service environments.
• Set up assistive technology at DSDHH events and offer guidance on appropriate technology for consumers and service providers.
• Collaborate on events with agencies, organizations, and facilities serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community members.
• Set up exhibition booths and demonstrations which include loading and unloading equipment (up to 30 lbs).
• Participate in professional networking through meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Create, review, and revise reports, articles, and informational materials.

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Training on communication accessibility topics
• Consultation for agencies, service providers, and consumers to strengthen communication accessibility and capacity-building
• Public outreach on resources, events, and information related to communication accessibility
• Development and implementation of events, programs, and initiatives
• Technical assistance with assistive technology and Weather Alert Radio (WAR) equipment
• Administrative and documentation tasks

Teleworking is based on business needs at the manager's discretion. Ability to travel, work after/before hours and weekends, lift, load, and unload equipment up to 30 pounds required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range

$40,000 - $50,000

Classification Salary Range

$35,596 - $62,294

Management Preferred KSAs

• Skilled in public presentation and problem solving
• Ability to work and collaborate with local and county agencies and service providers in 17 counties to ensure communication access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind consumers
• Experiences with cultural, communication tools and technologies used by Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind
• Basic knowledge of federal and state laws, programs, and services relating to ADA
• Basic computer skills such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Basic knowledge

Basic knowledge of federal and state laws, programs, and services relating to ADA

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel.
• Able to work weekends.
• Able to work before and after hours.
• Ability to load and unload equipment.
• Ability to set up exhibit booth and demonstrations.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

This position will close at

11:59 p.m. the night before the end date.

Compensation & Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits Supplemental and Contact Information

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a field relative to the program from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related work experience, preferably with the client population. OR Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in a related programmatic area providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.