DeafBlind Services Specialist

Health & Human Services; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Deaf-Blind Services Specialist at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves Deaf-Blind consumers in the Raleigh area, providing advocacy, information and referral, and skill development to enhance communication.

Responsibilities include facilitating support groups, offering consultation to families and employers, and educating agencies on Deaf-Blind issues, with occasional after-hours/community event involvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field relative to the program and two years of related work experience.
• Preferred knowledge of ADA and related advocacy laws.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations to various public audiences.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for DeafBlind consumers and provide information and referral.
• Develop and facilitate DeafBlind support groups and resources.
• Consult families and employers to improve access to communication technologies.
• Provide education and public presentations on DSDHH programs and related topics.

Skills

ADA knowledge

Advocacy

Public speaking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Two years related work experience

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

Databases

Job description

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

The DeafBlind Services Specialist serves DeafBlind consumers (and their families) at the Raleigh Regional Center located in Raleigh, NC. This position provides advocacy, information and referral, skill development to enhance communication skills, develops and facilitates deaf-blind support groups and/or other resources, consultation services to families, employers, etc. and assistance in regard to telecommunication access, including telephone equipment and various assistive technologies both in groups and/or individuals in a variety of settings including but not limited to homes and skilled care facilities. This position also provides assessment of needs and consultation for consumers applying for the NC Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. The Deaf-Blind Services Specialist (DBSS) provides education and public presentations to agencies and organizations in the areas of DSDHH programs, hearing loss, sensitivity, awareness, and legislation as it relates to issues affecting those with hearing loss and vision loss. The DBSS participates in community events such as health & wellness fairs and other events promoting equal communication access which may require an adjusted schedule to work after normal working hours, including evenings and weekends. The individual in this position typically works with persons who are deaf and blind in the largely urban counties of NC and travels within and outside of the Raleigh region.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Range: $34,270 - $59,973 Recruitment Range: $34,270 - $55,779

Repost - Previous Applicants Do Not Need To ReapplyIn Order To Be Considered For This Vacancy.

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 Sign-On and Retention Bonus Policy Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge Skills and Abilities/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Extensive knowledge of ADA and related advocacy laws as they pertain to working with DeafBlind populations
• Ability to work with DeafBlind populations
• Demonstrated skill in developing and delivering presentations to a variety of public audiences
• Knowledge and/or training in one or more of the following: resources, outreach, counseling, assistive devices (including hearing aids), techniques and other tools to assist in achieving equal communication access including laws, consumer organizations, etc.
• Proficient in the use of computer applications and software to include: Excel spreadsheets; Microsoft Word; and databases

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

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

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in a field relative to the program from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related work experience 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.

Recruiter

Recruiter: Cheryl Adams Eatmon Contact: DHHS Workday Support Form North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

Valuing Education and Experience

The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.