Support Services Provider

Avamere Skilled Advisors, LLC; Gresham (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

PTO & Holidays

EAP Canopy

HSA/FSA options

Voluntary insurance options

Job summary

Avamere Communities is seeking a dedicated Support Services Provider to assist Deaf, Deaf‑Blind, and hard‑of‑hearing residents in an assisted living setting in Gresham, OR.

You will bridge communication barriers, develop ISPs, and advocate for accessible services while collaborating with nursing staff and families to promote independence and community integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in special education, social work, counseling or related field preferred, or equivalent knowledge of state regulations for assisted living.
• Exceptional fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and familiarity with tactile sign language, Pro-Tactile, and diverse Deaf-DeafBlind communication systems.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of relevant professional experience with elderly or disabled populations.
• State certification (SSP), First Aid, CPR/BLS active during employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication for interactions with seniors, families, and staff.
• High empathy and understanding for needs of older adults.
• Strong critical thinking and conflict resolution skills.
• Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA and manage multiple resident records.

Responsibilities

• Communicate and facilitate access to information using residents' preferred communication modes (ASL, tactile, braille).
• Coordinate sign language interpreters, captioning, and augmentative communication for appointments and meetings.
• Assist residents with mail, announcements, and daily information access.
• Develop, monitor, and update individualized support plans with residents and families.
• Navigate resources and connect residents to outside agencies and services.
• Collaborate with nurses to review health documentation and follow up on medical needs.
• Provide orientation, mobility training, and independent living support.
• Coordinate transportation and accompany residents during off-site activities.
• Educate staff on Deaf culture and accessible communication methods.
• Advocate for residents' rights to equal access and non-discriminatory care.

Skills

ASL proficiency

Tactile sign language

Pro-Tactile communication

Empathy

Excellent communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

SSP certification

Job description

Support Services Provider

Type: Part-Time/On-Call (PRN)
Shift/Schedule: Saturdays required, All shifts available, Weekend availability needed
Wage: $24.40-$31.84/hr DOE

Location: Avamere at Chestnut Lane- 1219 NE 6th St., Gresham, OR 97030

Avamere at Chestnut Lane is a Deaf and DeafBlind Community. Proficiency in American Sign Language and Tactile Sign Language is required for this position.

Job Summary

A Support Services Provider for the deaf and blind at an assisted living facility bridges communication barriers, ensuring residents receive culturally sensitive care and independent living assistance. This role involves developing support plans, facilitating sensory information, and advocating for residents' accessibility rights within the facility and community. The Support Services Provider manages and facilitates culturally and linguistically accessible services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of-hearing residents. The primary goal is to empower residents to age in place, minimize the social isolation caused by combined vision and hearing loss, and maximize their independence.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

Communication Access & Facilitation

• Sensory Interventions: Relay visual and environmental information (sighted guide) using the resident's preferred communication mode, such as American Sign Language (ASL), tactile sign language, or braille.
• Interpreter Coordination: Coordinate and oversee on-site sign language interpreters, captioning services, and augmentative communication systems for medical appointments and facility meetings.
• Daily Correspondence: Assist residents with accessing and reading mail, emails, community announcements, and other daily information.

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Service Planning: Assess individual needs and develop, monitor, and update individualized support plans (ISPs) in collaboration with residents, families, and facility nursing staff.
• Resource Navigation: Connect residents with outside agencies, financial assistance programs, and specialized counseling or habilitative training.
• Medical Liaison: Work closely with the medical coordinator and facility registered nurses to review health documentation and ensure medical follow-ups are completed

Independent Living & Community Integration

• Life Skills Coaching: Provide training on orientation and mobility, helping residents navigate the facility and build daily, self-reliant routines.
• Recreation Planning: Facilitate communication during educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities to promote meaningful community engagement.
• Outings and Errands: Coordinate and assist with transportation, scheduling, and guiding residents during off-site activities like grocery shopping and banking.

Advocacy & Staff Training

• Cultural Competency: Educate facility staff on Deaf culture, Deaf-Blind specific needs, and accessible communication methods.
• Rights Advocacy: Advocate for residents' rights to equal access, proper accommodations, and non-discriminatory care in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Prefer bachelor’s degree in special education, social work, counseling or related field preferred, or equivalent Knowledge of state regulations for assisted living communities experience.
• Exceptional fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and familiarity with tactile sign language, Pro-Tactile, and diverse deaf-blind communication systems.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant professional experience working with elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or within a specialized deaf and blind community.
• State certification (e.g., Support Service Provider/SSP certification), First Aid, and must maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with seniors, families, and staff.
• High level of empathy and understanding for the needs of older adults.
• Strong critical thinking and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient in managing multiple tasks, schedules, and resident records.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Create and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm and cheerful environment.
• Must maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment.

We believe caring for others starts with caring for our own teams. Our benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind—so you can focus on making a difference every day.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Low individual and family deductible. - Benefits eligible at 30+ hours/week.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Premium Pay for Holidays worked, conditions apply
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Canopy: Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs & work/life balance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account)
• Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance Options: Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, plus Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services.

“At Avamere Communities, we love to celebrate our diverse group of hardworking employees. We value diversity and believe forming teams in which everyone can their true, authentic self is key to our success “We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.