Job Openings

Helen Keller Services

01/31/2023

SUMMARY

Primary focus will be to provide one on one services to consumers to assist with achievement of employment outcomes, with a commitment to a fully inclusive community-based environment. The DeafBlind Employment Specialist will also offer training and technical assistance to their families and service providers. This position carries out identified and specific targeted activities, as outlined by the state’s DeafBlind Interagency Team (DBIT) to assist the HKNC Regional Representative and interagency team with building capacity within the state. The DeafBlind Employment Specialist will work in tandem and report directly to the HKNC Regional Representative. State and community partners in the states the DeafBlind Employment Specialist work with will assist in identification of gaps in services in these states that will further delineate job responsibilities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Provide one-on-one and group-based employment-focused, direct services to consumers in the designated state. Service is provided in a format, such as face-to-face or virtual training, that is mutually agreed upon with the consumer based on their communication preference that is appropriate for the particular area of training;

Work collaboratively with local service providers and local community partners to develop a team to execute Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Community Partners may include Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), community rehabilitation programs (CRPs), schools for the deaf and schools for the blind, centers for independent living (CILs), and other entities.

Provide additional direct services as needed which may include assistive technology (AT), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) assistance, self-advocacy training, and other casework as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Assist with identifying service gaps and unmet needs of consumers with HKNC Regional Representative and community partners.

Assist with providing outreach opportunities to educate Vocational Rehabilitation personnel about the capabilities of DeafBlind individuals and share HKNC programs and services.

Be the liaison and professional trainer to work with the Helen Keller National Center and Vocational Rehabilitation, and home team members to support a consumer transitioning back to the consumer’s home community after completion of HKNC on campus training (includes residential and employment domains). In addition to, but not be limited to, supported employment, customized integrated employment and other areas requested by training goals for successful outcomes.

Assist with providing training and mentor to the community and state employment specialists to expand awareness, knowledge, and advocacy efforts about work-site related accommodations; work with VR and businesses to create work experience opportunities, leading to employment.

Collaborate with consumers, and community partners to identify DeafBlind youth and adults for inclusion in the HKNC National Registry.

Assist with identifying professional learning opportunities and assist with the initial assessments for trainings needed in the state. This may include support from IRPD, assisting with coordination and provision of training.

Assist with coordinating with the State DeafBlind Projects working with transition age youth, their families, and educational personnel, linking educational team with VR and other resources including HKNC and adult services in the community. Attend IEP meetings, if necessary.

Work jointly with the DeafBlind Immersion Experience (DBIE) coordinator for referral, implementation of follow up recommendations and continued follow up training for home team providers;

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, special education or a closely related degree with three to five years of experience;

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Fluency in a wide-variety of communication methods and adaptations used by youth and adults, who are DeafBlind, (including, but not limited to):

• American Sign Language, and
• Sign language, in English word order

POSITION BENEFITS 

This is a Full time position with benefits including: 

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance 
• Paid Time Off 
• 11 Paid Holidays Off 
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability
• Additional Ancillary Benefits 
• 403b Program w/Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Advancement opportunities 
• Professional Development 

E_mail: eoliver@helenkeller.org

Phone: (516) 833-8301 Ext:268

Cert: Any Certification