Job Openings

Helen Keller Services

05/10/2023

SUMMARY: 

Responsible for the execution of HKS’s Mission, goals and objectives through the team coordinating and providing direct services to DeafBlind youths and adults under Employment Services and Pre-Employment Transition Services. 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. 

Provides installation and training to consumers to use for distance communication in the state of Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program. 

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

The following duties are related to the DeafBlind Employment Specialist:

• Perform duties and activities as directed, consistent with HKNC and the designated state’s community rehabilitation provider agreement. Primary services provided in one-on-one direct services include the areas of vocational rehabilitation, with an emphasis on employment outcomes including job readiness training, job development, job placement and coaching. Pre-Employment Transition Services include career exploration, post-secondary counseling, work readiness training, work-based learning experience, and instruction in self-advocacy. Secondary services, identified in the agreement, are provided to positively maximize the employment outcome.
• Provide one-on-one and group-based employment-focused direct services to consumers in the designated state. Service is provided in a format 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.
• Serve as a 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 mentorship 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.
• Collaborate with consumers and community partners to identify DeafBlind youths 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 working collaboratively with HKNC Vocational Services and National Employment and Business Relations Specialist to implement best practices in the state/or region, where appropriate
• 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;

The following duties are related to the iCC Programs:

• Provides installation and training on a broad range of adaptive equipment and telecommunications equipment including: screen enlargement software, Braille displays, screen reading software, note-takers, smart phones and other devices designed and adapted for individuals who are DeafBlind.

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.
• Knowledge of Braille and sign language. 

·   Knowledge of effective record keeping and report writing

·   Use of computer hardware and software programs (MS office, MS Teams, Adobe, Zoom)

·   Use of Network Drive, FMP, KLAS databases.

·   Computer expertise (outlook, internet explorer, chrome)

E_mail: eoliver@helenkeller.org

Phone: (516) 833-8301 Ext:268

Cert: Any Certification