Deaf Resource Specialist

The Deaf Resource Specialist will develop and facilitate resources and supports that will meet the needs and interest of deaf and hard of hearing individuals served by Harbor Regional Center.  Position provides on-going short and long term resource needs assessments for deaf and hard of hearing resources.  Participates in activities within Harbor Regional Center’s service area to support clients and providers in creating integrated opportunities for the people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Essential Duties

• Support the expansion of services to the deaf community through resource development.
• Draft Request for Proposals (RFP’s), program design review and develop, maintain and monitor vendor contracts.
• Develop Quality Improvements measures to assist the provider community in providing quality services to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
• Provide consultation and training to Harbor Regional Center Staff
• Coordinate with the Department of Developmental Services and other Regional Centers in an effort to expand resources for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

OTHER:

• Communicate with service coordination and others to determine any specific issues or concerns with a service provider.
• Conduct on-site visits to determine whether clients are receiving high quality services.
• Interview and or survey families regarding the quality of services.
• Coordinate referrals for the opening of new resources including training of administrators and staff.
• Facilitate problem-solving in complex circumstances.
• Investigate complaints or client special incidents about services; maintain communication with service coordination and community services management and follow-up and communicate with the designated HRC staff.
• Identify and respond to the needs of service providers for information, provide advice and guidance with the goal of increasing their knowledge of service standards, philosophies and methods for serving the deaf and hard of hearing with varied and multiple needs including special health needs and behavioral challenges.
• Work with service providers to promote individualized or integrated services to improve/increase client independence, opportunities for choice, meaningful participation in daily living activities and access to the community for work, leisure time and interpersonal relationships.
• Provide technical assistance to staff, vendors, clients and the community on resources, regulations, unmet needs and quality assurance in services for deaf and hard of hearing with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a positive and collaborative manner.
•  Coordinate training opportunities for service providers.
• Uses VirtualCHART to document all significant contacts with service providers, clients and families, consultations with other staff and clinicians; ensures accuracy and completeness of information.
• Participates in community events as assigned.
• Attends and participates in team and department meetings; attends training programs and courses to develop and maintain skills.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality regarding clients and families in compliance with HIPAA regulations and Regional Center policies.

Secondary Duties

Performs related duties as required,

Environment/Physical Activity

The incumbent is in a non-confined setting in which they are free to move about at will. The environment for this position is mostly clean and comfortable but may include some minor annoyances such as noise, odors, drafts, etc. In addition, the incumbent spends time at group homes and other community facilities. The incumbent will be exposed to volatile and emotional clients and their families.                                                                                       

In the course of performing this work, the incumbent will also be required to travel via personal vehicle or public transportation to other facilities, group homes, service providers, and community locations as needed. The incumbent:

 Will spend time sitting, utilizing the computer.

Will spend time standing/walking throughout the facilities and group homes.

May lift up to 15 lbs. periodically.  If more, the incumbent must request assistance.

May stoop or stretch to access file cabinets, shelves.

May be grabbed, pushed or hit by a client.

 The individual in this position may operate any standard office equipment including telephones, copy machines, scanning equipment, computer peripheral equipment, etc.

 Computer software may include any or all of the following:

Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel

VirtualCHART

Zoom

Abode Acrobat

 The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely, without endangering their health or safety or that of others.  Individuals with disabilities that may impact their ability to perform these duties are encouraged to meet with Human Resources to discuss options for accommodation. 

Position Requirements

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this job.  Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

•  To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have:
• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or similar human services discipline is preferred.
•  Three to five years of experience with supporting people who are deaf and hard of hearing 
• Must be able to effectively communicate verbally and be fluent in American Sign Language.
•  Experience working with families from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• A comprehensive working knowledge of the laws and regulations associated with Regional Center clients and services (i.e. Title 22 and Title 17 Regulations governing community care and those with developmental disabilities).
• An understanding of family systems and human dynamics, and knowledge of developmental disabilities.
•  Working knowledge of community resources to address the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing clients.
•  Current California driver’s license and State-required insurance required when using personal vehicle on Center business and a driving record acceptable to the organization and/or its insurance carrier.
•  Ability to make oral presentations and present at signing events.
•  Effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to write reports that may be interpreted within the legal system.
•  Strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to apply independent judgment in critical situations
• Ability to be flexible and work in a changing environment.
• Computer skills sufficient to meet production demands of the job including Microsoft Office, Zoom and VirtualCHART software for client notes and reports.
• Ability to work varied hours including occasional evenings, nights and weekends as needed.
•  Knowledge of emergency procedures of the Regional Center.
• Ability to model positive behaviors and Regional Center values.

 Other Requirement:

Upon job offer acceptance, candidates will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster if eligible. A reasonable accommodation may be requested for an exemption from the COVID-10 vaccination requirements. 

Please send resume to HR@harborrc.org