Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Coordinator

South Central LA Regional Center•Los Angeles, CA

9d•$47,656 - $70,409•Onsite

About The Position

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Coordinator is responsible for supporting the expansion of deaf service resources, providing training and expertise to regional center staff, and coordinating with the Department of Developmental Services on statewide efforts. This position serves as an agency-wide support for individuals who are deaf and have developmental disabilities, aiming to identify and develop resources for improved services and supports. The role acts as a regional center's point person and subject matter expert on services for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Responsibilities include resource development within SCLARC's catchment area, participating in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and managing all steps of vendorization as outlined in California Code of Regulations Title XVII. The position will also conduct program evaluation and provide technical assistance to staff, vendors, individuals served by SCLARC, and the community regarding resources, regulations, unmet needs, and quality assurance for deaf and hard of hearing individuals with developmental disabilities. The goal is to ensure services comply with Title XVII, the Lanterman Act, agency standards, and best practices. Collaboration with the vendor community, Community Care Licensing, and the Department of Developmental Services is essential. A knowledge base of regulations is strongly recommended.

Requirements

Knowledge of American Sign Language.
Sensitivity to and understanding of deaf culture.
Knowledge of Interpreter Code of Professional Conduct and the Code of Professional Ethics of real time captioners.
Knowledge of legal requirements to provide mandated accommodations in a community setting, post-secondary education, including the ADA, Civil Rights Act, Rehabilitation Act.
Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications, including word processing, PowerPoint, and Excel spreadsheet and database applications.
Knowledge of record keeping principles and procedures.
Knowledge of smart phone usage including texting and photo and video capabilities in relation to assistive technology.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and Departmental codes, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, families, individual’s, licensing, DDS, and stakeholders, including individuals of various ages, disabilities, socio-economic and ethnic groups.
Fluently communicate both receptively and expressively in American Sign Language.
Communicate clearly and remain focused while managing constant text messages, emails, telephone/video phone calls, and face-to-face communications from vendors, staff, interpreters, captioners, and others.
Keep clear records of all schedule changes, budget projections, and miscellaneous reports.
Compose and prepare correspondence, flyers, and other written materials independently.
Perform complex and detailed calculations when processing a multitude of spreadsheets.
Remain flexible and highly organized in the face of a constantly fluctuating schedule and constantly changing priorities.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Understand scope of authority in making independent decisions.
Learn and apply emerging technologies as necessary, to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.
Review situations accurately and determine appropriate course of action using judgment according to established policies and procedures.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Fluency in American Sign Language required.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an accredited interpreter training program.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and State automobile insurance.
Full use of automobile or ability to provide for independent transportation.
Must be able to drive to various sites as assigned on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

Liaising and partnering with generic agencies that provide services for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and advocating for these services to be available to and/or adapted for regional center consumers.
Working with vendors and other entities that specialize in needed services to expand the regional center’s resource pool.
Serving as the resource person for regional center staff who provide service coordination to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Assessing the community’s unmet needs and acting as point person on resource development.
Participating in statewide collaboration with similar staff at other regional centers and DDS Deaf Access Specialist to identify best practices, strategies, and processes to implement at their regional center.
Organizing and holding trainings developed by DDS for regional center service coordinator staff and vendors and developing additional trainings and informational materials, as needed.
Overseeing that communication assessments are performed for individuals and results are incorporated into individual program plans.
Ensuring the integrity of the regional center’s data pertaining to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Evaluate the quality of skills and effectiveness of interpreters used by RC.
Assist in recruiting and interviewing qualified interpreters and real time captionists.
Facilitate interpreter orientations and other required meetings.
Prepare and provide information regarding deaf and hard of hearing accommodations.
Develop plans of correction for underperforming programs and provide follow-up as needed.
Develop, maintain and monitor vendor contracts and payment agreements.
Investigate and follow up on whistleblower complaints concerning deaf and hard of hearing individuals or services.
Collaborate with the Deaf Access Specialist of DDS and with other regional centers Deaf Specialist to determine appropriate monitoring measures for this population.
Act as the single point of contact for individuals, families, and advocacy organizations to address local-level concerns and work with SCLARC staff to resolve issues.
Receive training and support efforts from the Department of Developmental Services to offer communication assessments that inform individual program plans and are updated as individual needs change.
Performs other like duties as assigned.
Maintain respectful and clear communication with supervisor.
Accept guidance, constructive advice and supervision. Seek clarification or support, as needed.
Work alternative hours as required.
Attend all meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.
Maintain safe and functional work environment.