Deaf Community Liaison – Part-Time

BETA Systems International•Frederick, MD

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

BETA Systems International (BSI) is seeking an experienced, ASL-fluent Deaf Community Liaison to support community engagement and accessibility initiatives in Frederick, Maryland. This position is pending subject to contract award. The Deaf Community Liaison will serve as a trusted point of contact between members of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community and local government, community organizations, businesses, and service providers. This is not primarily an ASL interpreter position. The successful candidate will use ASL as part of direct community engagement while serving as an advocate, facilitator, resource navigator, and community liaison. The ideal candidate has strong ties to or experience working with the Deaf community and understands Deaf culture, accessibility needs, and the challenges Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals may encounter when accessing public services.

Requirements

Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).
Strong understanding of Deaf culture and the experiences of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals.
Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility considerations affecting the Deaf community.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: Deaf community engagement, Advocacy, Community services, Constituent services, Social services, Ombudsman services, Mediation, Accessibility/disability services
Strong interpersonal, communication, listening, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with community members, government staff, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and service providers.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters professionally.
Ability to work independently and manage a flexible community-based schedule.
Reliable transportation for meetings, outreach activities, and community events in the Frederick area.
Ability to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings or events.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience conducting outreach or community engagement with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind populations.
Familiarity with Frederick County/City of Frederick and the local Deaf community.
Existing relationships with Deaf community organizations or service providers in the Frederick region.
Experience working with municipal, county, state, or federal government organizations.
Experience providing accessibility or Deaf-awareness education and presentations.
Experience with advocacy, case navigation, constituent services, or complaint resolution.

Responsibilities

Build trusted relationships with members of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community.
Conduct one-on-one conversations, small-group discussions, community meetings, listening sessions, and other outreach activities.
Communicate directly with community members using American Sign Language (ASL).
Serve as a point of contact for individuals with questions or concerns regarding local government programs, services, facilities, policies, or accessibility.
Help individuals identify appropriate departments, programs, community resources, and service providers.
Work collaboratively with government staff to help address or resolve community concerns.
Identify recurring or systemic accessibility barriers and recommend potential solutions.
Participate in community events, festivals, information tables, listening sessions, and other outreach opportunities.
Coordinate with Deaf community organizations and other organizations serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals.
Provide information and education regarding Deaf culture, accessibility, ADA requirements, and effective communication with the Deaf community.
Provide presentations or educational information to government staff, businesses, healthcare providers, emergency services, nonprofits, and other community organizations as needed.
Maintain knowledge of community resources, including interpreting and communication-access services, assistive technologies, social services, housing resources, and other available programs.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality and professionally handle sensitive community concerns.
Document activities, concerns, referrals, accessibility issues, and progress toward resolution.
Assist with periodic reports and recommendations regarding community needs and accessibility.
Attend periodic meetings with government staff and elected officials.
Maintain accurate records of hours worked and services performed.