SSP/CoNavigator Coordinator

Helen Keller Services•Sands Point, NY

6d•$0 - $58,000•Onsite

About The Position

Helen Keller Services (HKS) is seeking a full-time SSP/CoNavigator Coordinator to join the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) team. This role is responsible for developing and implementing a Support Service Provider (SSP) Program for individuals who are DeafBlind attending or working at HKNC. The position also incorporates the CoNavigator model to empower consumers in advocacy, communication, and self-sustainability. Key focuses include leading communication access initiatives in ASL, Haptics, and Protactile Language, and participating in experiential research to support DeafBlind individuals. HKS is committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss, aiming for independence, employment, and quality of life.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Human Services, Sign Language Interpreting, Special Education, or a closely related field and 5 years of experience working with DeafBlind individuals OR an associate’s degree with 8 years of administrative experience and 5 years of experience working with DeafBlind individuals.
A minimum of five years of direct, professional experience working with the DeafBlind community.
Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required.
Computer proficiency using current versions of the Microsoft Office Suite is required.

Nice To Haves

Direct knowledge and applied experience with Support Service Provider (SSP) services, program coordination, and CoNavigator frameworks is highly preferred.
Advanced proficiency and functional knowledge of Tactile American Sign Language (TASL), Haptics, and Protactile Language is preferred.
Functional knowledge of Braille is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and schedule SSPs, CoNavigators, and unpaid volunteers, matching them with DeafBlind consumers and HKNC staff based on communication skills and personal preferences.
Provide instruction to consumers on effective collaboration with SSPs and CoNavigators to foster self-sustainability and independence.
Ensure consumers, staff, SSPs, CoNavigators, and volunteers adhere to established program policies and procedures.
Provide evening and weekend training or coordination support as required to accommodate consumer needs.
Coordinate communication accessibility training to enhance the agency's use of direct ASL, Haptics, and Protactile Language.
Partner with Information, Research, and Professional Development (IRPD) to develop curriculum and facilitate specialized training workshops.
Provide direct instruction in Haptics, Protactile, and/or Tactile American Sign Language to DeafBlind participants.
Execute recruitment strategies to source potential SSPs and volunteers from diverse community channels.
Foster community partnerships to expand recruitment pipelines and develop external training opportunities.
Collaborate with the leadership team to build public awareness regarding HKNC programs and promote DeafBlind culture and inclusion.
Document and implement strategies for adapting the SSP/CoNavigator model for DeafBlind individuals with additional complex disabilities.
Maintain service quality by providing operational guidance and support to SSPs and volunteers, offering feedback.
Administer program logistics, including processing invoices, evaluating consumer satisfaction, and resolving program barriers.
Maintain comprehensive programmatic records, tracking service assignment utilization and providing documentation for program budgeting/performance reporting.
Participate in grant writing and other strategic initiatives to secure funding, support grant reporting, and promote program expansion.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or Director of the Department.