Community Accessibility Specialist

Dept of Health and Human Services

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Casework Associate II (S)

60043239

NC06

DSDHH is hiring! We are seeking a Community Accessibility Specialist to join The Wilmington Regional Center, which serves 12 counties.

 

**A Sign-on bonus of $4000 may be offered to the successful applicant(s) of this posting, contingent on Budget Approval.**

 

Eligibility for Sign-on Bonus: To qualify for the Sign-on Bonus, a newly hired permanent full-time or permanent part-time employee must work 30 to 40 hours per week to be eligible. Those who are eligible and working less than 40 hours a week will receive a prorated rate.

 

An employee is not eligible for a sign-on bonus if:

The employee has held a position in the North Carolina State government, including the judicial system, or the University of North Carolina system, within the last 12 months (the employee shall remain ineligible for 12 months from the separation date).

The employee has previously received a sign-on bonus from any State agency.

DHHS has paid any contract placement or recruitment fees. All Sign-on Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire.

 

Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found here: https://oshr.nc.gov/documents/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy-effective-august-15-2023/open

 

The Community Accessibility Specialist is a vital advocate for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind North Carolinians in need of communication access to government agencies, first responders, service providers, businesses, transportation (buses, airport), and public venues. Travel will include coverage of the region’s 12 counties and occasionally outside the region as needed, occasionally involving early mornings, nights and weekends.

 

In this role, the Community Accessibility Specialist will:

Build capacity with agencies, service providers, and businesses to ensure accessible communication for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals across varied settings.

Train, advise, educate, and consult on communication accessibility for people with hearing loss (including combined vision and hearing loss). Topics may include communication modalities, technology, language, cultural norms, accessibility barriers, and practical solutions.

Provide recommendations and resources to improve communication access in community and service environments.

Set up assistive technology at DSDHH events and offer guidance on appropriate technology for consumers and service providers.

Collaborate on events with agencies, organizations, and facilities serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community members.

Set up exhibition booths and demonstrations which include loading and unloading equipment (up to 30 lbs).

Participate in professional networking through meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Create, review, and revise reports, articles, and informational materials.

 

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Training on communication accessibility topics

Consultation for agencies, service providers, and consumers to strengthen communication accessibility and capacity-building

Public outreach on resources, events, and information related to communication accessibility

Development and implementation of events, programs, and initiatives

Technical assistance with assistive technology and Weather Alert Radio (WAR) equipment

Administrative and documentation tasks

 

Teleworking is based on business needs at the manager's discretion. Ability to travel, work after/before hours and weekends, lift, load, and unload equipment up to 30 pounds required.

LaWanna Baker