Deaf Services Program Specialist in New Orleans, Louisiana at The Lighthouse for The Blind in New Orleans

JOB SUMMARY

The Deaf Services Program Specialist (DSPS) provides direct program support, coordination, and advocacy services for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DHH) in support of the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) contract. The DSPS manages key service programs, coordinates consumer appointments and interpreter services, maintains program documentation and reporting requirements, and supports outreach and education initiatives that increase awareness of accessibility and communication access. This position ensures quality service delivery by helping consumers access resources that promote independence, reduce communication barriers, and improve overall quality of life.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage the LCD Hearing Aid Program (HAP) and Telecommunication and Assistive Technology Program (TAP) in a manner that supports the Lighthouse’s great reputation as a quality service provider. Meet contract deliverables and follow procedures for documentation.
2. Complete Needs Assessments and refer clients to appropriate resources in a timely manner.
3. Schedule American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to support Lighthouse employees and clients in service programs who are Deaf when needed. Process invoices to ensure timely and accurate payment to contractors.
4. Maintain consistent and accurate records by procedure to ensure prompt and accurate documentation of all consumer appointments.
5. Prepare monthly invoices for LCD programs to include supporting documents for submission to the Director of Deaf Services (DS) for approval in a timely fashion. Upload invoices and supporting documents into the LCD database upon approval.
6. Maintain and grow a database of information and resources to support individuals who have hearing loss to promote their independence, reduce communication barriers, and address their common needs.
7. Schedule consumer appointments and interpreters in a timely manner to avoid delays in service.
8. Engage in outreach, advocacy, and education events to grow referrals and create awareness for the rights of people who have hearing loss. Provide polished and professional presentations as needed.
9. Collaborate with department leadership and the Communications Team to develop key relationships that are critical for the success of the program. Support Lighthouse tours and special events as needed to showcase DS programs.
10. Collaborate with department leadership to ensure consistency in the provision of services across regions and to support each other when needed.
11. Demonstrate a proactive approach to serving the DHH community and to educating the general public to reduce barriers to communication.
12. Stay current on issues that impact DS programs and participate in training opportunities that positively impact the DS programs.
13. Always adhere to RID’S Code of Professional Conduct as well as to HIPAA regulations and other privacy laws.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: High School Diploma; Some college education in related field preferred.
2. Special Knowledge or Skills: Strong interpersonal communication skills and fluency in written English required. Conversational ASL preferred. Knowledge of Deaf culture and communication practices preferred. Knowledge of adaptive equipment and assistive technology for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing preferred. Excellent organizational, time management, customer service, analytical, and problem-solving skills required. Ability to complete tasks efficiently, accurately, and autonomously. Ability to Work independently and in a team-oriented, diverse, fast-paced environment. Able to execute verbal and written instructions promptly and accurately. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Experience with databases, scheduling systems, and basic accounting functions preferred. Excellent written communication skills required with ability to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively to hearing and non-hearing individuals in a professional manner required.
3. Experience: Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a related field, preferably interacting with the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing community, including but not limited to administrative support, clerical, or customer service. Experience with managing a waitlist to schedule consumer appointments timely.
4. Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
5. Physical: Must be able to perform the necessary functions of the job, be able to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 35 pounds. Must be able to drive to outlying parishes in own vehicle.
6. Personality Traits: Maintain a professional appearance and attitude. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to follow directions and respond to feedback. Demonstrates patience and professionalism while providing quality services to consumers of all ages and backgrounds. Must display confidence in interactions with consumers, community partners, staff members, and supervisors. Flexible, detail-oriented, self-directed, and motivated to develop new skills. Able to manage multiple priorities while working independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
7. Working Conditions: Office setting with regional travel to provide services, outreach, education, and advocacy activities. Proof of insurance and a valid driver's license required.
8. Office and Regional Travel Capability. Proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license required.
9. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. May require occasional evening and weekend work.
10. Background Check, Drug Testing, and Motor Vehicle Report Required: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results. Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Must be able to drive long distances and maintain the necessary insurance coverage required for business travel and mileage reimbursement.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.