Deaf Blind Employment Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Connecticut, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Deliver individualized vocational rehabilitation services that emphasize job readiness training, job development, job placement, and coaching.

• Offer both one-on-one and group employment-focused services across the New England Region, either in person or virtually.

• Collaborate with service providers and community partners to implement Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs).

• Provide assistive technology, support for daily living activities, self-advocacy training, and casework assistance as required.

• Identify service gaps and address unmet consumer needs throughout the region.

• Educate Vocational Rehabilitation personnel regarding the capabilities of individuals who are DeafBlind and the programs and services offered by HKNC.

• Act as a liaison and professional trainer between HKNC, Vocational Rehabilitation, and home team members.

• Offer training and mentorship on accommodations in the workplace.

• Collaborate with VR and businesses to develop work experience opportunities.

• Identify DeafBlind youth and adults for participation in the HKNC National Registry.

• Recognize professional learning opportunities and support regional training needs assessments.

• Implement vocational services best practices in partnership with HKNC teams and regional collaborators.

• Coordinate with State DeafBlind Projects that serve transition-age youth, families, and educational personnel.

• Connect educational teams with VR and community resources, attending IEP meetings when necessary.

• Manage referrals, follow-up recommendations, and training in conjunction with the DeafBlind Immersion Experience coordinator.

• Travel to consumer, partner, and training locations across the New England Region as required.

• Carry out additional duties as assigned by the supervisor or department director.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in vocational rehabilitation, special education, or a closely related field.

• Three to five years of relevant experience.

• Basic proficiency in computer skills.

• Experience with File Maker Pro, Outlook, and the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

• Certification in good standing with a focus on employment services, including ACRE and/or CESP (preferred).

• Familiarity with Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services agencies in the New England Region (preferred).

• Proficiency in communication methods utilized by DeafBlind individuals, including American Sign Language (ASL) and sign language in English word order (preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 4 weeks' paid vacation annually

• Paid personal and sick time

• 11 Paid Holidays Off

• Life Insurance

• Short/Long Term Disability

• Additional Ancillary Benefits

• 403b Program w/Employer Match

• Employee Assistance Program

• Opportunities for Career Advancement

• Professional Development

• Reasonable workplace accommodations