How to hire a deaf/hard of hearing specialist

How to hire a deaf/hard of hearing specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step deaf/hard of hearing specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a deaf/hard of hearing specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new deaf/hard of hearing specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a deaf/hard of hearing specialist job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your deaf/hard of hearing specialist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a deaf/hard of hearing specialist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a deaf/hard of hearing specialist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a deaf/hard of hearing specialist that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of deaf/hard of hearing specialists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Deaf/Hard Of Hearing Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Deaf/Hard Of Hearing Specialist	Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.	$15-33
   Translator	A translator is an expert of one or multiple languages, responsible for transcribing communication between parties for easy comprehension. Translators often work with written documents, relaying the core context and original message from the source... Show more	$12-33
   Freelance Translator	A freelance translator is an independent contractor specializing in translating audio or written materials into a particular language. They primarily communicate with clients to identify their needs and preferences, including project specifications such as deadlines and format... Show more	$12-34

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • ASL
   • DHH

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage FDA regulate products requirements for ISO2000 quality assurance.
   • Develop individual educational plans (IEP) design to promote educational, physical and social development.
   • Maintain HIPAA compliance, review records and make recommendations for medical devices.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your deaf/hard of hearing specialist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A deaf/hard of hearing specialist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, deaf/hard of hearing specialists' average salary in nevada is 60% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level deaf/hard of hearing specialists 53% less than senior-level deaf/hard of hearing specialists.
   • Certifications. A deaf/hard of hearing specialist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a deaf/hard of hearing specialist's salary.

   Average deaf/hard of hearing specialist salary

   $48,495yearly

   $23.31 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level deaf/hard of hearing specialist salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 18, 2026

4. Writing a deaf/hard of hearing specialist job description

   A job description for a deaf/hard of hearing specialist role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a deaf/hard of hearing specialist job description:

   Deaf/hard of hearing specialist job description example

   The purpose of the Technology Specialist is to provide services to persons with hearing loss, including those who are Deaf, hard of hearing and late deafened; to identify solutions based on the needs of the individual and their family and strive to improve quality of life for these persons by providing essential training and information. Training may include information on communication strategies, assistive technology, hearing
   
   Sorenson Communications is committed to connecting people beyond words. Our customers rely on us, and our innovative technology, to quickly deliver accuracy in every conversation. We are industry leaders because of our passion, care, and commitment to excellence. Our workforce is the foundation of our success, and our deeply rooted mission is shared throughout our organization. Our employees are united and proud to be part of this important human interaction, and we understand that everything we do creates connections and enhances relationships.
   
   Sorenson Communications LLC. (and subsidiary CaptionCall) offer Video Relay Service (VRS) through American Sign Language (ASL), allowing Deaf and hearing people to communicate in their preferred language. We also provide onsite and remote interpreting services between English and various other world languages. CaptionCall (a division of Sorenson) offers Internet protocol captioning communication service (IP CTS) using advanced technology and a captioning agent to quickly provide written captions.
   Mission... Leveraging the Power of Language, we connect lives and enrich the human experience
   
   Vision.... To provide global language services that expand opportunities, nurture belonging, and empower the world to connect beyond words
   
   Values... Integrity, Diversity, Belonging and Impact
   
   Essential Duties and Responsibilities
   
   Be responsible for receiving requests, managing, and providing support needs of the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and late-deafened population in an assigned region Manage case load independently in assigned region, prioritizing requests to ensure adequate services are provided Identify and assess the technology needs of persons in the target population who are unserved and underserved and provide outreach and support services as appropriate Serve as a resource for information to the general public to raise awareness of hearing loss and available resources for the target population Provide individualized client services to the target population or provide trainings in group settings to service providers, businesses, family members, and clients Ensure an appropriate and varied inventory of current technology geared towards communication access for demonstration purposes Conduct workplace technology assessments and offer reports with solution options for employers Provide individualized demonstration, assessment and recommendations of assistive technology for people with hearing loss. Provide training on hearing aids, such as hearing aid features and basic tips for purchasing and using Provide basic training on cochlear implants and resources available related to this technology Provide training on communication strategies and managing hearing loss for people who are late-deafened or hard of hearing. Develop partnerships with state and local service provider agencies, federal agencies, law enforcement agencies, courts, school systems, institutions of higher education, private businesses, service organizations, etc., to facilitate equal access to provide outreach and support services. Follow-up on service referrals to provide assistance as needed and to ensure delivery of services Provide appropriate training to service providers to enhance access to the provision of existing services to the target population Develop training materials regarding applicable state and federal access laws as well as technological devices for Deaf and hard of hearing people Provide training in one-on-one and group settings to service providers and consumers to carry-out the goals of the program Received and process incoming videophone calls requesting assistance Maintain accurate records of activities and submit reports on a weekly basis to supervisors for billing purposes Serve as a public spokesperson on issues related to Deaf people and hearing loss as a company representative Perform other duties as assigned
   
   Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities Required
   
   Ability to communicate effectively in conversational mode utilizing various forms of manual communication including American Sign Language (ASL); not required, but preferred Ability to multitask efficiently and effectively Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English Have knowledge and ability to address the unique communication needs and issues of persons who are hard of hearing, late-deafened or deaf; Have knowledge of basic audiological concepts and how loss of hearing affects access to language and basic information as related to age of onset, severity, and type of loss; Have a knowledge base of local and state resources and services available to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing; Knowledge or experience in interviewing techniques to determine the service or communication access and advocacy needs of individuals
   
   Experience/Education/Certifications
   
   Bachelor degree in a human services area or related field and one year of experience serving people who are deaf or hard of hearing preferred Public speaking ability and experience
   
   Other General Requirements/Additional Notes
   
   Physical Demands
   Able to sit/ stand for a long period of time Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, tools, and to handle other computer components Regular and predictable attendance required. Positive attitude, team player, good interpersonal communication skills and able to work across company departments. This position has access to highly confidential, sensitive information relating to the employees and customers of Sorenson Communications. It is essential that applicant possess the requisite integrity to maintain the information in strictest confidence. Ability to independently travel in the metropolitan area. Where driving is required, access to a vehicle, valid driver's license, and personal vehicular insurance at the minimum state required level If you are applying for a role which requires face to face interactions with co-workers or customers, you will be required to comply with our company's vaccination policy.
   
   As a condition of employment, all employees are required to comply with the vaccination or testing requirements outlined in our company policy (for certain roles) as soon as practicable. Our policy requires either proof of vaccination or compliance with our vaccination exemption process.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
   
   The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right deaf/hard of hearing specialist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your deaf/hard of hearing specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit deaf/hard of hearing specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting deaf/hard of hearing specialists requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new deaf/hard of hearing specialist

   Once you've decided on a perfect deaf/hard of hearing specialist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new deaf/hard of hearing specialist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a deaf/hard of hearing specialist?