Deaf/hard of hearing specialist job description

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)