Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Services Skill - Northeast Independent Living Program Inc

Under the supervision of the Youth Services leadership team, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Services Skills Trainerwill build relationships with local businesses and organizations to recruit for internship sites for the youth, provide job development and skills training. We are seeking applicants who are passionate about helping others and willingness to show a commitment to the Independent Living philosophy.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide Independent Living services to youth in a classroom setting in residential and public schools
• Provide Education/ Training to consumers, school personnel, families and others involved with youth about Chapters 766 and 688 mandates
• Coordinate and monitor Individual Service Plan (ISP) with each consumer
• Develop and implement academic schedules and curriculum.
• Provide Information & Referral, Advocacy, Skills Training, Peer Counseling, and Service Coordination to program participants
• Assist in the development of participants IEP/ITPS by providing pertinent information relating to transition from school community. Participate in IEP/ITP meetings as requested
• Coordinate and facilitate group recreation, skills training, peer counseling sessions
• Provide culturally appropriate services to youth and their families
• Document progress notes and monthly reports in computerized data management system
• Provide Independent Living Services to youth through job development and skills training
• Organize and coordinate annual POWER Summer Program, afterschool and vacation groups
• Establish positive working relationship with area office MRC personnel to identify students within area schools
• Coordinate and facilitate group skills training, peer counseling sessions and job development
• Coordinate transportation for IL school activities
• Schedule and attend school site meetings
• Host semi-annual, parent outreach events with school-based support
• Other duties as assigned

Interpersonal Communication:

• Model integrity, personal and professional ethics and maintain confidential consumer and organizational data
• Maintain a positive working relationship with consumers, co-workers, referral sources and others to achieve positive outcomes
• Maintain updated computer technology competencies i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and WILD

Teamwork and Cooperation:

• Work as an effective team member in a collaborative manner through strong individual contribution and commitment
• Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills, both verbally, written, and in electronic formats

Workplace Performance and Professional Development:

• Achieves positive consumer relationships within his/her control, and contributes to a positive public image of the overall organization
• Maintains a positive work setting through planning and effective use of benefit time
• Commitment to continuous improvement strategies and demonstration of the knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position
• Participates in continuing education, training, and staff development opportunities
• Provides formal and informal transfer of knowledge and peer mentoring leadership

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a strong background and awareness of Deaf culture and issues facing the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Preference will be given to persons of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community or with significant personal lived experience.

• Native or near native ASL signer Required
• Fluent in written English
• Bachelor’s degree in human services, a related field, or relevant independent living experience.
• Awareness and sensitivity to issues affecting teens with disabilities as well as multi-cultural issues.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislation related to special education.
• Excellent organization skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and provide follow-through.
• Able to work independently, as a team member, and in various group settings including schools and classrooms.
• Must meet background check requirements, including a CORI, Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and a fingerprint-based check of state and national criminal history databases.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and excellent listening skills.
• Ability to travel independently & reliable transportation required.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish, or ASL, is strongly preferred.
• Flexibility- some night and weekend work is required.

Direct Reports:

• N/A

Review Policy:

Supervisor will complete performance review with employee at the completion of a six-month introductory period. Job duties and assignments will be reviewed at this time. Thereafter, performance reviews will be completed and reviewed annually.