DHH Regional Specialist (Wage) - #DHHWE005

Title: DHH Regional Specialist (Wage) - #DHHWE005

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist I

Hiring Range: up to $20.63/Hour

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearng

Location: Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Agency Website: https://www.vddhh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) promotes accessible communication so that persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing may fully participate in programs, services and opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.

Job Duties:

The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) promotes accessible communication so that persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing may fully participate in programs, services, and opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.

We are seeking a DHH Regional Specialist (Wage).

The core responsibilities are:

Technology Assistance Program (TAP)- Respond to all consumer and public inquires via telecommunications and/or written correspondence. Maintains and updates a consumer contact form. Adheres to all TAP regulations and guidelines while assisting consumers with application process, needs assessment, provides device installation/training on specialized telecommunications equipment, and troubleshoots common equipment problems. Attend all required meetings and trainings for specialists.

Exhibits/Trainings/Presentations - Provide 12 exhibits per fiscal year displaying TAP equipment. Provides nine (9) workshops or presentations per fiscal year related to TAP, Virginia Relay, and/or individuals with speech difficulties. Provides three (3) workshops or presentations per fiscal year on topics of interest to individuals who have hearing loss and/or a hearing and vision loss. Recruit three (3) organizations to becoming Relay Partners per fiscal year.

Reporting Processing - Ensures all processed TAP applications are entered into the database within two (2) business days of distribution. Submits required monthly reports in a timely manner.

Community Services/Information and Referral - Responds to all requests for information on topics related to hearing loss and referrals to services appropriately. Documents/reports all information inquiries. Develop and categorizes niche topics for information and referrals. Remain knowledgeable on developments relevant to Virginia residents who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind. Seeks opportunities to promote services.

Requires occasional evening/weekend participation in local community events.
Extensive Travel in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas

The position you are applying for is an Hourly/Wage position. Hourly (wage) employees may not work more than an average of 29 hours a week and can’t exceed 1500 hours during their employment year. This position does not include health insurance, retirement or leave.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have -

Knowledge/Experience:

• Training and/or experience in human services. 
• Driver’s License and means of transportation.
• Some knowledge of deaf culture and communication needs and services for persons who are deaf, hard or hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-difficulties in the area of assistive technology.
• Some knowledge of laws and legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act and other disability laws related to accessibility and provision of reasonable accommodations.
• Some knowledge of specialized technology including telecommunication relay services, telecommunication equipment, assistive listening systems and other technology including set-up, troubleshooting, making Relay calls and text–to-911 calls.
• Understanding of clerical procedures such as managing files and record keeping.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency including emails, MS Office Suite, and some knowledge for various virtual meeting platforms.
• Some experience in providing customer service.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to adapt to consumers communication needs including but not limited to; American Sign Language (ASL), Tactile/Close Vision sign language, written and/or spoken English and various other communication modalities. 
• Ability to provide objective, unbiased opinions regarding consumers preferred communication methods.
• Skilled in problem solving.
• Self-motivated to continue learning about advancements in current technology.
• Comfortable with public speaking.

Additional Considerations:

• Sign language proficiency highly desirable (but not required).

Special Instructions

• This has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2-1201.1.
• A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the finalist candidate.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. PageUp provides a confirmation of receipt when your application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position. You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-662-7003

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.