Community Accessibility Specialist

Casework Associate II (S) The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. The Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing works to ensure that all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf Blind North Carolinians have the ability to communicate their needs and to receive information easily and effectively in all aspects of their lives, especially their health and well-being. The Community Accessibility Specialist is a vital advocate for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind North Carolinians in need of communication access to government agencies, first responders, service providers, businesses, transportation (buses, airport), and public venues. Travel will include coverage of the region's 12 counties and occasionally outside the region as needed, occasionally involving early mornings, nights and weekends. In this role, the Community Accessibility Specialist will: Build capacity with agencies, service providers, and businesses to ensure accessible communication for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals across varied settings. Train, advise, educate, and consult on communication accessibility for people with hearing loss (including combined vision and hearing loss). Topics may include communication modalities, technology, language, cultural norms, accessibility barriers, and practical solutions. Provide recommendations and resources to improve communication access in community and service environments. Set up assistive technology at DSDHH events and offer guidance on appropriate technology for consumers and service providers. Collaborate on events with agencies, organizations, and facilities serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community members. Set up exhibition booths and demonstrations which include loading and unloading equipment (up to 30 lbs).Participate in professional networking through meetings, workshops, and conferences. Create, review, and revise reports, articles, and informational materials. Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities: Training on communication accessibility topics Consultation for agencies, service providers, and consumers to strengthen communication accessibility and capacity-building Public outreach on resources, events, and information related to communication accessibility Development and implementation of events, programs, and initiatives Technical assistance with assistive technology and Weather Alert Radio (WAR) equipment Administrative and documentation tasks Teleworking is based on business needs at the manager's discretion. Ability to travel, work after/before hours and weekends, lift, load, and unload equipment up to 30 pounds required. Management Preferred KSAs: Skilled in public presentation and problem solving Ability to work and collaborate with local and county agencies and service providers in 17 counties to ensure communication access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind consumers Experiences with cultural, communication tools and technologies used by Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlindBasic knowledge of federal and state laws, programs, and services relating to ADABasic computer skills such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.