Deafblind Specialist

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Brief Job Description:

The deafblind specialist works under the direction of the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program (BCVDDP) policy and program development manager within the office of Health and Independence to provide advanced (senior level) highly complex case management and consultative services to children who are deafblind and their families, statewide, to achieve their goals towards independence. The deafblind specialist provides highly complex technical assistance to caseload-carrying staff and other service providers to address the impact of the child’s combined vision and hearing loss. Through consultation with the blind children's specialist, assessment, planning and direct service provision, the deafblind specialist facilitates children’s optimal development in the areas of adjustment to blindness, independent living, travel, communication and vocational discovery and development. This position provides families of children in BCVDDP services with support in finding and coordinating local, state and national resources. The position also develops ongoing relationships within the deafblind community to coordinate services, works with supervisor and team lead to identify programmatic needs and recommend policy changes, and provides training and mentoring to other specialists. Work at this level is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs related work, as directed.

Essential Job Functions:

EJF 1: Provides and documents high quality BCVDDP services including assessment, planning, direct skills training, parent education, consultation, technical assistance and support in finding resources for children who are deafblind and their families. (40%)

EJF 2: Develops and provides highly complex technical assistance and training specific to the needs of caseload carrying staff and other service providers regarding the impact of combined vision and hearing loss, case management and related concepts. (30%)

EJF 3: Represents agency and serves as a liaison to statewide and local agencies, organizations and service providers in order to market, improve or expand services to target population; makes presentations to community partners on topics related to combined vision and hearing loss and related topics, as requested. Participates in the identification of statewide and systemic service needs and the development/recommendation of program policy changes and program goals related to deafblind services. (10%)

EJF 4: Maintains compliance with program requirements, accounts for and monitors case service expenditures and delivery of deafblind services to maintain adherence to established funding/expenditure directives. Coordinates with the blind children’s specialist and blind children's service specialist to ensure that all available comparable benefit resources are utilized prior to the program funds to purchase services. Provides information and guidance to ensure the team researches potential service providers to ensure the best value for the program to meet the child’s needs. (10%)

EJF 5: Completes professional development activities and trains staff in individual one-on-one settings as well as acts as a subject matter expert for program trainings on deafblind services. (10%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Working knowledge of child growth and development.

Working knowledge of impact of combined vision and hearing loss on child development.

Working knowledge of American Sign Language, augmentative communication, and other communication systems.

Working knowledge of the psychological, social, pre-vocational issues faced by individuals with vision and hearing loss.

Working knowledge of counseling techniques as applied to children with disabilities.

Working knowledge of community resources applicable to children with vision and hearing loss.

Working knowledge of report and record maintenance principles and practices.

Working knowledge of program policies and procedures.

Working knowledge of case management principles and standards.

Skill in using personal computer and familiarity with Windows environment and Microsoft Office software.

Skill in assessing and providing appropriate counseling, guidance and other assistance in connection with the established program plan.

Skill in monitoring service plans.

Skill in providing hands-on training for consumers and families using non-visual learning techniques.

Skill in planning and executing training activities for staff.

Ability to formulate an individual program plan with the child and family based on assessment data.

Ability to clearly express ideas, instructions, and reports orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, and outside agencies and organizations.

Ability to coordinate statewide services for children and families and manage workload by organizing and prioritizing tasks and deadlines.

Ability to plan and provide mentoring and support of peers.

Ability to evaluate and monitor program effectiveness.

Ability to assess peer work and complete case reviews for quality assurance.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Initial Criteria

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Experience providing case management or services to children who have a combined visual and hearing loss and other disabilities
• 1 year of experience assessing needs and developing service plans
• Experience developing and providing training and technical assistance

Preferred Criteria

• Experience serving as a mentor or coach to team members
• Experience teaching adaptive techniques to people at different developmental levels, different ages, and those with multiple disabilities
• Experience developing  community partnerships to meet program or client needs

Additional Information

Applications must be complete, and grammar will also be assessed. Interviewee selection is based on applicant demonstrating a clear match to all minimum criteria, and preference is given to those applicants matching the majority of preferred criteria. Applicants must complete an assessment upon submission of their application. Interview selection will be based upon a combination of clear match to criteria and the assessment. Resumes will not be considered in lieu of a complete application nor for supplemental consideration in meeting initial criteria. This position is eligible for telework consistent with HHSC telework policy, which is subject to change. Employees will be required to work in their assigned office multiple days a week. This position will support families statewide and will require travel, both local and statewide.

This position is posted statewide for internal Blind Children’s Program candidates. For external candidates this position is located in Austin or Dallas. Position location may be flexible based on Health and Independence office availability.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.