Deaf-Blind Telecommunication Access Coordinator

POSITION:        Deaf-Blind Telecommunication Access Coordinator, NDBEDP Program

REPORTS TO:     Deaf-Blind Services Coordinator

STATUS:             Exempt

WC CLASS:                 Teacher

JOB PURPOSE:

The Deaf-Blind Telecommunication Access Coordinator (DBTAC) works directly with the Deaf-Blind Services Coordinator and an off-site team of Deaf-Blind Access Technology Trainers to provide telecommunication equipment (per the federal Deaf-Blind Telecommunication Equipment Program guidelines) and training with Deaf-Blind Californians who are eligible for the Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (DBEDP).  While this position is primarily based out of the LightHouse satellite office at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, this position is a combination of center based and itinerate training throughout northern and southern California.  Per the DBEDP, recipients can be any age, but must be deaf-blind, which includes persons who are hard of hearing and blind or low vision and hard of hearing.  The DBTAC is responsible for providing 1:1 instruction and using an interpreter as required.

The DBATC is specifically responsible for assessing the skills of each approved applicant, and working with the consumer to determine the best fit of hardware and/or software to meet their telecommunication needs.  The access technology equipment for a recipient can include, but is not limited to: PC or MAC computing systems; SMART phones; refreshable braille displays; note takers and/or screen magnification or speech software   Additional supportive equipment may also include: noise canceling headphones, large print keyboards or other relevant hardware to ensure the recipient has full access and us to their equipment. The DBTAC must have the ability and experience to use and train recipients on the access technology related to the DBEDP.   

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEES:

As employees, we should:

  • Read, understand, and adhere to all Agency policies and procedures.
  • Conduct ourselves in a professional manner on and off the job, knowing that we are representatives of LightHouse.
  • Perform all job responsibilities.
  • Maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward everyone.
  • Communicate regularly and appropriately with our supervisors, and colleagues within our own departments.
  • Demonstrate efficient time management and the ability to prioritize our assignments.
  • Consistently report to work on time, and be ready to begin performing our assigned duties and responsibilities.
  • Work productively.
  • Continue to learn and communicate a blindness-positive philosophy based on best current practices in the field.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education or equivalent: Bachelor’s degree (preferred) in Computer Science,  Rehabilitation Engineering, Rehabilitation Teaching, Teacher of the Visually Impaired or comparable degree with a minimum of three years’ experience teaching AT;  OR AA degree / relevant classes in related field with five years’ experience  (preferred) in teaching/working with persons who are deaf-blind, blind or low vision or deaf-blind.

Experience: Expertise and understanding of PC and MAC operating systems including all built-in accessibility for each system.  Demonstrate full understanding of and ability to teach aspects of telecommunication access programs such as e-mail, and general internet access and use. Demonstrate ability to teach use of access elements of SMART phones (Apple and Android) for telecommunication.  Fluency in American Sign Language preferred. Proficient Braille user preferred, but not required, however ability to teach use of Braille displays is required.  Experience with and knowledge of working with all ages and levels of computer users.

Other: Sensitivity and awareness of the unique communication needs of persons who are deaf-blind. Ability to communicate in a variety of communication modes (e.g. ASL, Signed English, visual and tactile, written, typing and/or assistive listening devices) or have comfort in working with and arranging interpreters as needed. Excellent written and verbal communication including experience in facilitating outreach presentations. Ability and willingness to work with individuals of varying degrees of technology skills.  Excellent time manage skills, and complete training and reporting in a timely and professional manner. Flexibility to facilitate training on site, at the homes or community sites. Ability to travel and manage travel arrangements independently. Project management experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to: Carry or transport 20lbs; sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for long periods of time; operate standard office equipment; travel independently (bus, taxi, airplane, train, car rental).

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

    • Conduct individual training in the use of access technology products and application software for persons who are deaf-blind.
    • Develop training standards/curriculum as necessary and ensure all staff are meeting training standards.
    • Conduct full access technology assessments for NDBEP and provide written recommendations for equipment and training.
    • Facilitate Train-the-Trainer opportunities ensuring LightHouse AT Specialist are current and effective in training deaf-blind recipients.
    • Coordinate and implement outreach and presentations in the community or at conferences as requested.
    • Train AT Specialists and Deaf-Blind Associate how to set up equipment for recipients (from computers to SMART Phones) prior to delivery.
    • Meet training and reporting requirements to satisfy the FCC’s mandates for the NDBEDP (reviewed on an annual basis).
    • Complete accurate entries of student information into the LightHouse student database (Salesforce)
    • Complete monthly billing and personal reimbursement on a timely basis (by the 5th day of each month). Work with the Deaf-Blind Manager to remain in annual budget compliance.
    • Maintain professional communication with referring entities; respond to student referrals within three business days.
    • Maintain professional and timely communication via e-mail and voice mail with students, community partners and colleagues.
    • Maintain and respect recipient confidentiality.
    • Multiple night travel is required for this position. Travel coordination essential.
    • Professional Development: willingness to learn new information related to Deaf-Blindness and new telecommunication equipment used by persons who are deaf-blind.
    • Test, evaluate and recommend new equipment.
    • Provide support to the administrative duties of the Deaf-Blind Services Manager as requested (ie, when on vacation).
    • Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Work with the Deaf-Blind Services Manager to ensure current and new AT specialists are executing all aspects of program requirements which included: timely and effective consumer assessment (as requested) and training; equipment set-up and delivery; salesforce data entry; time management and reimbursement documentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer to all. Qualified applicants are considered regardless of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, military veteran status, political affiliation, height, weight or any other factor unrelated to the job.

We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace free of harassment, in accordance with California law. Employees are expected to behave in accordance with these objectives.

All LightHouse employees are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time. Employment is at the mutual consent of theemployee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”).

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest; thanks for your understanding.

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