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Last issue's most-read story: SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS FACE CUTS IN 2016, TRUSTEES SAY / The New York Times
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NATIONAL
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Washington, DC
JUSTICE DEPT. LOOKING INTO TREATMENT OF DEAF INMATES
The Justice Department is investigating how deaf inmates are treated at the Arlington County detention center, following the lawsuit of a man who alleged that he was virtually unable to communicate with his jailers during a harrowing, weeks-long stay there. Attorneys for the county sheriff’s office and the man whose allegations piqued federal authorities’ interest have been in talks recently about settling the matter, and they asked a federal judge to put the lawsuit on hold to help facilitate those discussions and the investigation by the Justice Department, a court filing shows. / The Washington Post
Indianapolis, IN
INDIANA TO PAY $124K TO SETTLE DEAF MAN'S SIGN LANGUAGE SUIT
Indiana has agreed to pay $124,500 to settle a federal lawsuit a deaf man filed after being denied a sign-language interpreter so he could follow court hearings in which his mother was a party. Steven Prakel and his mother sued the state, three judges in southeastern Indiana's Dearborn County and others in 2012, alleging violations of federal disability laws. The suit said Prakel was denied access to a sign-language interpreter in 2010 and 2011 during a probation revocation hearing and related hearings in Dearborn County's courts for his mother. / The Associated Press
White Plains, NY
LAWSUIT: DEAF COUPLE DENIED SIGN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
A deaf couple is suing the Westchester Medical Center, claiming they were denied a sign language interpreter when the husband was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack, Alfred and Maritza Ortiz were discriminated against because of their disability, received substandard care and endured "humiliation, fear, anxiety and emotional distress," they say in papers filed July 13 in U.S. District Court in White Plains. The federal lawsuit also names the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown as a defendant, saying the couple's request for an interpreter was also denied there. / LoHud.com
Southgate, MI
DOCTORS SETTLE CLAIM FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
Two Michigan practices have reached a settlement after allegedly violating the American with Disabilities Act by not providing sign language interpreters to patients who are deaf, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced. The U.S. Attorney’s office determined that Arshad Pervez, who operates a medical office in Lincoln Park, informed a deaf individual who requested an appointment that the office would not provide an interpreter, denying the individual the opportunity to receive care. A complaint was also filed that Flint-area doctor, Srinivas Mukkamala, did not provide an interpreter for a deaf parent who arrived for an appointment for his young child. / The News Herald
Boston, MA
MASSACHUSETTS TESTING PROGRAM TO CLEAR WAY FOR DEAF JURORS
Massachusetts is testing a program that would enable profoundly deaf people to serve on juries in state courts with the help of sign-language interpreters, in an effort described by advocates for the deaf as the most extensive in the United States. The program, which has so far been tested in eight of the state's 14 counties, aims to provide deaf Massachusetts residents summoned to jury duty with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters from the moment they arrive at a courthouse, through jury selection and trial, officials said on Friday. / Reuters
Grand Rapids, MI
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS NOTIFIED OF CHANGES IN ORAL DEAF PROGRAM
Parents with hearing impaired children enrolled in the Grand Rapids Oral Deaf Program will receive a letter this week informing them of the restructuring of duties the audiologist performs, officials with Grand Rapids schools say. The letter is coming earlier than intended because news that an audiologist who retired in June would not be replaced sparked concerns from parents and a retired special education teacher about the level of support and services. / MLive.com
Washington, DC
DIRECT VIDEO CALLING INCREASES ACCESS FOR DEAF CITIZENS
We are pleased to announce that two agencies that routinely interface with the disabilities community — the U.S. Census Bureau and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — will soon be taking up direct video calling technology to allow Deaf citizens to communicate directly with ASL-fluent call operators there. This work responds to the President’s 2011 executive order calling upon agencies to use technology to improve customer service, and is another step in the right direction. / whitehouse.gov
Greensboro, NC
DEAF MAN RESTRAINED, ROBBED BY 2 MEN IN GREENSBORO
A deaf man was restrained and robbed by two men in Greensboro early Wednesday morning. The victim, Wolfjung Wolfburger, told police that he was walking on West Friendly Avenue near the West Market Street split at 4:30 a.m. when the two men approached him from behind. He said the men physically restrained him and took his property. / myfox8.com
Austin, TX
8 JUVENILES ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT OF A DEAF WOMAN
Eight juveniles have been arrested in connection to a string of robberies in Austin according to police. Police believe the juveniles are also responsible for the attack and robbery of a deaf woman in a Brentwood neighborhood on July 20. While they have eight suspects in custody police say there is still a warrant out for the arrest of one more suspect in the assault. / KXAN
Bushnell, FL
10-YEAR-OLD BOY SHARES THANKS IN POIGNANT PHOTO AT NATIONAL CEMETERY
A beautiful moment was frozen in time when a 10-year-old boy visited the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell to see the final resting place of his relatives. In a photo captured by his mother, Darren, who is hearing disabled, gave a blessing to the veterans using the sign language symbol for "I love you." / MyFoxTampaBay.com
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INTERNATIONAL
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Melbourne, Australia
JUDGE GRANTS BAIL TO DEAF MAN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY CHARGED WITH MURDER
Bail has been granted to a deaf and intellectually disabled man accused of murder, with a Victorian Supreme Court judge ruling that he has suffered hardship in custody because he does not understand prison culture. Jake Fairest, 26, is charged along with Georgia Fields, 18 and Warwick Toohey, 36, with the murder of Robert Wright, who died three days after falling from the second-floor balcony of a Ringwood apartment on January 15, 2015. The victim was deaf, as are all three defendants. / ABC
Edgewater, Australia
ATTACK ON DEAF WOMAN 'GUTLESS'
A 74-year-old deaf woman was allegedly bashed during a home invasion at a retirement village in Edgewater today. The elderly resident, Pat, allegedly arrived home about 11am to find a 30-year-old woman in the backyard of her independent living unit at Mercy Hostel. It will be alleged she was then assaulted by the younger woman, who was later arrested nearby after allegedly trying to steal a truck. / The West Australian
Nottingham, England
17-YEAR-OLD ROTEM ASHKENAZI WINS 2015 WORLD DEAF TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Israel Tennis Centers proudly announced that 17-year-old Rotem Ashkenazi, who trains at the ITC - Ramat Hasharon, was crowned world champion at the inaugural 2015 World Deaf Tennis Championships in Nottingham, England, this past weekend. Organized by the Tennis Foundation, the leading tennis charity in Great Britain, the tournament featured deaf athletes from 20 different countries around the world. / Broadway World
Kenya
UBER ADDS FEATURE TO ALLOW KENYAN DEAF DRIVERS TO EARN INCOME
Deaf and hard-of-hearing Kenyans are the first in Africa to benefit from a ground-breaking innovation that will help them earn an income as drivers. The development follows a collaboration between Uber, the innovative smartphone app that seamlessly connects riders to drivers, and the Kenya National Association of the Deaf. / allAfrica.com
Rustenburg, South Africa
FOUR IN DOCK FOR DEAF WOMAN'S RAPE
Four men accused of raping a deaf and dumb woman appeared in the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court, North West police said on Wednesday. Police spokesperson Major Pelonomi Makau said the four appeared in court on Tuesday. The rape had allegedly taken place on Sunday. / iol.co.za
Vadodara, India
DEAF-MUTE HELD FOR THEFTS
Two persons including a deaf and mute man were arrested on Thursday. The accused, identified as Nagji Thakor and Soma Jhadav, were arrested after police got a tip-off regarding the presence of stolen vehicles at their residence. "Based on the information we received, our staff kept a watch outside the house of accused. We arrested the two when they were commuting on a motorbike. Jhadav, who is deaf and mute, wrote his name when we interrogated him," said a police inspector. / The Times of India
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LIFE & LEISURE
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Internet
HEARING AIDS MEET THE FUTURE WITH BLUETOOTH TECH
The most game-changing wearable device on the market right now may not be a fitness tracker or a smartwatch: It's a hearing aid. Unlike fitness trackers, which are often tucked away in a drawer in just a few months, hearing aids are changing the way that people with hearing impairments live in the digital age, researchers say. Small, discreet and often Bluetooth-enabled, the new generation of hearing aids look more like something out of a spy movie than a doctor's office. / LiveScience
Longwood, FL
FLORIDA CONGREGATION LAUNCHES CHURCH ONLINE INTERPRETED FOR THE DEAF
A Central Florida congregation that pioneered church online during the last decade has launched a new option for worshipers: live streaming services interpreted for the deaf and hard of hearing. Available at NorthlandChurch.net Sundays at 11 a.m. (ET), the interpreted service is easily accessible on any mobile device, laptop or desktop. Worshipers can view the entire service alongside an interpreter via picture-in-picture window. / PRNewswire
New York, NY
NEW YORK CITY'S DEAF CATHOLICS FIND A NEW HOME
Some readers may recall the controversy surrounding the announcement last year that a parish serving New York’s deaf community was going to close. Now, an update, via Catholic New York: After three decades at St. Elizabeth’s parish, deaf Catholics are about to embark on a new chapter for worship and social gatherings at St. Thomas More parish. Both parishes are located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, approximately six blocks apart. And the faithful at St. Thomas More are more than ready to welcome them, according to the pastor. / Patheos
Rochester, NY
MAKING THINGS BETTER: HLAA ROCHESTER
The Democrat and Chronicle’s problem solver, Jon Hand, occasionally profiles a group in our community that is dedicated to solving a specific problem. Today’s group is HLAA Rochester (formerly Hearing Loss Association of America Rochester Chapter Inc.). / Democrat and Chronicle
Internet
HOW BEING DEAF MAKES ME A BETTER MOM
Zoe sat cross-legged on the living room floor, palms cupping her chin. “Do it again, Daddy!” she said. “Do it again.” My husband’s hands flew as he painted a landscape of Santa with his sleigh and reindeer, zooming across the starlit sky, then landing on the roof and squeezing down the chimney. Snow was falling, and the moon was dark. With his hands and facial expressions, in ASL, Tim was creating a magnificent vista, telling the story of the fat man getting stuck in the chimney...and Zoe was laughing. / Rodale's Organic Life
Divide, CO
REJECTED HEARING-IMPAIRED DOG ADOPTED BY DEAF MAN
Finally, after months of living at a Colorado shelter, a rejected hearing-impaired dog named "Connor" was adopted by, get this: a deaf man. It's one of those stories that will melt the hearts of animal lovers the world over. The abandoned dog's story began last year when he arrived at the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter. He would call it his home for months primarily because the sweet dog, possibly a mixed-breed terrier, has a hearing disability. The staff at the animal shelter realized early on that something was wrong with the new resident: he wasn't responding readily to simple commands. / Star Pulse
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What is Trauma?
An informational video. See the attached vlog in ASL.
http://healthbridges.info/?p=1825
Trauma is defined as any situation that shatters your sense of security or makes you feel unsafe or vulnerable.
A person is most likely to have emotional suffering from the event if it was not expected or the person felt unprepared or powerless. Learn more about how trauma can affect a person and where you can find treatment in the video below.
The HealthBridges website offers information about social services, advocacy and behavioral health topics and resources for persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of hearing
Happy summer from the HealthBridges Team!
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WORKING WORLD
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Rockaway Beach, NY
DEAF MAN FIGHTS BACK AGAINST TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL THAT REFUSES TO TEACH HIM
He looks like anybody, starting a vehicle, going to work, getting on with life. Only, this life, this story, is a little different. Kenneth Frilando is deaf and his story is worth hearing. He claims the "Smith & Solomon School of Tractor Trailer Driving" in Linden, New Jersey won't take him on as a student. He says he also has a New York commercial driver's license, and a safety waiver, and now he's filed suit. "I need to break that door down because that's not fair," he said. / WABC
Hartford, CT
MANCHESTER COLLABORATION YIELDS 'C SPEAK'
Tim Blonsky knows how to overcome barriers. The 35-year-old Marlborough resident has only about 30 percent hearing. With a hearing aid, he can hear at 70 percent, but he still misses a lot, he said. "I face language barriers every day," Blonsky said. "I miss out on a lot of things in conversations." Blonsky, who works helping people with disabilities find and sustain employment, is working to help ensure that other deaf people don't have to miss anything. / The Hartford Courant
Harrisonburg, VA
DEAF STUDENTS, FACULTY MEMBER WRAP UP NSF-FUNDED RESEARCH
Performing chemistry research at James Madison University this summer has been quite a learning experience after graduating from Radford University in May with a degree in biology, said Kelsey Wessman. Dr. Adebowale "Debo" Ogunjirin, a visiting assistant professor from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., has enjoyed teaching in the program because, among other things, he likes working with students and helping them understand his research in medicinal chemistry. / James Madison University
Northfield, MN
MARY DEE KUKLOK LENDS HER EAR TO DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING STUDENTS
After 36 years of helping deaf and hard of hearing students, Mary Dee Kuklok is leaving her teaching ties behind and looking for other ways to help the deaf community. Kuklok started teaching in 1979 and moved to the Northfield School District for the 1999-2000 school year. As a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing, Kuklok spent most of her day traveling between schools and various students’ homes in order to work with them on a one-on-one basis or in a small group. Kuklok worked with early childhood students all the way through students in high school. / Northfield News
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Austin, TX
'TRIBES,' FAMILY DRAMA ABOUT DEAF SON, WILL PLAY TEXAS WITH AWARD-WINNING ORIGINAL STAR
Tribes, British playwright Nina Raine's drama about a deaf man seeking a new life outside his dysfunctional family, will be produced by the Austin, TX-based Zach Theatre in early 2016. The show's original star, Russell Harvard, will return to the role of Billy. Harvard, who is an Austin-based actor, won the Theatre World Award and Drama League Award for his performance in the Off-Broadway production in which he played a young deaf man who was never taught sign language, but has learned to adapt to life by reading lips. / Playbill
Colorado Springs, CO
INTERPRETERS IN 'WEST SIDE STORY' HELP UNITE HEARING, DEAF COMMUNITIES
Many of us probably don't think twice about what a play or musical would be like if we couldn't hear it. Not local theater director Renee Davis. She'll direct a production of "West Side Story" with shadow interpretation for Village Arts of Colorado Springs, a nonprofit Christian arts organization that provides performances and educational opportunities throughout the Pikes Peak region. "It's not enough for the deaf to come and watch a show that is interpreted over in a corner," Davis said. "It's not fair and it's not a good experience. / The Gazette
Boston, MA
DEAF, BLIND DANCER HELPS TEACH OTHERS
Throngs of men and women young and old crowded a South End courtyard for “Salsa In The Park,” swinging their hips to the upbeat music in the hot city heat. On one of the dance floors, Kerry Thompson was teaching a group of youngsters how to dance salsa and bachata. Their eyes were fixed on her. They had to watch her closely. Her students are deaf, and they’re bravely hitting the dance floor despite not being able to hear a note of the music. / Boston Herald
San Diego, CA
BRIAN GUENDLING MAKES WONDERFUL MUSIC HAPPEN, WHETHER YOU HEAR IT OR NOT
Brian Guendling has a soul deeper than the trenches he has to fight through. The former Poway Titan turned Texas Stater proving that you can change the world with one simple step. Of course, those that glue themselves to the PPR screen each fall know what Guendling is capable of. Coach Shack himself informed us back in 2011: "The most interesting thing about Brian is that he's fluent in sign." / KUSI
Internet
CORUS -- MUSIC FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED
If you’ve walked down a city street recently, or taken public transportation, you have likely noticed that half the people passing you have earpods tucked into their ears. Listening to music has long been a cultural pastime and it has become easy to carry it with you wherever you go. I suppose it was just a matter of time and research before a product was created that allowed people who are deaf or hearing impaired to enjoy a musical experience too. / The Dieline
Frederick, MD
INCREASE DEAF ACCESS TO THE PERFORMING AND CINEMATIC WORLD
Performing arts and cinematic arts allow us to express ourselves, show our creativity and imagination, and share our ideas and feelings. Numerous studies have shown that engaging in the arts can lead to increased cognitive growth, expand our capacity for empathy and create social bonds. Art can also be captivating and pleasurable. In 1988, the National Council on the Arts approved the following resolution: “The National Council on the Arts believes that the arts are essential to leading a full and productive life, and reaffirms its support for making the arts available to all people, including those with physical and mental disabilities.” / Frederick News-Post
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SPORTS
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Germantown, TN
REBELS' SHEPARD OFFERS INSPIRATION AT SCHOOL FOR DEAF
Every morning, Tee Shepard would crawl out of his parents’ car when it rolled to a stop in front of school. He’d flash a smile, wave goodbye and watch the car cruise out of sight. At one time, the Ole Miss junior defensive back would reach around the back of his ears, peel off his hearing aids and stuff them deep into his pocket. His classmates and teachers had no idea he couldn’t hear them. He remembers regularly coming home in tears after being teased all day. / Clarion Ledger
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EMPLOYMENT
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You can advertise your job openings here for just $20 a week (up to 100 words, 10 cents each add'l word). To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.
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Translator/Interpreter in Frostburg, MD
This position is responsible for translating calls to and from the deaf, hard of hearing or individuals having difficulty speaking. Calls must be translated accurately and call content must be held in strict confidence. Associate’s Degree in Deaf Education Studies; or three to five years related sign language interpreter experience/training; or equivalent combination of education/experience. Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedure manuals, safety rules, and operating and maintenance instructions. Proficient in understanding and use of American Sign Language (ASL) and ability to translate between ASL and English. Must pass a written certification test. Apply on-line at: www.workforhamilton.com.
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Rochester Institute of Technology
Employment Advisor
Position #1868BR
Full-time
Summary:
Develop and enhance employment opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing students from NTID/RIT for both coop/internships and permanent employment.
Required Experience:
3-5 years in business/industry or educational environment, preferably related to human resources, marketing, or career services.
Skills:
•Strong Presentation skills, persuasive skills in marketing or sales, advising skills, group facilitation/training skills and written communication skills
•American Sign Language communication and knowledge of Deaf culture or willingness to learn.
Minimum Education Level: BS
To apply go to:
http://careers.rit.edu/staff
Deadline: August 31, 2015
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Washington School for the Deaf
The Washington School for the Deaf is recruiting to fill the following permanent positions for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year:
• Math Teacher
• Job Coach/Teaching Assistant
• Part-time Transportation Monitors
Each of these school-year based positions includes benefits package w/medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement, paid leave, etc. Must have ASL skills and pass criminal background check. Visit www.careers.wa.gov and find recruitments under official agency name “Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss”. Online application only. Visit the school’s website at www.wsd.wa.gov for more information. Positions are open until filled. EOE
April Lynch, SPHR
Human Resources Office
Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDHL)
Washington School for the Deaf (WSD)
(360) 418-4326 (V)
(360) 334-5780 (VP)
www.wsd.wa.gov
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Teacher of the Deaf Job Opportunities
The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is accepting applications for Teacher of the Deaf current vacancies for the 2015-2016 school year:
• English / Language Arts (Secondary)
• Mathematics (Secondary)
• Science (Secondary)
• Transition Teacher / Employability Center
• Distance Learning / Outreach Programs
Interested persons are invited to visit the CSDB website at … http://csdb.org/ , where the official job announcement may be found in its entirety.
Contact information:
Chelle Lutz, Human Resources
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind
33 N. Institute Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
clutz@csdb.org; 719-578-2114; 719-578-2239 (fax)
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Come Work With The Best!
Northeast Arc has full and part-time positions, working with adult individuals who are deaf, available in Lynn, Salem, Swampscott and Beverly, MA. You'll be working with deaf individuals using various communication skills including gestural, written and Signed English. Do you know ASL? If so, I'd like to speak with you about our direct care positions. We offer an excellent benefits package, paid trainings and the support you will need to become a successful part of our experienced, long-term team of professionals. For additional information or to send your resume, please email Kathy Tracy Ktracy@ne-arc.org.
Compensation: $15-$16 an hour for full-time $13-$13.50 an hour for part-time
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PAHrtners Deaf Services
A Division of Salisbury Behavioral Health
PAHrtners Deaf Services is a dynamic team of behavioral health professionals serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults. Our environment is one of incredible teamwork and mutual support with a staff comprised of 85% Deaf or Hard of Hearing. As a result of our commitment to the Deaf/HoH community, PAHrtners is rapidly growing with the creation of new programs and expansion of our existing programs. Whether you are a high school graduate, recent college graduate or professional with many years of experience in the field of human services, we have a career building position waiting for you! E.O.E.
To apply for any of the positions posted, please send your letter of intent and resume to:
Bernadette Class, Office Manager
PAHrtners Deaf Services
614 N. Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Email: info@pahrtners.com
Phone: 215-884-9770
Fax: 215-884-6301
PITTSBURGH, PA POSTIONS AVAILABLE:
Job Title: Residential Counselor for Deaf Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Employee Type: Various positions available (Full-time, Part-time, On-call)
Description: This position provides direct services to adults with intellectual disabilities and behavioral health needs living in our residence. Responsibilities include: assisting with daily living skills instruction and training; aiding in community integration; transportation; medication observation; writing progress notes. All shifts are available (day, evening, overnight and weekend).
Qualifications: HS diploma; valid driver’s license; advanced fluency in ASL; demonstrated competency in independent living skills; ability to teach, advise and motivate Deaf consumers; strong interpersonal skills. Certified as a Peer Specialist, a plus!
GLENSIDE, PA POSTIONS AVAILABLE
Job Title: Assistant Program Director, Case Management Program
Location: Glenside, PA
Employee Type: Full-time position
Description: This position assists in overseeing the blended case management program provided to adults and children residing in the community. Responsibilities include: assist the program director in daily supervision of case managers; coordinate with other service providers; help manage program expenses; support consumers living in the community by working together to enhance their independence and socialization.
Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in the Human Services field is preferred. Minimum of a HS diploma, 12 credit hours in social sciences and two years’ related experience; valid driver’s license; advanced fluency in ASL; demonstrated ability to supervise, teach, advise and motivate staff members as well as Deaf individuals. Must possess strong interpersonal, leadership and time management skills. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends as needed and travel to various areas within the community. Knowledge of laws governing the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals including IDEA and ADA a plus. Certified as a Peer Specialist, a plus!
Job Title: Case Manager
Location: Glenside, PA
Employee Type: Full-time position
Description: This position provides resources and support to individuals and their families who reside in the community and in our residential programs. Responsibilities include: assess service needs of individuals to ensure continuum of care; develop service plans; provide independent living skills instructions; advocate for access to public and private programs such as medical and vocational services.
Qualifications: BA/BS degree in a Human Services field preferred; or high school diploma + 12 credit hours in social science with two years’ behavioral health direct care experience. Must have strong organizational skills, fluency in ASL and familiarity with other visual communication modes and language levels. Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends as needed and travel to various areas in the community. Knowledge of laws governing the rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals including IDEA and ADA a plus; must have a valid driver’s license. Certified as a Peer Specialist, a plus!
Job Title: Nurse
Location: Glenside, PA
Employee Type: Full-Time position
Description: This position provides medical support to individuals within all departments, heavily concentrated on the residential programs; provide first aid, assessment of illness/injuries, administer medication/injections; coordinate individual care with PAHrtners staff, outside providers & families; conduct training for staff; write reports; maintain documentation to meet program(s) licensing requirements.
Qualifications: Licensed BSN/RN with certification as a nurse educator. Experience working in the field of behavioral health and sign language skills a plus.
Job Title: Residential Program Assistant
Location: Glenside, PA
Employee Type: Full-Time position
Description: This position provides support to the residential management team in completing all necessary regulation reports, managing resident’s finances, overseeing medication management and conducting other residential support work as assigned.
Qualifications: A high school diploma with a minimum of one year of experience in administration in the human services field. Must have strong writing skills, organizational and time management skills; computer proficiency in MS word and Excel; fluency in ASL and the ability to work as a team. Understanding of residential care settings a plus.
Job Title: Staff Interpreter
Location: Glenside, PA only
Employee Type: Full-time, Part-time or Flex available
Description: This position provides interpreting services for: psychiatric evaluations, treatment meetings; family therapy sessions, home visits with PAH case managers and Deaf children and adults, meetings which involve hearing participants and staff meetings. Must be able to work with a team of hearing and/or Deaf interpreters.
Qualifications: AA degree with a minimum of three years’ interpreting experience OR BA degree in interpreting with one year of experience. Knowledge of mental health and/or developmental disabilities a plus. Compliance with PA Act 57 (RID Certified & Registered with ODHH) also required.
Job Title: Residential Counselor
Location: Glenside, PA
Employee Type: Full-time, Part-time or Flex available
Description: This position provides direct services to adults with intellectual disabilities and behavioral health needs living in our residence. Responsibilities include: assisting with daily living skills instruction and training; aiding in community integration; transportation; medication observation; writing progress notes. All shifts are available (day, evening, overnight and weekend).
Qualifications: HS diploma; valid driver’s license; advanced fluency in ASL; demonstrated competency in independent living skills; ability to teach, advise and motivate Deaf consumers; strong interpersonal skills. Certified as a Peer Specialist, a plus!
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION: Executive Director
DATE: June 1, 2015 until filled
LOCATION: San Leandro, CA
STATUS: Exempt, Full-time
Organization: Deaf, Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency (DCARA), is a non-profit, community-based social service agency serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened and Deaf-Blind community. Established in 1962 as one of the first Deaf-run agencies in the country, DCARA provides a comprehensive range of programs and services to the Deaf community living in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area of California.
Vision: Global recognition, pride, respect for ASL, equality, and justice exist for all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and Deafblind people.
Mission: Promote and advocate for the rights of full access to American Sign Language and English, education, employment, and cultural identity of, by, for, and with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and Deaf-Blind people.
For more information, please visit: http://www.dcara.org
Position
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for DCARA's staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. S/he will initially develop deep knowledge of field, core programs, operations, and business plans.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Management:
• Ensure ongoing local programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals.
• Actively engage and energize DCARA’s volunteers, board members, event committees, alumni, partnering organizations, and funders.
• Serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board of Directors and participates in Executive Sessions by invitation of the board; seek and build board involvement with strategic direction for ongoing local operations.
• Lead, coach, develop, and retain DCARA's management team.
• Ensure effective systems to track progress, and regularly evaluate program components, so as to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents.
Budget and Finance:
• Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices and work with the Finance Committee and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
• Expand local revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing program operations and regional expansion.
• Design the expansion and complete the strategic business planning process for the program expansion.
• Establish relationships with the funders, and political and community leaders.
• Be an external local and national presence that communicates program results with an emphasis on the successes of the local program as a model for regional and national replication.
Qualifications
The ED will be thoroughly committed to DCARA's mission. The candidate should have proven leadership, coaching, and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:
• A Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Management, Social Services or a closely related field preferred, with at least 5 years of extensive experience that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the principles and knowledge of nonprofit management.
• A minimum of three years of experience related to nonprofit (501 c. 3) community based organization with management and supervision of a large staff.
• Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships.
• Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
• Strong written skills and fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is preferred and also a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning.
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.
• Experience in the development and administration of social service programs specifically for Deaf and hard of hearing persons. Practical experience with grant procurement, management and fundraising projects preferred.
• Knowledge of the current trends impacting Deaf people as well as sensitivity and ability to work effectively with a diverse population of people.
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and possess a current and valid Driver’s License along with a copy of current auto insurance.
Salary is negotiable. Benefits package included.
Interested applicants, please electronically submit a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for this position along with a resume and three references to:
Email: Search@DCARA.ORG
Mail: Executive Director Search Committee
DCARA Headquarters
14895 East 14th Street, Suite 200
San Leandro, CA 94578-2926
(Be sure to mark confidential on the envelope)
Position open until filled
DCARA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
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