Deaf Services Specialist

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.

DSDHH is hiring! We are seeking a Deaf Services specialist to lead community development, advocacy, public outreach and awareness, and training at the DSDHH Wilson Regional Center.

A sign‑on bonus of $4,000 may be offered to the successful applicant(s) of this posting, contingent on budget approval.

• Train Deaf consumers, service providers, and agencies on special topics including ADA laws, self‑advocacy, education issues, and mental health services.
• Assist the Wilson Regional Center with community development by developing and maintaining a collective of resources and materials on videotapes, information, books, and materials on ADA, social services, sign language, Deaf culture, etc.
• Serve as a consultant to agencies on how to serve Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind individuals; provide assistance to Deaf consumers and the Deaf community to meet personal/family needs.
• Maintain public relations through writing articles about Deaf issues, serving on Deaf advisory groups and task forces, and representing the interests and needs of the Deaf population in Wilson.
• Advocate for Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind individuals in all matters of daily life such as employment, law, medicine, and education.
• Provide awareness and sensitivity training to related service providers to help them accommodate the needs of the Deaf community.

Salary Range: $35,596 - $62,294 (Recruitment Range: $35,596 - $42,255)

• Previous experience in social and cultural activities with the Deaf and Deaf Blind and/or elderly population.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, programs and services relating to Deaf and Deaf Blind North Carolinians.
• Effective public presentation skills.
• Ability and commitment to communicate effectively with Deaf and Deafblind people.
• Basic knowledge/skills in American Sign Language.
• Position is eligible for a hybrid‑teleworking schedule to include weekly onsite work hours.

Bachelor's degree in a field relative to the program from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related work experience with the client population; or Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in a related programmatic area providing experience in a techniques of casework, group work, or community organization; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, the NCFlex program, paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, as well as paid parental leave for eligible employees.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities, known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

• Submit the online application in its entirety; resumes alone will not be accepted.
• Provide comprehensive information under Education, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses.
• Answer supplemental questions and provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section.
• Only the most recent application received before the closing date will be considered.
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check if selected for a Position of Trust.

For any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talent acquisition.gov.