Occupational Communications Specialist; ASL Fluent

At Rise, we believe that everyone deserves opportunities to live a life filled with purpose and pride. In our employment, housing, and life-enrichment services, we support people to set and achieve their personal goals. As a nonprofit, every Rise team member is driven by our mission. That shared commitment is the foundation of a workplace that embraces a culture of learning and growth by offering extensive training, competitive salaries, and a fun work environment.

We are an inspiring leader in disability services that wants to make a real difference in people’s lives!

This position is for the Minnesota Employment Center for People who are Deaf, Deaf Blind or Hard of Hearing, a program of Rise, Inc. The Occupational Communication Specialist provides pre-placement, job placement, training and long‑term employment support to Minnesotans with hearing loss who may also experience other barriers to employment. We are hiring at a level 1 or 2, depending on qualifications. This position requires reliable transportation and the ability to travel in the community for up to 75 % of the time.

It also has a hybrid work option.

• Support persons served to obtain and maintain fulfilling and rewarding competitive jobs.
• Provide individualized job placement services through regular meetings with person served to work on job seeking skills, preparing resumes and cover letters and interviewing.
• Actively cultivate competitive job opportunities with businesses and employers in the community as appropriate.
• Equip and empower individuals to be successful in their new job opportunity through ongoing support and relationship with employers.
• Adapt communication style to effectively match that of the person served.
• Train individuals to meet employer expectations including appropriate behaviors and production standards.
• Help persons served manage their symptoms well at work site.
• Advocate on behalf of individual with employer regarding job accommodations.
• Responsible for maintaining a caseload of 12‑14 people while tracking and documenting a variety of data about services provided as well as billing through electronic case management systems.
• Partner with schools and transition programs to provide pre‑employment instruction, career exploration, and job readiness curriculum.
• Become familiar with resources, services, tools and technology that will benefit individuals and/or employers in navigating communication or other social barriers.
• Utilize person‑centered thinking and motivational interviewing to best engage with person served.
• Approach services with a trauma‑informed lens.

• Ability to communicate in American Sign Language at an advanced level (SLPI score of Advanced Plus – or ability to work toward this goal).
• Knowledge and understanding of Deaf Culture.
• Must comply with and pass Department of Human Services background check (Rule 11).
• Must have a valid driver license.
• Must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background check.
• Must be able to travel to meet persons served and other business needs on a daily basis with use of a personal vehicle; mileage reimbursed.
• Must be able to provide virtual support as needed (high‑speed home internet connection available).

• Knowledge of job training practices for people who are Deaf, Deaf Blind or Hard of Hearing.
• Familiarity in supporting individuals with additional barriers to employment.
• Degree in human services, vocational or social services.
• Knowledge of variety of supported employment systems and community‑based training program models.

• Wage: $22.81 – $24.41 per hour, depending on qualifications.
• Mostly daytime work hours with some nights and weekend work (no major holidays).
• Medical insurance – single employee coverage less than $90 per month.
• Dental insurance less than $17 per month.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a 100 % vested employer match.
• Rise sponsored Basic Life & AD&D insurance.
• Voluntary Life, Short Term, and Long‑Term Disability Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Tuition reimbursement and Rise sponsored trainings (e.g., CPR, First Aid, and more) to help you be successful in your role.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) starts at 16 days during your first year, plus 2 floating holidays and 48 hours of ESST time per year.
• Employee resource groups (e.g., DEI, LGBTQ+, recognition and more).
• A fun team environment that supports your professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
• Rise is a PSLF‑eligible employer. Your qualified student loan balance may be forgiven after 120 covered payments.