Support Services Provider

Support Services Provider

Type: Part-Time/On-Call (PRN)
Shift/

Schedule:

Saturdays required, All shifts available, Weekend availability needed
Wage: $24.40-$31.84/hr DOE

Location: Avamere at Chestnut Lane- 1219 NE 6th St., Gresham, OR 97030

Avamere at Chestnut Lane is a Deaf and Deaf Blind Community. Proficiency in American Sign Language and Tactile Sign Language is required for this position.

A Support Services Provider for the deaf and blind at an assisted living facility bridges communication barriers, ensuring residents receive culturally sensitive care and independent living assistance. This role involves developing support plans, facilitating sensory information, and advocating for residents' accessibility rights within the facility and community. The Support Services Provider manages and facilitates culturally and linguistically accessible services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of-hearing residents.

The primary goal is to empower residents to age in place, minimize the social isolation caused by combined vision and hearing loss, and maximize their independence.

Communication Access & Facilitation

• Sensory Interventions: Relay visual and environmental information (sighted guide) using the resident's preferred communication mode, such as American Sign Language (ASL), tactile sign language, or braille.
• Interpreter Coordination: Coordinate and oversee on-site sign language interpreters, captioning services, and augmentative communication systems for medical appointments and facility meetings.
• Daily Correspondence: Assist residents with accessing and reading mail, emails, community announcements, and other daily information.

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Service Planning: Assess individual needs and develop, monitor, and update individualized support plans (ISPs) in collaboration with residents, families, and facility nursing staff.
• Resource Navigation: Connect residents with outside agencies, financial assistance programs, and specialized counseling or habilitative training.
• Medical Liaison: Work closely with the medical coordinator and facility registered nurses to review health documentation and ensure medical follow-ups are completed

Independent Living & Community Integration

• Life Skills
  
  Coaching:
  
  Provide training on orientation and mobility, helping residents navigate the facility and build daily, self-reliant routines.
• Recreation Planning: Facilitate communication during educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities to promote meaningful community engagement.
• Outings and Errands: Coordinate and assist with transportation, scheduling, and guiding residents during off-site activities like grocery shopping and banking.

Advocacy & Staff Training

• Cultural
  
  Competency:
  
  Educate facility staff on Deaf culture, Deaf-Blind specific needs, and accessible communication methods.
• Rights Advocacy: Advocate for residents' rights to equal access, proper accommodations, and non-discriminatory care in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.

• Prefer bachelor’s degree in special education, social work, counseling or related field preferred, or equivalent Knowledge of state regulations for assisted living communities experience.
• Exceptional fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and familiarity with tactile sign language, Pro-Tactile, and diverse deaf-blind communication systems.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant professional experience working with elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or within a specialized deaf and blind community.
• State certification (e.g., Support Service Provider/SSP certification), First Aid, and must maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with seniors, families, and staff.
• High level of empathy and understanding for the needs of older adults.
• Strong critical thinking and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient in managing multiple tasks, schedules, and resident records.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information in accordance with…