STAP Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program Specialist (American Sign Language Needed) (Beaumont)

PART TIME POSITION IN TEXAS

American Sign Language needed for this role.

Job Summary

The purpose of the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program is to assist individuals with disabilities, whose disability interferes with their ability to access the telephone system, to obtain specialized telecommunications devices or services to facilitate access to the telephone system.  STAP Specialists are local service providers contracted for support with this application process. A STAP Specialist is able to certify qualifying disabilities for eligible applicants, give guidance on the types of devices and services supported by the program, and submit completed applications to the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program Outreach and Training Specialist will be a contractor with the Office of Deaf and Hard of hearing Services under the Texas health and Human Services Commission.  More information about the ODHHS and the STAP Outreach and Training Program can be found on this website:  https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing

Sorenson's Resource Specialist Project is funded by the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services under the Texas Health & Human Services Commission.

Company Summary

Our Mission ... Harnessing the power of language, we connect diverse people and enrich the human experience.

Our Vision ... T provide global language services that expand opportunities, nurture belonging, and empower the world to connect beyond words.

As one of the world's leading language services providers, Sorenson combines patented technology with human-centric solutions.  We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for underrepresented people through communication solutions for all: call captioning and video relay services, over-video and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. 

Sorenson's impact vision and plan extends to supporting employment opportunities for diverse employees, customers, and communities.  As a minority-owned company, we are committed to expanding opportunities for underserved communities while promoting an inclusion workplace for our own employees. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Be responsible for receiving requests, managing, and providing support needs of the disabled population in an assigned region.
• Develop and execute outreach strategies to generate new leads and secure clients & customers.
• Build and maintain relationships with potential and existing clients/customers through effective outreach efforts.
• Manage case load independently in assigned region, prioritizing requests to ensure adequate services are provided.
• Identify and assess the service needs of persons in the target population who are unserved and underserved and provide outreach and support services as appropriate.
• Conduct workplace and home technology assessments and offer reports with solution options for individuals who cannot use traditional telephone systems.
• Develop partnerships with state and local service provider agencies, federal agencies, law enforcement agencies, courts, school systems, institutions of higher education, private Businesses, service organizations, etc., to facilitate equal access to provide outreach and support services.
• Follow-up on service referrals to provide assistance as needed and to ensure delivery of services.
• Provide appropriate training to service providers to enhance access to the provision of existing services to the target population.
• Develop training materials regarding applicable state and federal access laws as well as technological devices for disabled individuals.
• Provide training in one-on-one and group settings to service providers and consumers to carry-out the goals of the program.
• Received and process incoming videophone and telephone calls requesting assistance.
• Maintain accurate records of activities and submit reports on a weekly basis to supervisors for billing purposes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• This position has access to highly confidential, sensitive information relating to the employees, customers, and technologies. It is essential that applicant possess the requisite integrity to maintain the information in strictest confidence.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively in American Sign Language (ASL)
• Ability to communicate effectively utilizing assistive technology.
• Have knowledge of a variety of specialized assistive devices and software used by persons with disabilities in accessing the telephone network.
• This role requires someone who thrives on building relationships and driving new business through targeted outreach efforts.
• Have knowledge of the telephone network access needs of persons with disabilities
• Knowledge base of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Act, and Sections 501 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and various applicable state and local laws
• Knowledge or experience in interviewing techniques to determine the service or communication access and advocacy needs of individuals.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish preferred.

Education:

• Have an AAS degree or better in a human services area or related field and four years of proven knowledge and experience serving people with hearing loss and disabilities.

Other General Requirements:

• Physical Demands
• Ability to sit/stand for a long period of time.
• Dexterity of hands/fingers to operator a computer mouse, keyboard, tools, and other computer components
• Regular and predictable attendance required.
• Positive attitude, team player, good interpersonal communication skills, and able to work across company departments.
• This position has access to highly confidential and sensitive information related to employees and customers of Sorenson Communications. It is essential the applicant possesses the requisite integrity to main the information in the strictest confidence.
• Ability to independently travel in assigned region.
• Valid driver’s license, access to personal vehicle, and vehicle insurance required.
• Knowledge and/or fluency of American Sign Language is preferred, not required.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Sorenson Communications is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.

Sorenson’s Resource Specialist Project is funded by the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services under the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.