Human Services Program Specialist

Human Services Program Specialist

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date

STATE OF IDAHO EMPLOYEES: If you are a current or temporary State of Idaho employee you MUST apply through Luma Opportunities. Applying through the State of Idaho's external career website will create duplicate profiles and will slow the processing of your application for a new position.

NOTICE: Due to a recent system improvement, if you have previously applied for a position with the State of Idaho, select Reset/Forgot Password and follow the prompts to access your account. For additional assistance, refer to the Candidate Guide located under Candidate Resources on the State of Idaho Careers page.

Our Mission:

To create an environment in which Idahoans of all ages, who are deaf or hard of hearing, have an equal opportunity to participate as active, responsible, productive, and independent citizens of Idaho.

Summary:

The Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) is a state agency committed to improving the quality of life for Idahoans who are deaf or hard of hearing. We serve as advocates, share vital information, and work to expand and improve access to services statewide.

Job Description:

The Human Services Program Specialist will be responsible for aiding consumers to access goods and services, assisting consumers in understanding their rights and responsibilities related to equal access, resolving issues of barriers to communication, filing complaints regarding non-compliant service providers, and providing education on a wide range of topics to improve quality of life.

This position will develop program procedures, interpret federal and state regulations that pertain to deaf and hard of hearing consumers, act as a consultant/advocate regarding accessing goods and services on all levels of government and public services. The Human Services Program Specialist will also research, analyze, and compile data to prepare reports for analysis and dissemination.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Research and identify resources available for deaf and hard of hearing consumers.
• Consult, recommend and/or coordinate programs, services, projects, and activities to improve community services and access for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Investigate funding availability and write proposals to implement or expand programs for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Develop evaluation procedures to measure the effectiveness of deaf and hard of hearing programs and services
• Establish procedures for provision of services and programs to deaf and hard of hearing consumers
• Maintain updated information and resources concerning assistive technology for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Attend and/or serve on various committees in promoting awareness of the deaf and hard of hearing
• Participate in developing and conducting community based educational workshops, demonstrations, and other training events
• Provide technical assistance and training to consumers and stakeholders to promote self-advocacy and efficacy
• May act as liaison with other agencies, departments, or organizations
• Provide direction, consultation, and mediation to work collaboratively between parties to promote the provision of accessible programs and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Develop and conduct periodic community needs assessments and determine program capacity to address the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing population being served
• Coordinate or participate in Council-related initiatives and work closely with a wide variety of stakeholders to develop products and to manage initiatives in a timely and accurate manner

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluency in American Sign Language: Typically gained by formal education or training in American Sign Language and Deaf culture OR equivalent experience through immersive interaction in Deaf and hearing communities requiring advanced spoken, written, and signed communication skills ·
• A minimum of five years of experience serving consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing: Typically gained by extensive hands-on work within the Deaf community, resulting in a deep understanding of Deaf culture, ASL linguistics, and culturally appropriate practices and barriers

This position requires the employee to have the following knowledge base:

• Issues and needs of the deaf or hard of hearing population
• Cultural norms of the community
• State and Federal laws related to deafness and hard of hearing
• Communication/coping strategies · Case study, research, and analysis
• Human relations management, counseling strategies, basic case management
• Advocacy strategies, research of case studies
• Knowledge of resources at city, state, and federal levels

This position requires the employee to have the following skills base:

• Interpersonal skills in working with deaf and hard of hearing citizens and program professionals
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships leading to better access to services for deaf and hard of hearing consumers
• Ability to conduct needs assessments of programs and services
• Ability to interpret and apply agency policy and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to compose technical writing reports/analyses

The above knowledge and skills are typically gained by completion of a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field from an accredited college or university plus relevant professional experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Please include your resume and a cover letter with your application.

Special Notification: This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Recruitment Contact: Questions about the position or the application process can be directed to Julie Davis, Human Resource Business Partner I, 208-287-6451 or Julie.Davis@VR.Idaho.Gov

Benefits: In addition to salary, the state contributes an average of nearly 40% of an employee's annual salary toward comprehensive benefits, creating a competitive total compensation package

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including but not limited to:

• One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation (PERSI) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
• 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
• Paid parental leave
• Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
• Employee assistance program

Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.