POSITION SUMMARY:

To provide language interpretation for deaf-blind individuals in a variety of setting that include deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and hearing individuals or groups.  Act as a resource for community development and liaise with related consumers and communities.

To provide intervention services to deaf-blind individuals and to coordinate all aspects of the various programs and services in the north-eastern region.  Work in conjunction with the CNIB Deaf-Blind Services and the Regional Director to effectively meet the on-going needs of deaf-blind individuals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service:

• Interpret and provide intervention services to facilitate interaction between a deaf-blind individual and his/her environment by means of a variety of communication methods such as ASL, Signing Exact English, Two Hand Manual, One Hand Finger Spelling, Large Print Notes, Braille and Gestures according to individual preferences. May provide oral interpreting for individuals who require a visible representation.
• Accompany the deaf-blind individual on a variety of activities and acts as interpreter, instructor and sighted guide in a variety of settings for social and daily activities, crisis and medical situations.
• Provide intervention to clients and their families (when requested) for social and daily activities, crisis and medical situations where clear communication is required.
• Assess clients’ overall mental, emotional and physical/personal needs and assist clients to establish goals towards establishing and maintaining independence.  In addition to communication issues, act as a support person/coach/advocator, etc. throughout each situation as required. Make referrals and assist in smooth service delivery.
• Instructs and acts as a role model for deaf-blind clients in the following areas: communications, daily living skills, life skills, money management, home management, community awareness, safety awareness, personal hygiene and grooming, usage of communication devices, literacy and numeracy
• Provide intervention and facilitation to deaf blind client in the work place which would include workplace assessment, sensitivity training to employer/employee
• Recruit, train, place and provide on-going supervision to volunteers
• Provide counselling and support to deaf-blind individuals and their families with regards to deaf-blindness; make appropriate referrals for counselling on other issues and act as Intervenor during these situations
• Instruct in self-advocacy and act as an advocate on deaf-blind person’s behalf to the agency, family members and community contacts
• Travel to and from assignments and provide transportation or accompany client to and from appointments.
• Act as a sighted guide (eyes and ears) for deaf-blind individuals
• Act as a resource/advocator for deaf-blind issues, awareness and training
• Other duties as assigned

Administration:

• Receive requests and coordinate schedule for service
• Maintain accurate records and statistics (hours of work and expenses)
• Maintain and update accurate client reports and quarterly reports
• Maintain and update database
• Initiate and follow-up on correspondence and telephone calls from clients, referral sources and funding sources
• Develop and implement individual client programs as required.
• Other duties as assigned

Community Education:

• Prepare and present workshops to consumers and community groups on intervention and related services
• Educate consumers on appropriate role of Intervenor
• Advocate on behalf of deaf-blind clients for individual rights, accessibility and accommodation with external contacts
• Liaise with deaf, deaf-blind and hearing communities to determine and respond to services needs
• Participate in community events and special events as required, e.g. May Month, United Way Campaigns, etc.

Professional Development:

• Attend professional workshops, conferences and continuing education related to intervention
• Attend all department and agency staff meetings
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation and trends
• Acquire and maintain ASL proficiency to the level required for the position

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Reports to Regional Director, Sudbury

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three year Interpreter Training Diploma or Intervenor Certificate from George Brown College
• Three to five years experience working with deaf-blind persons; experienced in teaching various communication techniques
• Excellent sign language skills over the continuum from American Sign Language (ASL) to English, both receptively and expressively
• Experience working with deaf-blind persons and effective communication skills using ASL, Exact English, Two Hand Manual, Braille, etc.
• Demonstrated professionalism in an unbiased manner; and in-depth understanding of confidentiality and trust issues
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Enthusiastic and excellent creativity and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
• Knowledge of French/LSQ an asset
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Internet
• Proficiency in American Sign Language required
• Demonstrated sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment
• Some evenings and weekends required
• Regular local travel with clients and occasional out-of-town travel e.g. Professional Development, etc.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle