Summary   The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Technology Specialist will provide services to persons with hearing loss, including those recently deafened. The DHH Technology Specialist will identify solutions based on the needs of the individual and their family and strive to improve quality of life for these persons by providing essential training and information. Training may include information on communication strategies, assistive technology, hearing loss awareness, cochlear implants and hearing aids. Assistance in locating resources in the community and individual assessment of workplace, educational or community challenges are also provided.    The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Technology 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 Technology Specialist 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 and Human Services Commission.     Company Summary   

Sorenson Communications is committed to connecting people beyond words. Our customers rely on us, and our innovative technology, to quickly deliver accuracy in every conversation. We are industry leaders because of our passion, care, and commitment to excellence. Our workforce is the foundation of our success, and our deeply rooted mission is shared throughout our organization. Our employees are united and proud to be part of this important human interaction, and we understand that everything we do creates connections and enhances relationships.

Sorenson Communications LLC. (and subsidiary CaptionCall) offer Video Relay Service (VRS) through American Sign Language (ASL), allowing Deaf and hearing people to communicate in their preferred language. We also provide onsite and remote interpreting services between English and various other world languages. CaptionCall (a division of Sorenson) offers Internet protocol captioning communication service (IP CTS) using advanced technology and a captioning agent to quickly provide written captions.

Mission… Leveraging the Power of Language, we connect lives and enrich the human experience

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

Values… Integrity, Diversity, Belonging and Impact

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Be responsible for receiving requests, managing, and providing support needs of the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and late-deafened population in an assigned region
• Manage caseload independently in assigned region, prioritizing requests to ensure adequate services are provided
• Identify and assess assistive technology needs of persons in the assigned region who are unserved and underserved
• Provide outreach and support services as needed/appropriate
• Serve as a resource for information to the general public to raise awareness of hearing loss and available hearing loss resources to be shared
• Provide individualized client services to the the target population in the assigned region
• Provided trainings in group settings to service providers, businesses, family members, and clients 
• Ensure an appropriate and varied inventory of current assistive technology geared towards communication access for demonstration purposes
• Conduct workplace assessments to determine assistive technology solutions and offer reports with solution options to client to share with employer
• Provide individualized demonstration, assessment, and recommendations of assistive technology solutions for people with hearing loss
• Provide training on hearing aids (such as hearing aid features, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone application, basic tips for purchasing and using hearing aids, tips on care and maintenance of hearing aids)
• Provide basic training on cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing aids and resources available related to this technology
• Provide training on communication strategies, managing hearing loss, coping with hearing loss, for people who are late-deafened or hard  of hearing 
• 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 and more 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 the provisions of existing services to the target population in the assigned region
• Develop training materials for target population
• Provide trainings to clients in a one-on-one setting or group settings to carry out the goals of the program
• Receive and process incoming videophone calls requesting assistance 
• Maintain accurate records of activities performed 
• Submit reports on a weekly basis to supervisor
• Submit reports on a monthly basis to supervisor
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Be able to communicate effectively in conversational mode utilizing various forms of manual communication including American Sign Language (ASL) (not required but preferred)
• Ability to multitask efficiently and effectively
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Have knowledge and ability to address the unique communication needs and issues of persons with hearing loss (deaf, hard of hearing or late-deafened)
• Have a knowledge base of local/state resources and services available to persons with hearing loss
• Knowledge or experience in interviewing techniques to determine the service or communication access of individuals
• Have public speaking experience 

Education 

• Bachelor degree in a human services area or related field and one year of experience serving people with hearing loss 

Other General Requirements

• Physical Demands
  • Ability to sit/stand for a long period of time
  • Dexterity of hands/fingers to operate 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 employes 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)Behavior
Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivation
Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work
Peer Recognition: Inspired to perform well by the praise of coworkers
Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Skills
Builds Relationships Intermediate

PDN-9d2b65f8-c50e-4f4f-92b7-6e20610d4414