When all employees are embraced, respected and heard, we will build a collaborative, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist culture where everyone thrives.

Working Title: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 1
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/20/2022
• Closing Date: 01/03/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / BHDH DHHS Metro
• Work Shift: Day Shift
• Work Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, (50% for Training, Consulting, and Providing Technical Assistance)
• Salary Range: $26.14 - $38.38 / hourly; $54,580 - $80,137 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

• Telework (Within Minnesota or Neighboring States) Option is Available.

In support of Minnesota Statutes 2017, section 256C.24, this position exists to ensure that Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing and in need of public and private services receive the information and support their need to access services. The position is charged with the responsibilities of making referrals to needed services, providing individual assistance, identifying regional training needs and delivering training, providing technical assistance, consulting, educating and developing partnerships with county and state agencies and other programs serving people who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Coordinate services between service providers and individuals who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing and/or their family members. Provide direct services to individuals when adequate services are not available from other sources in their region. Educate consumers about their rights to accessible services under federal and state laws. Services may include more thorough and complex Information and Referral and assistance, coordination of services, assessment of needs, intervention, advocacy and follow-up to ensure consumers have access to the full range of human services available to the general public residing within the region;
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to improve state, county, regional, public and private program accessibility for consumers who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or who have combined hearing and vision loss and their families; promote DHHSD services and explain program goals, objectives, policies, and activities; maintain good partnerships with service providers, consumers, and other government agencies;
• To train individuals who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing about topics such as a person’s rights under the law, American Sign Language, and the impact of hearing loss and options for accommodating it; to train staff of counties, public and private service providers, agencies and others about communication barriers that prevent consumers from having access to services and recommend accommodations for removing those barriers.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Two (2) years professional experience providing public or private services for the Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Experience must include:

• Advanced skills in American Sign Language (ASL), and other signed communication systems used by people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or have combined hearing and vision loss;
• Familiarity with a range of communication needs of people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or have combined hearing and vision loss;
• Knowledge of hearing aids; auxiliary devices, adaptive technology, cochlear implant technology, adaptive devices (including wireless devices) and resources;
• Understanding of planning and evaluation methodologies i.e. assessing needs, setting goals and objectives, planning activities, implementation and measuring outcomes;
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Disabilities Studies, Social Work, Psychology or another related field may substitute for 1 year of work experience.

**Master’s Degree in Disabilities Studies, Social Work, Psychology or another related field may substitute for 2 years of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures;
• Knowledge of State and Federal Health, Home and Community Based, and continuing care programs related to Medical Assistance and other State Medicaid programs;
• Knowledge of federal and state accessibility statutes, regulations/rules and policies;
• Ability to utilize a customer relationship management data system such as AgileApps;
• Trained in person-centered thinking and planning.

Additional Requirements

• Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) criminal background check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check.
• Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It also includes contact with the applicant's former employer(s).

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact TJay Middlebrook contact at tjay.middlebrook@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 61497, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at dennis.b.stevenson@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DHS_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Why Work for Us

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The Department of Human Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.