Location: Cape Girardeau, MO

Vancro is currently seeking part time Support Service Providers (SSPs) specifically to Cape Girardeay, MO to support and guide DeafBlind individuals within the community.

• POSITION DESCRIPTION

  The role of a Support Service Provider (SSP) is to empower the person who is DeafBlind to be independent and make their own decisions. The SSP assists by allowing the DeafBlind person to integrate into the community with guidance and communication assistance.

  RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist with guidance and safety;
  • Relay visual, social, and environmental information;
  • Facilitate communication;
  • Provide transportation assistance;
  • Provide access to information so that the DeafBlind person is empowered to make independent decisions;
  • Abide by Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of hearing's (MCDHH) SSP Code of Professional Conduct (see below);
  • Attend and satisfactorily complete required SSP training;
  • Participate in program evaluations;
  • Comply with Missouri's SSP policies and procedures; and
  • Attend appointment or event with DeafBlind individual.

  SSPs CANNOT:

  • Provide formal interpreting services;
  • Teach;
  • Do household chores;
  • Physically lift or move objects;
  • Act as a medical proxy;
  • Run errands without physically being accompanied by the DeafBlind person;
  • Provide personal care services (bathing, cooking, grooming, dispensing medication,); and
  • Bring their own friend or family member during an appointment with the DeafBlind person.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Be over 18 years of age;
  • Wide availability: both during weekdays and weekends
  • Have basic knowledge of DeafBlind culture (training can be provided)
  • Demonstrate the skills necessary to communicate comfortably and effectively with DeafBlind individuals;
  • Have access to the Internet, use of a personal email address, and a working knowledge of Microsoft Word;
  • Have a clean driving record;
  • Possess a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance or state-issued identification; and
  • Fulfill the requirements of Vancro's Background Screening Policy.

  SSP Code of Conduct

  • SSPs shall provide services that respect the privacy, integrity, and confidentiality of DeafBlind Individuals;
  • SSPs shall treat DeafBlind individuals with respect and dignity and accept the DeafBlind individual as the experts regarding their own life experiences.
  • SSPs shall assume personal responsibility for furthering their knowledge and training to improve their SSP skills, their understanding of the DeafBlind experience and their communication/language skills.
  • SSPs shall provide a professional level of service consistent with current best practices and within one's area of expertise and qualifications.
  • SSPs shall follow through on commitments and are dependable and punctual.
  • SSPs should wear attire that corresponds with the assignment and meets the visual needs of the DeafBlind individual.
  • To ensure impartiality, SSPs shall not provide services when there may be a conflict of interest.