Deaf and Hard of Hearing Vocational Support Specialist

Job Description: Job Title: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Vocational Support Specialist Location: Springfield, MO Department: Employment Services Employment Type: Part-time Job Summary: Join our compassionate and collaborative team as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Vocational Support Specialist (VSS) and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and will be responsible for providing employment support and services to help them achieve their career goals. In this role, you will provide essential training and support to clients, helping them develop vital skills for career planning and employment retention. We are looking for individuals who are dedicated, empathetic, and possess strong communication skills. Your efforts will empower clients to achieve their personal and employment goals while fostering independence and confidence. As a VSS, you will conduct instructional activities related to soft skills, work skills, and independent living skills. You will also be responsible for locating competitive job sites, contacting employers, and conducting job site analyses, ensuring that clients receive the support they need to thrive in their careers. The Vocational Support Specialist position offers… Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost Career Advancement & Wage Growth - Grow in your career with great opportunities for upward mobility and added income Comprehensive Training - Learn and develop skills with our robust on-the-job training Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement Key Responsibilities: Provide individualized employment counseling and support to DHH clients. Advocate for the rights and needs of DHH individuals in the workplace. Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders, and team members with dignity and respect. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of disabilities and potential assistive technology/accommodations to support individuals in meeting their personal and employment goals. Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological, and educational information to assist clients with skill development, career planning, and employment retention. Conduct activities identified within clients’ individualized service plans. Coordinate paid, work-based learning experiences with participants, including orientation, new hire paperwork, and timesheets. Monitor and report on progress toward individualized service plan goals. Instruct and facilitate clients’ pre-vocational/vocational, social, and independent living skill development. Provide onsite job supports to assist clients with learning and performing their job duties and interacting with co-workers. Serve as a liaison between employers, clients, and co-workers, assisting clients in acclimating to their work environment. A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required; an associate’s or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred. Experience in rehabilitation, employment services, case management, social services, or other applicable experience is preferred. Additional Qualifications: Experience working with DHH individuals in an employment or vocational setting. Strong understanding of the challenges faced by DHH individuals in the workplace. Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL). Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, and abuse/neglect. Current driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and current auto insurance are required. Must have reliable and acceptable means of transportation to transport clients. Physical Requirements: Frequently required to sit and stand for extended periods (4-8 hours); extensive walking may be required when conducting field-based activities. Frequent kneeling, crouching, bending, and stooping may be required. Must frequently use hands and fingers to write, type, operate a mouse, file documents, and handle documents. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Position Perks & Benefits: Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness Brightli is on a Mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Firefly is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace. About Brightli Brightli is on a mission: A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance use care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients. We are doing this by forming a new behavioral health organization under new model. Under one parent company, multiple organizations are able to collaborate, share resources and system supports, increase recruiting and retention efforts, increase access to specialized care, and meet the growing demand for behavioral and addiction recovery care. Brightli’s top-line subsidiaries include Burrell Behavioral Health (Burrell), Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH), Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMO), Firefly, Adult and Child Health, and Places for People. While these organizations operate independently and are governed by separate board of directors, their operations and services benefit from this model. Alone, organizations may be able to navigate the current tumultuous healthcare environment, but we believe that together we can do so much more than survive. Our communities need us now more than ever, and by working together we are ready to answer their call for years to come. Brightli Snapshot 200 locations 4 states 19 subsidiaries and/or affiliates 5k employees