Title: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Regional Specialist - # DHH00034

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist I

Hiring Range: Anticipated starting salary: mid‑$40,000s to low‑$50,000s.

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearng

Location: Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Agency Website: https://www.vddhh.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

About the Agency:

The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) removes barriers to effective communication so that persons who are Deaf and hard of hearing can fully participate in programs and services throughout the Commonwealth.

Job Duties:

The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is seeking a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Regional Specialist. This position provides direct support to Virginians with hearing loss and/or speech difficulties through the Technology Assistance Program (TAP), community outreach, and program operations. This position serves as a regional resource, offering consumer assistance, training, presentations, and collaboration with community partners to expand access to communication tools and services.

This position also performs the following:

Technology Assistance Program (TAP)
Support Virginians by facilitating access to assistive technology that reduces communication barriers.

Duties include:
• Respond to consumer inquiries within three (3) business days.
• Assess consumer needs related to hearing or speech assistive technology.
• Connect at least seven (7) individuals per month with TAP equipment and/or IP communication resources and complete follow-up within 30 days.
• Document returned equipment and provide device/consumer information to the TAP Manager for database updates.
• Assist consumers with TAP applications while adhering to program regulations and guidelines.
• Install TAP equipment in consumer homes and provide device training.
• Troubleshoot common equipment issues and provide warranty repair information.
• Maintain adequate Loan-to-Own (L2O) inventory and ensure all L2O and Demonstration devices are functional.
• Recruit four (4) businesses/organizations per year to become Virginia Relay Partners.
• Offer voter registration information during service delivery.
•Communicates consumer feedback on equipment and suggests new equipment to consider to the TAP Manager
• Participate in equipment evaluations and provide consumer feedback.
• Attend required virtual and in-person training.
• Assist the TAP Manager with logistics for annual specialist meetings and special projects.

Community Services
Promote VDDHH and TAP services to community partners and the public.

Duties include:
• Respond to information and referral inquiries within three (3) business days.
• Maintain knowledge of resources relevant to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals, including assistive technology, telecommunications, advocacy, housing, legal, medical, social, and employment services.
• Deliver nine (9) presentations per year related to TAP, Virginia Relay, or speech-related topics.
• Deliver three (3) presentations per year on general topics of interest to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities.
• Attend twelve (12) exhibits per year to demonstrate TAP equipment.
• Attend specialized medical events (e.g., Remote Area Medical) when requested.
• Use approved presentation materials and demonstration equipment.
• Submit Event Requests at least ten (10) business days prior to presentations or exhibits.
• Collaborate with the TAP Manager on town hall meetings and outreach materials.

Program & Executive Support
Ensure accurate data entry, record maintenance, and support for program operations.
Duties include:
• Enter all TAP and Community Services activities into the TAP database within three (3) business days.
• Ensure accuracy and avoid duplication in all database entries.
• Submit processed TAP applications to the TAP Manager within two (2) business days of equipment delivery.
• Communicate emerging program issues and service delivery updates.
• Test, prepare, and coordinate surplus items for pickup.
• Prepare records for retention, archiving, or destruction per state guidelines.
• Participate in agency-wide initiatives, quality improvement efforts, and needs assessments.
• Assist with dissemination and collection of monthly Consumer Survey results.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge/Experience:
• Understanding of Deaf culture, communication needs, and assistive technology for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled.

• General knowledge of ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and other disability laws related to accessibility and accommodations.

• Basic knowledge of telecommunications and assistive technologies, including relay services, equipment setup, and troubleshooting.

• Demonstrated clerical skills, record management, and computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, MS Office).

• Experience providing customer service experience.

Skills/Abilities:
• Ability to adapt to diverse communication needs, including ASL, tactile/close-vision signing, written English, spoken English, and other modalities.

• Ability to provide objective, unbiased recommendations regarding preferred communication methods.

• Demonstrated problem-solving ability.

• Self-motivated learner with interest in emerging technologies.

• Comfortable speaking in public settings.

• Strong reading and writing skills.

• Effective time management skills.

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively

• Ability to participate in occasional evening and weekend community events.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Additional Considerations:

• ASL proficiency is highly desirable
• Training and/or experience in human services.

Special Instructions:

• This position has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2 1201.1.
• A fingerprint based criminal history check will be required of the finalist.

Benefits:

Deaf & Hard of Hearing offers a comprehensive benefits package to include your choice of health insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, VRS retirement, employer paid basic group life insurance, employee paid optional group life, 13 paid holidays, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Family Personal Leave, employee discount programs, and much more!

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.