Deaf/Blind Program Specialist

Use this link to apply: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--DHS--Summer-Street/Deaf-Blind-Program-Specialist--Operations---Policy-Analyst-2-_REQ-95872

Are you an equity-minded professional with heart? Do you enjoy people, problem solving, and working with others to create a positive, productive, and inclusive workplace? Do you have experience providing advocacy, consultation, and support to the Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing communities? If you are ready to use your strong analytical skills and excellent communications skills, keep reading, we may have your ideal job!

Our Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), part of the Oregon Department of Human Services, is looking to hire a talented individual to fill the position of Deaf/Blind Program Specialist (Operations & Policy Analyst 2). Bring your experience and expertise and join our team of dedicated professionals working to ensure Oregonians are served in an equitable and respectful manner.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

Our Mission: To help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.

ODHS commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency, and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The Equity North Star has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.

To learn more about our agency, click here.

About the Aging and People with Disabilities

The APD Program is a program within the Department of Human Service that assists seniors and people with disabilities of all ages to achieve well-being through opportunities for community living, employment, family support and services that promote independence, choice and dignity. Click here to learn more about Aging and People with Disabilities.

This position is in the Long Term Services and Supports Section within the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities.  This section, through the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services program (ODHHS), is responsible for ensuring that individuals accessing services from the state are served in an equitable and respectful manner.  This section also supports the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing communities to ensure that all state government is accessible to them.

What you will do:

As the DeafBlind Program Specialist, you will design, develop, and implement new strategies for accessibility of State programs and services for DeafBlind individuals throughout Oregon.  You will focus on developing new ways to foster service and program equity for ODHHS constituents in communities, state agencies and other external entities and venues throughout the state.  You will evaluate operations, plan improvements, and implement changes as needed to meet program goals. This position will also track legislative process and develop procedures, administrative rules or policies needed to implement legislative changes as identified by APD leadership. Other duties include:

• Conducting program research and evaluation to determine best practices to improve and expand education, training and coordination between state agencies and to statewide audiences around Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing consumer issues.
• Leading studies to monitor and assess performance levels and adherence to state and federal standards of service provided to ODHHS constituents.
• Evaluating performance findings and recommending operational or training actions needed.
• Researching and reviewing Oregon Administrative Rules, federal rules, federal and state statute and court decisions for impact on Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing people.
• Making programmatic recommendations for changes and obtaining approval from APD leadership to implement these recommendations.
• Investigating funding availability and writing proposals to implement or expand programs to serve individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and/or hard of hearing.
• Giving presentations and workshops on DeafBlind communication methods, culture and language, and other related topics.
• Serving as an agency representative in committees to enhance communication accessibility and promote awareness of people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing.

Working conditions:

Works in an office environment or at a remote setting conducive to professional work, extensive computer usage as well as facilitating and attending as a participant workgroup, and committee meetings. Travel state-wide may be required, including overnight. Flexing time within the week to meet project demands may be necessary.

ODHS, A place to belong and make a difference!

You can find connections through an Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which are voluntary, employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS overall mission. ERGs are an officially chartered group organized around shared cultural identity(ies) to support historically underrepresented ODHS employees.

You can grow your career through, free leadership training, ample career pathways, and committee participation opportunities.

You’ll enjoy work/life balance, 10 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, remote work options, and competitive benefits packages.

What you need to qualify: Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and two years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
OR;
Any combination of experience and education equivalent to five years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification

Note: the specific type of experience or education requirements will be listed by the recruiting agency based on the position under recruitment

Essential Attributes

You do not need to have all these attributes to be considered for this opening; however, the most competitive candidates will have most of them. Please demonstrate them in your resume or work history profile.

• Program Experience: 3-5 years of experience providing advocacy, consultation, and support to the Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing communities.
• Training Skills: 2+ years of providing education and training to state agencies or community organizations regarding accommodations for Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing people.
• Coordination Knowledge: Relevant experience coordinating a board or commission to include public meeting noticing, coordination of events and providing staff support.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a social science or other relevant field, or relevant experience.

Additional Requirements

Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check.  Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.

The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

How to Apply

Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunities to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.

• Please upload a resume and complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. 
• Attach a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications, requirements, and essential attributes for the position.
• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. View this video for help.
• Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.
• After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will come after you submit and will complete the process. If you are an employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.
• Veterans: If you are claiming veterans preference points, you will receive a task in your Workday account to provide military documents (if you have not already provided them). Please ensure to complete all tasks in Workday during the application process and upload your documents (DD214/Disability). Click here for a guide on how to upload your documents. For privacy reasons, please do not attach your DD214/DD215/civil service preference letter to your application – instead, attach these documents when prompted to during the Workday task. For questions about documentation, please visit: Veterans Resources.

Helpful Information

• This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. ODHS does not offer VISA sponsorship for this position.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact our office at RECRUITMENT@dhsoha.state.or.us.
• Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out this link.
• For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact Teresa Camacho via email at Camachodelatorre@dhsoha.state.or.us or call 971-286-0701. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.