POSITION: The person in this position will become familiar with and integrated in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in Western Pennsylvania, taking care to include all of the subcommunities that are interconnected under the umbrella designation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing. They will map out the new landscape that has been created as telehealth has expanded the reach of available resources, and they will ensure that the citizens of Western Pa are made aware and have access to those resources. Where resources are not available and a need is present, the WCCD Systems Advocate/Resource Specialist will bring partners together, advocate for development of services, and assist with creation of those services.

Responsibilities .
1. Engage in outreach – become part of the Deaf and HH community to identify individuals who might need assistance, become familiar with informal network of connections between providers, form relationships and bonds with service providers and professionals, and create partnerships to benefit the community.
2. Advocate and assist with development of a Peer Support program for Deaf and HH individuals in Western Pa.
3. Conduct ongoing needs assessment to monitor the needs of the Deaf and HH community, using that needs assessment to set priorities for WCCD and advocate for Deaf and HH community needs in Western Pa.
4. Lead the WCCD Advisory Committee, and partner with the committee to identify needs and bolster systems advocacy efforts.
5. Identify state and national resources that have become available in the new world of online services, and connect individuals in Western Pa with those services.
6. Advocate for enactment of the rules of the Harry M lawsuit, ensuring that all group homes with Deaf and/or HH residents are skilled in ASL – provide ASL classes where necessary.
7. Develop free and accessible training resources for community partners, and advocate for increased sensitivity to Deaf and HH community needs;
8. Provide technical support (ie, resources, recommendations, referrals) to other community partners who are providing services to the Deaf and HH community;
9. Assist with identifying and accessing resources.
10. For those people who are receiving counseling services through CCC/WCCD, provide assistance to counselors by developing and identifying resources, making formal referrals, and facilitating access to adjunct services.
11. Advocate within the community at large by teaching concepts, skills, and resources to the community.
12. Physical demands of this job require bending, stooping, climbing, reaching, grasping, finger dexterity for writing and data
entry, keyboard, ability to hear, see, read and drive. Able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds.
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• Maintains and upholds Community Counseling Center's policies, respects confidentiality, and exhibits a professional demeanor at all times while at work.
• Any violation of policies and procedures/job duties will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Performs other duties assigned.
• Can perform the essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodations, if necessary.
• Participates in CCC CQI plan to ensure quality of service to CCC consumers