Support Specialist (Deaf Residential Supports)

Job Summary

As a Support Specialist in WCI’s Deaf Services division, you will provide person-centered support to Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential settings. You will use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate, promote independence, and support daily routines, health, and community inclusion in linguistically and culturally accessible environments.

Essential Functions

• Communicate fluently in ASL with individuals, teammates, and partners; adapt communication for DeafBlind and hard of hearing individuals (e.g., tactile sign, visual aids, written notes).
• Support individuals in making choices, taking reasonable risks, and assuming responsibility consistent with person-centered plans.
• Assist with daily living activities (health, safety, personal care, meal prep, household tasks) while optimizing independence.
• Encourage community participation; coordinate accessible transportation and activities; foster natural relationships and social inclusion.
• Implement instructional strategies (incidental teaching, task analyses) to increase independence and generalization of skills.
• Complete accurate documentation (daily logs, incident reports, ISP data) and maintain confidentiality.
• Administer medications per MAP certification and WCI policy (where required).
• Maintain a clean, safe, and visually accessible home environment (e.g., visual alarms/alerts, lighting, sightlines).
• Attend staff meetings and trainings; maintain required certifications (First Aid, CPR, PABC, MAP as needed).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods throughout the day, including stairs. Must be able to physically complete the evacuation plan whilesupporting Individuals.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 lbs (e.g., files, supplies, groceries)
• Occasionally lift or move up to 50 lbs (e.g., assisting with transfers, repositioning individuals, crisis prevention, pushing individuals in wheelchairs, using Hoyer lifts)
• Ability to provide hands-on support for personal care as needed per individual support plans (e.g., showering, toileting, assistance with eating)
• Ability to perform basic household tasks related to program operations (e.g., meal preparation, laundry, routine household cleaning, snow shoveling)
• Ability to operate or ride in a vehicle; driving is a requirement for most positions and includes driving agency vans, including wheelchair vans, or personal vehicles
• Ability to secure wheelchairs and assistive devices as needed

Qualifications

• Fluent ASL communication required;experience with Deaf culture and DeafBlind communication preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; one year of human services experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• MAP certification (or ability to obtain)
• First Aid/CPR, PABC certifications required.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.