American Sign Language Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Support Services Provider

Type: Part-Time/On-Call (PRN)
Shift/Schedule: Saturdays required, All shifts available, Weekend availability needed
Wage: $24.40-$31.84/hr DOE

Location: Avamere at Chestnut Lane - 1219 NE 6th St., Gresham, OR 97030

Avamere at Chestnut Lane is a Deaf and DeafBlind Community.
Proficiency in American Sign Language and Tactile Sign Language is required for this position.

Apply at www.TeamAvamere.com

Job Summary
A Support Services Provider for the deaf and blind at an assisted living facility bridges communication barriers, ensuring residents receive culturally sensitive care and independent living assistance. This role involves developing support plans, facilitating sensory information, and advocating for residents' accessibility rights within the facility and community. The Support Services Provider manages and facilitates culturally and linguistically accessible services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of-hearing residents. The primary goal is to empower residents to age in place, minimize the social isolation caused by combined vision and hearing loss, and maximize their independence.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

Communication Access & Facilitation

• Sensory Interventions: Relay visual and environmental information (sighted guide) using the resident's preferred communication mode, such as American Sign Language (ASL), tactile sign language, or braille.
• Interpreter Coordination: Coordinate and oversee on-site sign language interpreters, captioning services, and augmentative communication systems for medical appointments and facility meetings.
• Daily Correspondence: Assist residents with accessing and reading mail, emails, community announcements, and other daily information.

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Service Planning: Assess individual needs and develop, monitor, and update individualized support plans (ISPs) in collaboration with residents, families, and facility nursing staff.
• Resource Navigation: Connect residents with outside agencies, financial assistance programs, and specialized counseling or habilitative training.
• Medical Liaison: Work closely with the medical coordinator and facility registered nurses to review health documentation and ensure medical follow-ups are completed

Independent Living & Community Integration

• Life Skills Coaching: Provide training on orientation and mobility, helping residents navigate the facility and build daily, self-reliant routines.
• Recreation Planning: Facilitate communication during educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities to promote meaningful community engagement.
• Outings and Errands: Coordinate and assist with transportation, scheduling, and guiding residents during off-site activities like grocery shopping and banking.

Advocacy & Staff Training

• Cultural Competency: Educate facility staff on Deaf culture, Deaf-Blind specific needs, and accessible communication methods.
• Rights Advocacy: Advocate for residents' rights to equal access, proper accommodations, and non-discriminatory care in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor.

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications

• Prefer bachelor’s degree in special education, social work, counseling or related field preferred, or equivalent Knowledge of state regulations for assisted living communities experience.
• Exceptional fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and familiarity with tactile sign language, Pro-Tactile, and diverse deaf-blind communication systems.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant professional experience working with elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or within a specialized deaf and blind community.
• State certification (e.g., Support Service Provider/SSP certification), First Aid, and must maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with seniors, families, and staff.
• High level of empathy and understanding for the needs of older adults.
• Strong critical thinking and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient in managing multiple tasks, schedules, and resident records.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Create and uphold an atmosphere of warmth, patience, enthusiasm, and a calm and cheerful environment.
• Must maintain and have an active CPR/BLS during employment.

Benefits

We believe caring for others starts with caring for our own teams. Our benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind—so you can focus on making a difference every day.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Low individual and family deductible. - Benefits eligible at 30+ hours/week.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Premium Pay for Holidays worked, conditions apply
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Canopy: Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs & work/life balance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account)
• Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance Options: Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, plus Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services.

“At Avamere Communities, we love to celebrate our diverse group of hardworking employees. We value diversity and believe forming teams in which everyone can their true, authentic self is key to our success “We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status."

The company reserves the right to revise the duties set forth in this job description at its discretion.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU 503

Arete Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify

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