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Deaf Support Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Deaf Support Worker information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Deaf Support Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Deaf Support Worker, you need strong knowledge of Deaf culture, proficiency in sign language (such as BSL or ASL), and often a relevant qualification or experience in support work. Familiarity with assistive technologies, communication aids, and sometimes certifications in interpreting or support work are typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity are vital soft skills that help build trust and effective relationships. These skills are important because they ensure that Deaf individuals receive accessible, respectful support that empowers their independence and inclusion.

What are Deaf Support Workers?

Deaf Support Workers are professionals who assist deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in various aspects of daily life, education, or employment. They provide communication support, such as British Sign Language interpretation, note-taking, or lip-reading assistance, depending on the individual's needs. Their role also includes advocating for accessibility, helping clients build independence, and supporting their social and emotional well-being. Deaf Support Workers often work in schools, community organizations, or health and social care settings.

What are some common challenges Deaf Support Workers face when facilitating communication between Deaf clients and hearing individuals?

Deaf Support Workers often encounter challenges such as ensuring accurate interpretation of nuanced conversations, especially when technical or specialized vocabulary is used. They may also need to navigate situations where hearing individuals are unfamiliar with Deaf culture or sign language, requiring patience and advocacy. Additionally, balancing confidentiality while fostering open communication can be complex, particularly in sensitive environments like healthcare or education. Successful Deaf Support Workers build strong relationships, adapt their communication style, and stay updated with best practices to address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Deaf Support Worker vs Sign Language Interpreter?

AspectDeaf Support WorkerSign Language Interpreter
CredentialsOften requires certification in deaf support or related fieldsRequires certification in sign language interpretation (e.g., NIC, RID)
Work EnvironmentAssist deaf individuals in daily activities, education, or community settingsTranslate spoken language into sign language in various settings like meetings, medical appointments
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, social services, community organizationsHealthcare, legal, educational, and corporate sectors
Search & ComparisonOften compared for support roles in deaf servicesCompared for language interpretation services

Deaf Support Workers focus on assisting deaf individuals with daily tasks and support, while Sign Language Interpreters translate spoken language into sign language. Both roles require specialized certifications and serve different but complementary functions within the deaf community.

More about Deaf Support Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Deaf Support Worker jobs? Cities with the most Deaf Support Worker job openings:
What states have the most Deaf Support Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Deaf Support Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Deaf Support Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Deaf Support Worker jobs are:
Infographic showing various Deaf Support Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 98% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$20.25 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Family Support Specialist provides family- and child-centered, culturally and linguistically based home visit services for families (Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, LateDeafened, and hearing), referred to as *Deaf, and their children to ensure age-appropriate language development and access to cultural, linguistic, and educational resources. Work hours are based on family needs, which may include some nights and weekends.


Essential Job Functions

Family Services Coordination

  • Minimum of three days per-week on-site presence required
  • Regularly meet with clients and families via videophone, Zoom or in person for services and other critical stages of their case.
  • Develop a *Deaf-centric mentoring service plan focusing on pre-school and kindergarten readiness.
  • Provide services such as ASL teaching, bilingual language development, Deaf culture training, and community connections.
  • Use Deaf Mentor Curriculum as a guiding platform.
  • Revise and update service plans as needed; submit weekly reports.
  • Assist in creating accessible visual environments and connect families with *Deaf mentors.
  • Support recruitment of diverse *Deaf families by developing outreach materials.
  • Engage in program strategic planning for underserved groups (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, non-signing youths).
  • Coordinate and maintain program statistics and conduct assessments.


Direct Client Services

  • Provide advocacy, one-on-one support, and educational consultations.
  • Orient clients to DCARA services, assist with documentation, and provide communication access.
  • Enroll clients and maintain records using Salesforce.
  • Advocate for communication access and accommodations.


Direct Leadership

  • Lead family-related workshops, classes, and programs, including Club Saturdays and ASL classes.


Other Job Functions

Business Relations

  • Build relationships with other agencies to promote awareness and bridge service gaps.
  • Educate businesses on Youth & Family Service needs.
  • Support awareness workshops twice a year and stay knowledgeable of relevant laws (e.g., IDEA, ADA).
  • Travel as needed for client appointments.


Documentation Duties

  • Maintain client records and input data into Salesforce daily.


Required Education and Experience

  • AA in Child Development, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Deaf Education, or related fields OR 2 years of experience in youth education or child care.
  • Fluency in ASL and written English.
  • 2+ years of experience working with families.
  • Cultural-linguistic respect for *Deaf communities.
  • Knowledge of child development, language development, and SB 210 milestones.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and computer skills.
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace, DocuSign and similar software.


Desired Education and Experience

  • BA in Child Development, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Deaf Education, or related fields OR 4 years of experience in youth education or child care.
  • Fluency in ASL and written English.
  • Experience with independent decision-making, while being receptive to feedback.
  • Ability to work on diverse teams and understand culturally appropriate service delivery.
  • Proficiency with Salesforce platform is desired but can provide training.


Benefits

  • Employee Full Coverage: Health, Dental and Vision Plans
    • Optional to add members at competitive rates
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Benefits
    • Twelve (12) Holidays
    • Generous Sick Leave
    • Competitive Vacation Package
    • Weekly Wellbeing Hour


*Work Location Requirement: This is a primarily in-person position. Must be based within commuting distance of San Leandro for three mandatory in-office days per week. Remote work is only permitted when approved for specific situations and is not a standard benefit. Applicants must live within the Bay Area and be available to meet with clients on short notice. This is a client-facing role requiring regular on-site presence.


Our Workplace Culture

Our workplace culture is a fun, challenging, and caring working environment where you can grow your career. We work together by being inclusive to everyone - including ideas, of people, of points of view. Individually, we are experts at what we do. Collectively, our impact is even greater. You'll find some of the best and most satisfied staff working for the agency. At DCARA, you will be able to use your experiences, abilities, creativity, and energy to work and discover the talents within yourself as you enrich the lives of Deaf* (Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf with disabilities, hard of hearing, and late-deafened) community members.


Living in the Bay Area

DCARA is located in the beautiful Bay Area / North Coastal of California, known for its large Deaf* community, warm climate, highly educated communities, historic buildings, and an exciting array of activities for everyone, including cultural events, professional sports, trips up and down the Pacific coastline, wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma Valley, hiking around Redwood Giants, and many other community activities. You will also live near many of the world's Global companies (Google, Apple, Facebook, for example) which are located in the Bay Area. There is no better place to live than California as the world's fifth largest economy!


Equal Employment Opportunity
DCARA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. DCARA is an at-will employer and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf with disabilities, hard of hearing, and late deafened people. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.


How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to https://dcara.org/careers/.

Join us in empowering Deaf* communities! Be a leader, an advocate, and a champion for change at DCARA.