Communication Specialist

The focus of the Communication Specialist and American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter in the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center is to provide leadership regarding needs and concerns of students, faculty, and staff who use alternate methods as their primary mode of communication. This position will coordinate services, distribution of information, communicating the access needs of students, troubleshooting, preparing reports, collecting and maintaining data, attending meetings, etc., focused on D/HOH student access and ASL interpreting. This role will report directly to the ADRC Assistant Director for Communication and Special Projects. The center works closely with Human Resources, Legal Counsel, the Provost Offices, and the Policies Office.

 Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of services for students who use alternative methods, including American Sign Language, CART, etc., as their primary mode of communication.
• Helps coordinate the hiring and scheduling of certified interpreters and aides for classroom and campus activities.
• Managing and scheduling OU contracted sign language interpreters.
• Negotiates and maintains relationships with community interpreting agencies for services for assignments OU staff cannot cover.
• Assures that OU events, classes, departmental meetings, etc., have ASL interpreters assigned and scheduled.
• Meets and collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to identify academic barriers and determine reasonable accommodations to enable students' full participation in the classroom environment.
• Translates spoken material into sign language for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing under various circumstances, including classroom sessions, employment meetings/training, campus events, and related occasions.
• Recommends alternate solutions when student expectations conflict with faculty expectations.
• Collaborates with ADRC team members regarding student issues and concerns, internal procedures and processes, external communication, and services.
• Provides sign language interpreting services to OU employees in partnership with HR and university departments.

Administrative

• Oversees the administrative activities of a designated program or programs.
• Responsible for daily program operations including staff supervision, program evaluations, and developing long-range plans.
• Collects and analyzes data and prepares reports.
• Ensures compliance with program regulations.
• Plans and coordinates program events.
• Develops and administers budgets for assigned projects and programs.
• Negotiates and administers grants and contracts.
• Develops policies and procedures.
• Assist with the verification of department and agency invoices.
• Creates and distributes invoices for OU departments requesting interpreting services.
• Participates in professional development, workshops, and conferences regarding disability related issues.
• Assist with providing on campus presentations regarding disability to promote a more inclusive campus environment.
• Serves as a point of contact for the ADRC at various tabling's and committee meetings.
• Assists with test proctoring and exam administration during high-volume times.
• Develops and maintains positive collaborative relationships with partners on and off campus.
• Abides by the principles of ethical behavior set forth by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree, AND: 

• 48 months of related experience

Equivalent/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree to equal 96 months of related experience.

Skills:

• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Able to effectively evaluate projects/programs and produce comprehensive reports on time.
• Able to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively.
• Must be able to read and interpret policy as well as State and Federal regulations.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, Microsoft Office, Canvas, and other software programs; and assistive technology associated with support for persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit for long periods of time. Occasionally walk and stand. Ability to bend, lift, stoop and carry. Ability to engage in repetitive motions.  
• Standard office environment. Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.

Department Preferences:

• Interpreter/transliterator certification: RID CDI certification and/or Oklahoma ICRC/QAST level IV/IV or V/V (V preferred)
• Demonstrated experience in supporting the ADA section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and other appropriate laws
• Experience in engagement with advocacy-based and grassroots organizations that serve Higher Education and communities with disabilities or related field

Supervision:

• Some Graduate students and student employees.