Job Description
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) seeks a committed, engaging, and collaborative Referral Specialist.
The Interpreter Referral Specialist coordinates day-to-day scheduling of freelance and staff interpreters. Responsibilities include receiving requests from the community and making appropriate interpreter referrals; advocating for the provision and payment of interpreters; recommending guidelines/revisions for the Referral Service to the Director of Interpreter/CART Services based on the needs of the community and the workflow of the service. The incumbent of this position will also assist agency staff as requested with special projects and assignments related to the field of interpreting and/or services for Deaf individuals. Performs related duties such as attending meetings/conferences as appropriate and as assigned by the Director of Communication Access Services and/or Referral Service Supervisor. Knowledge of Deaf Culture, American Sign Language and Interpreter practices strongly preferred.
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Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
- Coordinates day-to-day scheduling of freelance and staff interpreters.
- Receives requests from the community and makes appropriate interpreter referrals.
- Advocates for the provision and payment of interpreters.
- Recommends guidelines/revisions for the Referral Service to the Referral Services Supervisor and Director of Communication Access Services based on the needs of the community and the workflow of the service.
- Assists agency staff as requested with special projects and assignments related to the field of interpreting and/or services for Deaf individuals.
- Performs related duties such as attending meetings/conferences as appropriate and as assigned by the Director of Communication Access Services and/or Referral Service Supervisor.
Required Qualifications:
- Possess strong organizational skill.
- Ability to coordinate daily referrals for hundreds of independent contractors statewide.
- Ability to advocate for the rights of Deaf people.
- Ability to understand, apply and explain laws, rules, and regulations pertinent to the provision of interpreter services.
- Possess strong customer service skills.
- Possess excellent telephone skills, knowledge of TTY etiquette.
- Knowledge of Certified Deaf Interpreters and how to appropriately place them.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the Department of Interpreting Services' policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing state agencies and the private sector (i.e. ADA, Rehab Act (504), IDEA).
- Increased ability to negotiate with the general public and state agencies regarding provision of interpreter services.
- Knowledge of technical enhancements such as Video Relay Service (VRS) and Video Relay Interpreting.
- Competency in using the computerized referral software or similar.
- In depth knowledge of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Code of Conduct.
Agency Mission:
MCDHH provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
For questions, please the contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Applicants should upload a cover letter and resume for the Referral Specialist SE Region requisition.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience working within the Deaf Community.
Substitutions:
- An Associate's or higher degree in Interpreter Studies, Deaf Studies or Human Services with a concentration in a disabilities field may be substituted for one year of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience. A Bachelor's Degree substitutes for two years of experience based on two years of education for one year of experience.
- One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
- A certificate as evidence of completion of a two-year Interpreter Training Program may be substituted for the required experience.
- Certification by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. or other interpreter certification judged equivalent by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing may be substituted for the required experience.
Licenses:
- Based on assignment, a valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.