Rise, Inc.·Faribault, Minnesota
The Occupational Communication Specialist provides job placement, training, and long-term employment support to individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing. Responsibilities include managing a caseload, advocating for job accommodations, and partnering with community employers to foster competitive job opportunities.
Description At Rise, we believe that everyone deserves opportunities to live a life filled with purpose and pride.
In our employment, housing, and life-enrichment services, we support people to set and achieve their personal goals.
As a nonprofit, every Rise team member is driven by our mission.
That shared commitment is the foundation of a workplace that embraces a culture of learning and growth by offering extensive training, competitive salaries, and a fun work environment.
We are an inspiring leader in disability services that wants to make a real difference in people’s lives!
This position is for the Minnesota Employment Center for People who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing, a program of Rise, Inc. The Occupational Communication Specialist provides pre-placement, job placement, training and long-term employment support to Minnesotans with hearing loss who may also experience other barriers to employment. We are hiring at a level 1 or 2, depending on qualifications. This position requires reliable transportation and the ability to travel in the community for up to 75% of the time. It also has a hybrid work option.
Support persons served to obtain and maintain fulfilling and rewarding competitive jobs. Provide individualized job placement services through regular meetings with person served to work on job seeking skills, preparing resumes and cover letters and interviewing. Actively cultivate competitive job opportunities with businesses and employers in the community as appropriate. Equip and empower individuals to be successful in their new job opportunity through ongoing support and relationship with employers. Adapt communication style to effectively match that of the person served. Train individuals to meet employer expectations including appropriate behaviors and production standards. Help persons served manage their symptoms well at work site. Advocate on behalf of individual with employer regarding job accommodations. Responsible for maintaining a caseload of 12-14 people while tracking and documenting a variety of data about services provided as well as billing through electronic case management systems. Partner with schools and transition programs to provide pre-employment instruction, career exploration, and job readiness curriculum. Become familiar with resources, services, tools and technology that will benefit individuals and/or employers in navigating communication or other social barriers. Utilize person centered thinking and motivational interviewing to best engage with person served. Approach services with a trauma-informed lens.
Ability to communicate in American Sign Language at an advanced level (SLPI score of Advanced Plus - or ability to work towards this goal). Knowledge and understanding of Deaf Culture. Applicants must comply with and pass Department of Human Services background check (Rule 11). Applicants must have a valid driver license. Must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background check. Ability to travel to meet persons served and other business needs on a daily basis with use of a personal vehicle; mileage reimbursed. Ability to provide virtual support as needed (high-speed home internet connection available).
Knowledge of job training practices for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing. Familiarity in supporting individuals with additional barriers to employment. Degree in human services, vocational or social services. Knowledge of variety of supported employment systems and community-based training program models.
Wage: $22.81 - $26.07 per hour, depending on qualifications Occupational Communications Specialist 1: $22.81 - $24.41 Occupational Communications Specialist 2: $24.37 - $26.07 Mostly daytime work hours with some nights and weekend work (No major holidays) Medical insurance - single employee coverage less than $90/month Dental insurance less than $17/month Vision insurance 401(k) with a 100% vested employer match Rise sponsored Basic Life & AD &D insurance Voluntary Life, Short Term, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Tuition reimbursement and Rise sponsored trainings (i.e., CPR, First Aide, and more) to help you be successful in your role Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off (PTO) starts at 16 days during your first year, plus 2 floating holidays and 48 hours of ESST time per year Employee resource groups (i.e., DEI, LGBTQ+, recognition and more). A fun team environment that supports your professional development and opportunities for career advancement. Rise is a PSLF-eligible employer. Your qualified student loan balance may be forgiven after 120 covered payments.
Do you want to work in a fun environment while supporting others to live a life of possibilities?
Then join Rise, Inc.!
Rise values being a person-centered organization.
This impacts how we carry out services for the people we support and our organizational culture.
We encourage people's unique individual differences and celebrate the ways our team members contribute to our community.
We believe in a workplace informed by differing viewpoints and perspectives created from a diverse team and welcome people of all races, genders, ages, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to apply.
Our goal is that those we serve, and our team members always feel valued and respected.
Market context
In Minnesota, ASL-fluent occupational communications roles are often tied to schools, clinics, and community services that need clear access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Competition can be strong because employers usually want advanced American Sign Language skills, Deaf culture knowledge, a valid driver’s license, and a clean background check. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm whether your ASL experience and driving availability match the posting before applying.