LegalRural Communication Access Services Coordinator

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The staff of the Colorado Division for the Deaf Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind (Division) runs multiple programs within the Communications Services for People with Disabilities Enterprise. The Enterprise is a business structure that is supported by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Each member of the Division contributes to the coordination of internal and external activities that achieve the goals and objectives as set by the Enterprise.

The Colorado Legislature created the Division (formerly known as the Colorado Commission for the Deaf Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind) in 2000 to fulfill the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 requirement to ensure equitable access for Deaf Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind (DHHDB) people and to provide a central point of contact within the State for DHHDB individuals in need of services. All personnel in this unit are required to create and maintain accessible materials while prioritizing access in all decision-making to support staff and communities statewide. The mission of the Division is to create a barrier-free Colorado.

As outlined by statutory requirements the Division provides the following essential programs resources and services including but not limited to:

• Colorado Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (COEHDI)

• Communication Access Services (CAS) - sign language interpretation Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioning services and other communication services for legal/court and rural settings

• Community Relations - Ascent Program information resources directory referrals events grants and trainings

• Communication Technology and Access Program (CTAP) - Communication Technology Program National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) and Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)

• DeafBlind Programs - Community Intervener Program (CIP) Orientation & Mobility (O&M) and Support Service Providers (SSPs)

This position oversees the Divisions Communication Access Services ensuring high-quality auxiliary services (sign language interpreting CART) for Legal and Rural programs. The role is critical to ensuring access to effective communication for Deaf Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind individuals in Colorado State Courts administrative proceedings and rural areas. This position serves as the subject matter expert on communication access services and requires in-depth knowledge of relevant federal and state laws (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 state laws etc.).

Key responsibilities include:

• Program Management & Compliance

  • Oversees the implementation of all legislated program mandates.

  • Manages all program rulemaking pursuant to Department procedures per the Administrative Procedures Act.

  • Conducts the intake and assessment of new consumers for the Legal and Rural programs.

  • Monitors overall program budget and spending in collaboration with the Fiscal Unit.

• Quality Assurance & Credentialing

  • Oversees the credentialing of all legally qualified sign language interpreters and CART providers for the Colorado State Courts.

  • Establishes and monitors communication access services standards in close collaboration with the Interpreting and Scheduling Units.

• Community Engagement & Outreach

  • Leads the Legal and Rural Advisory Councils including recruitment and meeting facilitation.

  • Develops and distributes technical assistance education and outreach materials.

  • Collaborates with internal and external partners to analyze data and continuously improve service effectiveness.

Primary Job Duties:

• Program Coordination Compliance and Rulemaking - This position serves as the primary subject matter expert for the Legal and Rural Communication Access Services this capacity the coordinator oversees the implementation of all legislated program mandates ensuring services are delivered in compliance with federal (e.g. ADA Section 504) and state laws. A key function is to manage all program rulemaking pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) including community member engagement drafting and filing. This role conducts the intake and assessment of Deaf Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind (DHHDB) consumers for the Legal and Rural programs to determine service eligibility and needs; this includes a direct intake with every new rural consumer to determine their eligibility assess needs and explicitly explain all program rules and consumer responsibilities. The coordinator checks-in with program consumers at least once per year. The coordinator also monitors the overall program budget tracks spending trends and provides strategic projections in close collaboration with the Divisions Fiscal Unit to ensure programmatic goals are met.
  

• Community Engagement Outreach and Collaboration- This position is the primary liaison for the communities served by the Legal and Rural programs. The coordinator leads and facilitates the Legal and Rural Advisory Councils managing all aspects of their operation including member recruitment agenda setting meeting facilitation and communicating recommendations to Division leadership. This role strategically develops updates and distributes technical assistance education and outreach materials for internal and external partners and community members including the Colorado State Courts rural community partners and DHHDB individuals. A key focus is on developing and implementing targeted outreach plans to increase awareness and utilization of the Legal and Rural Communication Access Services programs. This position establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships with internal and external partners to identify service gaps analyze data and ensure equitable access in underserved areas.
  

• Assurance and Credentialing- The coordinator is responsible for ensuring high-quality and effective communication access across all program areas. This role oversees the credentialing process for all legally qualified sign language interpreters and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) captioners seeking to work within the Colorado State Courts and administrative proceedings. The position establishes reviews and monitors communication access service standards to ensure they are current effective and equitable. This requires close collaboration with the Divisions Interpreting and Scheduling Units to provide subject matter expertise resolve service-delivery challenges and ensure credentialing and quality standards are consistently met.
  

• Other duties as assigned - Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned.
  

Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience CDHS hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications experience work products and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.. Volunteer work or a related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications but it must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education experience competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement. This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered. Answers such as N/A In Cover Letter or See Resume will not be accepted.

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application.Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use see resume or see attached.

Comparative Analysis Process Structured Application Review:

After minimum qualification screening which could include a skills test the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit.

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills education experience minimum qualifications and preferred qualifications:

Answer all supplemental questions (if listed) as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each response to supplemental questions.

Supplemental Questions:

Answer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling grammar and clarity of your writing).

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum requirement:At least seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position or a combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven years.

Also required:American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency (converse with DHHDB community members review ASL media) or ability to become proficient within two (2) years from hire.

Experience Only:

Seven (7) years of professional experience in Program Coordination Project Management Public Administration Human Services Communication Access or a closely related field which must include at least three (3) years of experience working with communication access services and/or DHHDB individuals.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in DeafBlind Interpreting Sign Language Interpreting Cued Language Transliteration (CART) Communication Access Services Public Administration Communications Social Studies Deaf Studies or closely related field AND at least two (2) years of professional experience in Program Coordination Project Management Public Administration Human Services Communication Access AND at least two (2) years of experience working with DHHDB individualsequal to seven (7) years.

• Program Coordination & Administration:Demonstrated ability to manage complex program logistics including application processing data management and ensuring compliance with established rules and procedures.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing with a wide variety of community members and partners including state officials judicial staff interpreters and community members.

• Partner Engagement & Relationship Building:Proven experience in building and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external partners. Ability to provide high-level technical assistance and customer service.

• Problem-Solving & Complaint Resolution:Ability to analyze complex situations research issues and mediate complaints or disputes in a fair and professional manner as outlined in the positions complaint management duties.

• Quality Assurance & Attention to Detail: A strong commitment to quality and accuracy particularly in managing credentialing processes and program budgets.

• Self-Motivation:Self-motivated and able to work independently to manage competing priorities.

• DHHDB Community Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of and experience working directly with the DHHDB communities.

• American Sign Language (ASL): ASL proficiency (ability to converse with all DHHDB community members and review ASL media) or the ability to become proficient within two years of hire.

• Specific Program Knowledge:

  • Expertise with Communication Access Services (e.g. sign language interpreters Communication Access Realtime Translation captioning tactile interpreting protractile interpreting cued language transliteration).

  • Expertise in federal and state laws regarding access to effective communication (e.g. Americans with Disabilities Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 state laws regarding legal and rural communication access services).

  • Professional experience with ADA communication access requirements within judicial systems and/or rural settings.

  • Budget Monitoring: Experience monitoring program budgets and spending.

  • Technology Proficiency: Proficient in using Adobe Google Suite (Docs Sheets etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite including Excel.

  • Attention to Detail: Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong written expressive and interpersonal skills.

• Relevant years of State service should be considered as a preferred qualification to be used to determine the top candidates on the referral list. (Partnership agreement 10.1.)

• COWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service prorated for part-time that contribute to a candidates position-related knowledge skill ability behavior or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process

• TRANSFERS ONLY: Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.

Conditions of Employment

• Standard Background Check and reference checks - ALL CDHS employees (non-direct contact):
  CBI name check ICON Colorado court database Medicare fraud database Reference checks Professional License verification (licensure requirements) and drug screen (commercial Drivers license)
• MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD CHECK: This position will drive a state fleet or non-state fleet vehicle for State business purposes:
• Travel- 20% minimum travel requirement some responsibilities may require more as business needs arise. Noting for community relations in-person outreach can greatly exceed this minimum expectation and be closer to 40%. Attend community engagement events / activities community meetings training strategic planning sessions and conferences in-person per business needs and to positively represent the Department / unit and efforts.

• Other Explain:This position is currently designed as hybrid; employees must maintain a home office internet and phone access to required job duties or report to the office.

  • Professional experience working directly with and for Deaf Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind consumers and communities.

  • ASL proficiency (ability to converse with all DHHDB community members vendors and contractors) or ability to become proficient within 2 years from hire.

  • Demonstrated experience in program coordination including budget monitoring and operational oversight.

  • Professional expertise with applicable laws with respect to access to effective communication Communication Access Services and/or legal/rural community outreach at the staff authority level.

  • Flexibility to adjust work schedules for business needs.

  • Proficiency with general office software (Adobe Google Suite (Docs Sheets etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite including Excel) virtual meeting platforms and any software tools utilized by the organization or state agencies.

  • Excellent written and expressive communication skills.

  • Ability to interact with individuals from various backgrounds cultures communication preferences and skill levels in order to provide direct and effective communication.

  • Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.

  • Excellent time management and data tracking skills.

  • Solid interpersonal skills.

  • Familiarity or experience with judicial systems and/or rural settings.

  • Familiarity or experience with sign language interpreting and/or CART credentialing training code of professional conducts etc

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position (3) provide the employee number from the applicants prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
  
  
  

Appeal Rights:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email () postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street 4th Floor Denver CO 80203) or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the departments action.

For more information about the appeals process the official appeal form and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at ; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1 State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures Chapter 8 Resolution of Appeals and Disputes atsunder Rules.

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions please contact

About Us:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference consider joining the dedicated people of theColorado Department of Human Services(CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety independence and well-being of the people of addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work we offer:

• Strong secure yet flexible retirement benefits including aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Planplus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplementedHealth Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• BenefitHubstate employee discount program

• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe

• Excellent work-life programs such as flexible schedules training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more

information go to Values:

We believe in a people-first approach:To serve the people of Colorado we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized inspired and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

Balance creates quality of life:We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility health and wellness and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable:We take responsibility through our actions programs and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters:We are open and honest with employees our partners the Coloradans we serve and the public.

We are ethical:We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together:We work together with all partners employees and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADAA Accommodations:CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment including completing the application process interviewing completing any pre-employment testing participating in the employee selection process and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position please direct your inquiries to our ADAA Coordinator Nancy Schmelzer at or call 1-.

THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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