DB Community Class and Retreat Coordinator

Purpose:

DeafBlind Community Class is an important aspect of our connection with the DeafBlind Community. It provides opportunties for DeafBlind employees and community members to learn in a culturally appropriate and accessible setting, it offers interpreting students a safe environment to learn the skills of interpreting with a variety of DeafBlind individuals, and it provides interpreters from the community a way to stay connected to the DeafBlind community. The DeafBlind Retreat is a critical element of the DeafBlind Community, and the LH mission, bringing together DeafBlind people and volunteers from across the country and the world to participate in a week long event of full accessibility, information, networking and activities. Both of these events are large undertakings and require their own coordinator.

Minimum Requirements:

Coordinate all aspects of Deaf-Blind Community Class.

• Plan 15 classes per year, including all logistics, topics, contacts and registrations.
• Provide opportunities for DB leadership development as planners, presenters, announcers, hosts etc
• Recruit and support volunteer interpreters
• Coordinate training for volunteer interpreters when possible ($$ available)
• Coordinate set up of accessible and safe class environment.
• Prepare and distribute applications, forms, schedules, announcements and class information in a timely manner, accessible to each person.
• Coordinate interpreter matchups for DB classes (before and during) or work with the designated interpreter coordinator to complete matchups before class.
• Coordinate SSP matchups for duties before, during and after class.
• Coordinate transportation and support for class trips or individual rides as needed (including LH van, ACCESS van, rides with SSP or bus).
• Host and facilitate DB class when necessary
• Provide feedback to DB consumers and interpreters when necessary.
• Work with presenters to plan agendas and outlines for DB class. Educate and support presenters as necessary (depending on their experience)
• Track statistical information for quarterly/annual reports.
• Prepare and balance annual budget.
• Revise and maintain Deaf-Blind Community Class Manual as needed.
• Solicit evaluations and feedback annually from Deaf-Blind participants and interpreters through group meetings, video evals, written evals or 1:1
• Research event sites.
• Work with Manager to plan ongoing volunteer appreciation and recognition.
• Coordinate all aspects of Deaf-Blind Retreat.
• Take the lead on Acceptance Process, Activity Schedule, Budget and annual Reports
• Coordinate and work with other staff or contractors who may be leads on Registration (forms, mailings), Volunteer Coordination, Transportation, Housing, Matchups, Set up, Clean up, SSP Training, souvenirs and Volunteer Appreciation
• Attend the Retreat and fill roles as needed.
• Arrive to the Retreat early for set up and volunteer training; leave the Retreat once clean up is done and all DB and volunteers have departed unless otherwise approved and scheduled.
• Incorporate DB leaders and provide opportunities to develop leadership in areas of activity planning and leading, hosting, presenting etc.
• Work with Team Leaders and Mentors to document all incidents.
• Ensure adequate safety plan in place
• Revise and develop Retreat Manual ongoing
• Maintain close community relations with all DB consumers, interpreters and SSPs.
• Work with Manager to plan and coordinate DB Weekend Retreats when possible.
• Assist with /participate in other Deaf-Blind program events (PIE mtgs, LH Sign Classes, LH interns) as appropriate.
• Work closely with DB intern during the summer as requested.
• Participate in LH Awareness Trainings upon request.
• Participate in LH tours as requested.
• Attend events and host a LH exhibit table to recruit volunteers for DB class or Retreat as needed (AADB, RID, Deaf Expo etc) and when possible
• Provide IL support as requested relative to DB class or Retreat.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years working/socializing with Deaf-Blind adults.
• Fluency in ASL.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Excellent people skills and ability to work on a team.
• Ability to inspire people
• Able to complete projects within established time lines.
• Excellent ability to communicate along a variety of continuums including: visual and tactile ASL, minimal language skills, ASL, PSE, English and others depending on the consumer.
• Good working knowledge of MS OUTLOOK, WORD, EXCEL, ACCESS