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DeafBlind Immersion Specialist

Helen Keller Services
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DBIE Specialist

Regular Full-Time

Salary Range:$65,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

Are you ready to make a difference in your community?  Do YOU want to work on a team that is committed to empowering individuals?  At Helen Keller Services, our employees work in an environment that is more than just a workplace, it’s a community. 

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. 

We currently have an exciting career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a DeafBlind Immersion Experience (DBIE) Specialist.  The DBIE Specialist is responsible for providing direct, hands‑on instruction and support to individuals who are DeafBlind participating in center‑based and home‑community DeafBlind Immersion Experiences (DBIEs). The Specialist implements individualized, person‑centered assessment and training activities developed in collaboration with the DBIE Coordinator and works as part of an interdisciplinary team to support communication, vocational exploration, independent living, and community participation.

This position is a hybrid role and the candidate may reside in any state.  Frequent travel throughout the United States and to the training center in Sands Point, NY is required. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Responsible for the implementation of DBIE instruction and support services within the scope of assigned DBIEs, including but not limited to:

  • Provide hands‑on, person‑centered instruction to individuals who are DeafBlind with complex support needs during center‑based and home‑community DBIEs.
  • Implement individualized functional observation and training schedules developed in collaboration with the DBIE Coordinator.
  • Support skill development in the areas of communication, vocational exploration, independent living, environmental navigation, and community participation.
  • Implement and model individualized communication strategies, including tactile strategies, AAC systems, object cues, visual supports, gestures, sign language, and technology‑based systems.
  • Facilitate meaningful participation in work experiences and community activities aligned with each participant’s preferences, strengths, and goals.
  • Participate in pre‑DBIE planning meetings and assist with preparation of instructional materials and schedules.
  • Conduct environmental inventories to identify accessibility needs, learning opportunities, and potential barriers in home, work, and community settings.
  • Follow established DBIE schedules and daily programming plans.
  • Participate in daily debrief meetings and contribute functional observations and team feedback.
  • Assist with documentation and collection of functional information during DBIE activities.
  • Travel nationally to provide home‑community DBIE services using the same philosophies and practices as center‑based DBIEs.
  • Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff to ensure cohesive, person‑centered DBIE experiences.
  • Model instructional and communication strategies for families, educators, professionals, and provider agencies in real‑time environments.
  • Provide in‑the‑moment coaching to support consistent implementation of communication systems and functional routines across settings.
  • Communicate participant progress, challenges, and emerging needs to the DBIE Coordinator.
  • Assist with development of participant summaries and contribute written input to DBIE reports.
  • Participate in internal trainings, webinars, presentations, and professional development activities as assigned.
  • May co‑facilitate or support professional training activities for external partners and agencies related to DBIE practices including a community-of-practice forum, under the direction of the DBIE Coordinator.

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation, Human Services, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of 2–3 years of experience supporting individuals who are DeafBlind and/or individuals with complex disabilities.
  • Experience implementing communication supports and functional skill instruction required.
  • Experience in community‑based vocational or transition programming preferred.
  • Familiarity with AAC systems and assistive technology preferred.
  • Knowledge of sign language and/or other accessible communication methods preferred.
  • Ability to travel nationally on a monthly basis.

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees.  we offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance 
  • 4 week's paid vacation 
  • Paid Personal Days 
  • Paid sick time
  • 11 Paid Holidays Off Annually  
  • Life Insurance
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • 403b Program w/Employer Match
  • Flexible Spending/ Healthcare Savings Accounts 
  • Voluntary Ancillary Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program 

HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.