Careers: Deaf Access Specialist

Description

This is a one-year, full time contract position (40 hours a week). There is potential for extension and/or conversion to a permanent position based on mutual fit and performance.

Equal Dreams is looking for a self-driven, curious individual with a deep interest in working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Priority will be given to Singapore Sign Language users, and those with lived experiences as Deaf / Hard-of-Hearing individuals.

Some core functions of the role include:

• Accessibility Service Management: Coordinate and monitor quality of accessibility services, such as SgSL interpretation and speech-to-text interpretation.
• Sign Language Instruction: Oversee and deliver Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) training programmes for public runs and corporate intakes.
• Resource Development and Advocacy: Create resources and advocate for Deaf inclusion and accessibility within Equal Dreams, and with external partners.
• Community Engagement: Build partnerships and represent Equal Dreams to promote accessibility and inclusion.

Interested to find out more? Read on below for further details!

Responsibilities

In your work, you will have the opportunity to be deeply involved in both in-house projects and collaborations with external clients. As a Deaf Access Specialist, your role includes:

Accessibility Service Management:

• Oversee and coordinate services such as sign language interpreting, speech-to-text interpretation and other related accessibility services.
  
• Assess and address the requirements of clients and stakeholders for access arrangement in various settings (e.g., workplace, events, meetings).
  
• Build, maintain and manage a network of service providers including sign language interpreters and speech to text interpreters
  
• Gather client feedback and use it to drive continuous improvement in service delivery

Sign Language Instruction:

• Work with Team Lead (Programmes) to oversee and manage team of freelance SgSL instructors
  
• Work with SgSL Specialist to develop and deliver customised Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) training programmes
  
• Support administrative and logistical processes to ensure smooth running of SgSL programmes
  

Resource Development and Advocacy:

• Create and maintain accessible resources, such as guides, toolkits, and visual aids, to support stakeholders in working effectively with Deaf individuals.
  
• Advocate for the inclusion of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by providing expertise on accessibility best practices.
  
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance services and resources for the Deaf community.

Community Engagement:

• Represent the organization at community events, workshops, or panels to promote accessibility and inclusion.
• Develop partnerships with organizations serving the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
• Serve as a liaison between the Deaf community and organizational stakeholders.

Where your interests align and with your primary core responsibilities not compromised, you will also be provided with opportunities to develop in areas of accessibility involving other disability communities for personal and professional growth.

Note: The candidate must be willing to embrace a dynamic role that includes a variety of operational tasks. In addition to the core responsibilities, the position may require support across different teams to meet evolving business needs and ensure seamless operations.

Requirements

• This position is only open to Singaporeans and PRs.
• Proficiency in Singapore Sign Language (SgSL)
• Strong understanding of Deaf culture and accessibility requirements for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, Slides etc.)

Preferred Qualifications / Qualities

We recognise that there are systemic barriers for some communities to attain certain qualifications or work experience. We encourage interested candidates to apply even if you do not fulfill all qualifications listed. We are open to provide professional development opportunities to suitable passionate and motivated candidates to fill the gap in experience upon onboarding.

Salary will vary according to skills and experience.

• Previous experience in teaching or training, particularly in SgSL instruction.
• Experience with public presentation and conducting training
• Proactive self-starter 
• Ability to work with diverse teams of people
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Excellent organisation skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Attention to detail

Work Environment

• Staff meetings and public training programmes will be held at our office in 994 Bendemeer Road, B Central, #03-04 (Room 5), Singapore 339943. It is a 5 minute walk away from Boon Keng MRT.
• You might need to travel to clients’ premises for training programmes or consultancy projects where accessibility testing and training programmes are conducted.
• In your other pockets of time, the working arrangement is flexible, and you may choose to work remotely.
• Heads up: there might be occasional evening or weekend hours. If so, you’ll be compensated with time off.

How to Apply

Please send the following to careers@equaldreams.sg  

1. Cover letter – let us know how you can contribute to our vision and mission, and how we can fit your career aspiration
2. CV (Curriculum Vitae) 
   1. Details are appreciated; you do not have to try to fit your information into a page limit.
   2. Indicate areas related to the above qualifications and qualities that you are interested to develop in but have not had the chance to in previous experience 
   3. Expected Salary

We are open to multiple modes of expression. You can submit the above in your preferred modes whether in text, visuals, audio, video or a combination. Language options of your submission can be English or Singapore Sign Language.

Application Deadline

The review and selection process may begin as soon as applications are received. Applications will close once the position is filled.

Inclusive Employment Statement

At Equal Dreams, we believe that diversity makes a difference in bringing fresh, authentic perspectives to the work we do, and in creating a welcoming, safe and respectful work culture.

We’re keen to work with individuals from different communities, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, neurodiversity, marital or familial status, socioeconomic background, or any other dimensions of diversity.

We can provide appropriate accessibility arrangements for disabled individuals both during the interview process and if you were to join our team. If you have accessibility requirements, please do include it in your resume and we will commit to do our best to meet them should you be shortlisted for an interview.