Coordinator of Deaf Ministries

The mission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is to spread the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the faithful pursuit of this mission the Archdiocese is seeking a Coordinator of Deaf Ministries. The Coordinator will oversee religious education throughout the Archdiocese of Washington for Deaf youth and Adults and coordinate sacramental preparation. This role will report to the Executive Director of Special Needs Ministries and will be the face of the Archdiocese of Washington to the Deaf Catholic community both locally and nationally. Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee religious education throughout the Archdiocese of Washington for Deaf youth; seek out Deaf children who are not being served with the goal of integrating them into current parish settings.
• Coordinate Sacramental preparation for those in the religious education program.
• Oversee Deaf Adult Faith Formation Programs such as OCIA.
• Coordinate all Deaf Marriage Preparation Sessions, Baptismal Preparation sessions and small study groups.
• Coordinate the Advent-Lenten Days of Reflection, retreats and fellowship events for Deaf children, adults and their families.
• Act as liaison to pastors and parish staff who have parishioners who are Deaf and Deaf with disabilities, as well as with Deaf members of Spanish speaking families.
• Assist those new to Deaf culture to understand Deaf culture and the needs of Deaf students as well as families with Deaf members.
• Collaborate with the Deaf Young Adult community through the Gallaudet Office of Campus Ministry.
• Collaborate with Local, State, National and International Deaf Catholic organizations.
• All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with thorough knowledge and understanding of the faith that informs everyday life.
• Knowledge of Catholic faith and its perspective on persons living with deafness, hearing loss, deaf-blindness, deaf-disabilities.
• Candidate must be highly motivated and a self-starter, who has the ability and motivation (passion) to work as part of the team.
• Highly organized and able to set goals, direction and priorities.
• Experience working with clergy, parishes and parish staff.
• Experience with communicating in front of an audience.

Education and Experience

• College degree in Special Education, Social Work or similar discipline.
• Masters' degree in a related field preferred but not required.
• Must be fluent in the use of American Sign Language, knowledge of Deaf culture and have previous involvement with the Deaf community.
• Direct experience in serving Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf -blind and their families
• Experience working with Deaf persons with disabilities.
• Three years' experience in a public or community-facing role.
• Experience working well with a wide variety of people, both internally and externally.
• Ability to plan, create, develop and implement faith and Deaf programs and events.
• Strong written and verbal (signing) skills with experience in presenting faith and deaf issues to small and large groups.
• Certified Catechist or participate in Catechist training.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends and on deadline to implement all phases of events and programs.

Work Environment This job operates in an office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.