Deaf Services Advocate & Community

Job Summary

A nonprofit organization in the Orange County area is seeking a Deaf Services Advocate to provide direct advocacy, case management, independent living support, employment assistance, and community resource navigation for Deaf consumers. This is a direct hire opportunity for a compassionate, organized, and culturally informed professional who is proficient in American Sign Language and experienced in supporting the Deaf community.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building trust, empowering individuals, navigating complex community systems, and making a meaningful impact through person-centered services. The work environment is mission-driven and community-focused, with opportunities to collaborate with supportive leadership, community partners, government agencies, and service providers to help consumers access the resources they need to live more independently.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage a caseload of approximately 30 consumers, providing advocacy, case management, service coordination, and follow-up support.
- Assist consumers with accessing DOR, Regional Center, CalAIM, Medi-Cal, housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, and other community resources.
- Provide individualized and group training related to independent living, employment readiness, housing, accessibility, self-advocacy, and tenant rights.
- Maintain accurate case notes, documentation, service authorizations, reporting, billing records, and compliance-related information.
- Build and maintain relationships with employers, housing providers, community organizations, government agencies, and disability service partners.
- Conduct outreach to the d/Deaf community and provide in-person services in collaboration with Department of Rehabilitation partners, including at the Laguna Hills location.

Compensation and Benefits

- Pay range: $22.00 to $24.00 per hour.
- Annual salary range: $41,600 to $49,900.
- Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday.
- Employment type: Direct hire.
- Location: North OC - South OC.

Required Qualifications and Skills

- Manage a consumer caseload while providing advocacy, case management, and independent living support.
- Coordinate community resources related to housing, employment, benefits, healthcare, transportation, and disability services.
- Deliver individualized and group training focused on self-advocacy, accessibility, employment, housing, and independent living.
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation, reporting, billing records, and service authorizations.

- Proficiency in American Sign Language is required.
- Genuine understanding of Deaf culture and the needs of the Deaf community.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- At least 2 years of experience working directly with individuals who are Deaf or in a closely related field.
- Experience in case management, advocacy, social services, independent living, vocational rehabilitation, or a similar service environment.
- Strong communication, organization, documentation, follow-through, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and support consumers through complex life circumstances.
- Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation required.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience working with the Department of Rehabilitation.
- Regional Center experience.
- Knowledge of CalAIM services or related care coordination programs.
- Housing and resource navigation experience.
- Employment support, vocational services, or job placement experience.
- Familiarity with Independent Living philosophy.
- Experience supporting individuals experiencing significant life challenges.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

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