Assistive Communication Specialist
Barre, VT
Full Time
Community Developmental Services
Mid Level
Washington County Mental Health Services, Inc.
NOTICE OF OPEN POSITION
Assistive Communication Specialist
March 2025
For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment of individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”
POSITION: WCMHS is seeking an Assistive Communication Specialist to coordinate and deliver communication services to individuals with significant communication needs, helping them achieve their social, behavioral, and employment goals. Specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and supported typing, this role involves assessments, job development, training, and ongoing support. The specialist collaborates with individuals, their support teams, and employers to implement best practices and effective communication strategies. Responsibilities include providing direct support, leading team efforts to enhance communication plans, facilitating training sessions, and gathering necessary data for program success. Additionally, the specialist offers consultation, technical assistance, and advocacy, ensuring individuals receive the tools and training needed for meaningful communication. Participation in initiatives like the Vermont Communication Task Force and continuous professional development in AAC, assistive technology, and related areas are key aspects of the role.
QUALIFICATIONS: The Assistive Communication Specialist’s education and work experience will include:
- Experience with augmentative and alternative communication methods including typing and assistive technology
- Experience working with individuals in need of communication supports
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
Additional requirements for this position include:
- Must have a valid driver’s license, possess an excellent driving record, and have access to a safe, reliable, insured vehicle Ability to triage crisis interventions, be flexible and mobile in response
- Ability to work within a team with effective interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively with teammates and colleagues within WCMHS and external partners.
- Excellent teaching, organization and time management skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Expectation is for clinical documentation to be completed in a timely and organized manner.
- Commitment to the WCMHS mission and positive regard for individuals accessing services.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: This full-time position offers an exempt hourly compensation rate of $24.62 and excellent benefits, including tuition reimbursement/student loan assistance; generous paid time off; employer-sponsored health, dental, life, and disability insurances; and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
TO APPLY: We encourage applicants to apply via the WCMHS website Careers page. Applications (resume and cover letter, preferred) may also be emailed to [email protected] or mailed via USPS mail to WCMHS Human Resources, PO Box 647, Montpelier, VT 05601. Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. WCMHS strives to make our application process accessible to all. If you need language assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or 802-229-1399.
Washington County Mental Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. Grounded in our understanding that diversity makes our organization stronger, we are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace and services. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health care coverage status, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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