Rehabilitation Communication Specialists & Vocational Interpreters

DORS is Seeking Rehabilitation Communication Specialists and Vocational Interpreters!

​​Rehabilitation Communication Specialists

Rehabilitation Communication Specialists (RCS) are vendors who have a Sign Language Proficiency Interview: American Sign Language (SLPI: ASL) credential or have obtained a minimum 3+ or higher proficiency rating as assessed by Gallaudet University, have completed the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educations (ACRE) "Basic Employment Services Certificate of Achievement," and have demonstrated experience communicating with employers and advocating for consumers. Additionally, RCS vendors will be required to participate in at least four (4) hours of professional training a year, related to Job Placement services, in order to maintain "approved vendor" status with DORS.

At the direction of the DORS counselor (RCD​) and consistent with a signed agreement with DORS, these vendors provide job placement and employment follow-up support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, singly, or in combination WTC Employment Services, DORS Business Services Representatives, and DORS community rehabilitation partners.

RCS services include the following activities, consistent with the DORS counselor’s referral and authorization:

  • Intake and Planning
  • Job Development Preparation
  • Job Development
  • On-site Follow-Up
  • Job Retention Evaluation
  • Job Retention On-Site Follow-Up
  • On-Site Communication Support During work-based learning experience

Vocational Interpreters

Vocational Interpreters (VI) are credentialed by either the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), or the Interpreter Training Program (ITP). At the direction of the DORS counselor (RCD) and consistent with a signed agreement with DORS, these vendors provide interpretation, as needed, during training, job development and employment follow-up support for individuals who are deaf.

Vocational Interpretation services include the following activities:

  • Job Development Preparation
  • On-Site Job Interview Assistance
  • On-Site Vocational Interpretation

See DORS Policy & Procedure Manual​, Sections 706.09 and 706.10, for more information.

Interested in becoming a RCS or VI?

  1. Review Becoming a DORS Vendor.
  2. CONTACT Noe Turcios (DORS Staff Specialist, Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Services) at video phone: 410-405-7054​, or Noe.Turcios@maryland.gov​ BEFORE completing the application or profile form. Noe will complete an ASL evaluation and discuss next steps.
  3. Complete and submit the:

Interested in Becoming

a RCS or VI?

​​​​​​​Noe A. Turcios

CONTACT Noe Turcios, Staff Specialist, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, BEFORE submitting applications!

Video Phone: 410-405-7054 Noe.Turcios@maryland.gov


DORS is Also Seeking: Psychologists to Work with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Consumers

If you are interested in learning more, please go to the Psychologist Vendors page or contact DORS Statewide Coordinator for Deaf Services, Noe Turcios at video phone 410-405-7054​​ or noe.turcios@maryland.gov



The Vocational Rehabilitation program receives 78.7% of its funding through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
For the Federal fiscal year 2024, the total amount of grant funds awarded was $51,885,242.
The remaining 21.3% of the costs ($15,395,878) were funded by State appropriations.