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?
- Review
Becoming a DORS Vendor.
-
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.
- Complete and submit the:
