Job Opportunities

 

JOB TITLE: Diocesan Liaison to the Catholic Deaf Ministry

SUMMARY: Serves the needs of a group of individuals with their own language, culture, and traditions by providing strong leadership by an individual who is able to communicate in the language and is sensitive to the cultural mindset of Deaf people.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Helps raise awareness in community by educating parishes and people about the rights of deaf, the need for interpreters an accessibility for all, and educating deaf children and deaf parents of hearing children who may be in local parish religious education programs.

2. Plans liturgies in local churches by scheduling interpreters, arranging for special deaf masses with non-signing priests and interpreters, arranging for priest to sign mass, supporting and encouraging plans for local Catholic deaf social gatherings and planning annual mass with the Bishop.

3. Administers Religious Education program by procuring and preparing materials for the religious education program, teaching classes and supporting volunteer teachers, planning adult education classes and home prayer groups and sacramental preparation.

4. Oversees pastoral care issues for deaf by maintaining files of deaf in hospitals, nursing homes, etc., visiting deaf patients when necessary, arranging for priests and interpreters for priests when necessary and arranging for deaf retreat, missions and prayer days.

5. Communicates with Lay Ministry team to handle problems as they arise and set guidelines and limits as necessary. Coordinates team meetings several times a year and facilitates Community Council meetings.

6. Acts as a liaison and maintains relations with pastors at local deaf ministry parish locations, National Deaf ministry, New York State Deaf ministry individuals and keeps involved with International Catholic Deaf Association local chapters.

7. Prepares monthly newsletter.

8. Schedules and facilitates speaking engagements. Plan and execute various fundraising events to benefit the deaf program.

9. Prepares annual budget proposal for Catholic Deaf Ministry. Handles any questions that may arise in subsequent budget and billing matters.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Competency in American Sign Language

• Knowledge of deaf culture in U.S.

• Experience in Catholic deaf church activities and a strong sense of confidentiality.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of this position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Associates degree or above preferred with 3 to 5 five years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Basic certification as Catechist in Diocese (BCC) and completion of Lay Ministry training or equivalent preferred.

Send Resumes to Rosemary Smith: rsmith@syrdio.org