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Assistive Communication Specialist

Empower individuals to be heard, understood, and fully included. The Assistive Communication Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals with significant communication needs to express themselves, build relationships, and achieve their social, behavioral, and employment goals. By specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and supported typing, this role helps remove barriers to participation and independence. Working collaboratively with individuals, families, support teams, and employers, the Specialist designs and implements effective communication strategies, provides hands-on training, and advocates for access to the tools and supports that make meaningful communication possible.

What We Offer:

+ Competitive salary

+ Generous medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance – WCMHS covers 82.5 – 92% of premium costs.

+ Matching 403(b) – match begins at 4.25% and increases based on years of service.

+ Employee assistance plan.

+ Generous sick and vacation accruals. Full- and part-time regular positions receive 12 days’ vacation and 12 days sick time annually - prorated based on standard hours.

+ 12.5 paid holidays annually.

+ Mileage reimbursement for agency related travel.

+ Fun and engaging environment and the ability to give back to the local community

Duties and Responsibilities:

+ Coordinate and deliver communication services for individuals with significant communication needs.

+ Conduct assessments to determine appropriate AAC and supported typing strategies and tools.

+ Develop, implement, and support individualized communication plans aligned with personal goals.

+ Provide direct support and coaching to individuals using AAC systems and assistive technology.

+ Train staff, families, and employers in effective communication strategies and best practices.

+ Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate communication supports into broader service plans.

+ Collect, analyze, and document data to monitor progress and inform program development.

+ Provide consultation, technical assistance, and advocacy to support consistent, effective communication.

+ Participate in professional learning communities and initiatives such as the Vermont Communication Task Force.

+ Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in accordance with agency standards.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

+ Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences, education, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.

+ Relevant experience with AAC, supported typing, and assistive technology may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Knowledge and Competencies

+ Demonstrated experience with augmentative and alternative communication methods, including supported typing and assistive technology.

+ Experience working with individuals who require communication supports across a range of settings.

+ Strong teaching, facilitation, organizational, and time-management skills.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including timely and accurate clinical documentation.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.

+ Flexibility and sound judgment in responding to changing needs, including crisis triage when required.

+ Strong interpersonal skills grounded in respect, advocacy, and person-centered practice.

+ Commitment to the WCMHS mission and a strengths-based, inclusive approach to service delivery.

Work Environment:

This role involves a mix of office-based work, community settings, and on-site support with individuals, families, and employers. The Assistive Communication Specialist travels locally to provide assessments, training, and consultation and must be comfortable working independently and collaboratively across varied environments. The position requires frequent use of technology and assistive devices, as well as regular computer use for documentation and data collection. Flexibility and mobility are essential to meet program and individual needs.

Compensation:

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 (https://www.wcmhs.org/careers) page. 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.

About the Agency:

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.”

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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