Gallaudet University Department of Social Work

The image is a colorful flyer for the "Gallaudet Social Work @ ADARA Meetup." The background has abstract shapes in pastel colors including green, purple, pink, and yellow.

Header: GALLAUDET SOCIAL WORK @ ADARA MEETUP (in bold purple text)
Location: KITTY DARE, 1029 EDGEWOOD AVE NE, ATLANTA, GA (in bold purple text)
When: WED, MAY 29TH AT 8:30 PM (in bold purple text)
RSVP: BY MAY 24TH VIA WHOVA APP (in bold purple text)

The flyer features abstract pastel shapes in green, purple, pink, and yellow scattered around the edges. The text is centrally aligned and written in a clear, bold purple font. The flyer is visually engaging with a mix of bright and soft colors, making the important details stand out.

We’re 10 days away from Commencement 2024, meet Micah Lovell, your Undergraduate Class of 2024 speaker!

Learn more about Micah by reading their bio at Gallaudet.edu/Commencement

[Important] Community Input Survey: Doctor of Social Work Program

Dear all,

Help Us! Participate in the DSW Program Needs Survey! The social work department is committed to continuously improving our services to better meet the needs of deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and late-deafened communities. To ensure that we address your academic/professional needs effectively, we are launching a DSW/Ph.D. Program Needs Survey.

What is DSW? A DSW (Doctor of Social Work) degree focuses on social work practice, supervision, and applied research, whereas a Ph.D. degree emphasizes scholarly and theoretical research.

This survey will allow us to get your valuable feedback and insights regarding our DSW/Ph.D. program opportunity. Your input will help us understand what is working well and where there is room for improvement/innovation.

Participating in the survey is easy! Just 5-10 minutes. Please click the link below to participate, and feel free to share this invite with your social work peers. The survey link will be closed on June 1, 2024.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GallaudetDSW

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Your input is invaluable, and we are grateful for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Gallaudet DSW/Ph.D. Project Committee

Public Input Survey: Gallaudet Doctor of Social Work Program Project Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Congratulations!

Dr. Takayama of and his colleague recently published an article in the Journal of Liberal Arts and Minority.

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the pathways through which individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and use sign language as their primary language acquire health information related to COVID-19 during the pandemic. Methods: In May 2020, following the
declaration of a state of emergency due to COVID-19, an online anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among the deaf and hard of hearing. The survey was accessible in both Nihon Shuwa (Japanese Sign Language) and Japanese. Results: Responses were
received from 396 individuals. The most common sources of health information related to COVID-19 were visual information sources such as television and YouTube, cited by 232 respondents (58%). Significant differences in the sources of health information were observed based on age, gender, educational background, and the presence of pre-existing conditions. Older individuals and males tended to acquire health information through interpersonal sources, such as friends and family. In contrast, deaf individuals who hold a university degree or higher were more likely to refer to textual information online.

Good job- Mike, Kota, & David! Looking forward to seeing your presentation at ADARA conference.

ADARA Conference 2024 Presenter Michael Brown

GU Social Work faculty in the Washington Post! Connie Pucci and are interviewed about barriers to licensure for qualified social workers that negatively impact the community, here in DC and throughout the country. Thank you for your advocacy, Dr. Pucci and Dr. Mounty!

Perspective | Want to fix the social worker shortage? Start with the licensing exam. The nation needs more social workers, and more social workers from diverse backgrounds. Outdated licensure exams are an obstacle and D.C. is weighing changes.

Deaf-REACH Inc
Director of Operations
Introduction
Deaf REACH Inc. is a small non-profit organization providing a range of services to individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing experiencing complex behavioral health concerns. Services provided include community support, day services, residential services, employment counseling and interpreter services.
Responsibilities
Residential Services
• Oversees all aspects of the provision of group home services as dictated by contract with the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). This includes:

o Food: ordering; creating menu options; coordinating food donations
o Staff: monitor staff training – both required and professional development trainings; ensure interpreters are requested in a timely manner
o Admission and discharge of new clients into the group homes
o Documentation of MARS, communication logs, client contracts, inventory sheets, visitor logs, laundry logs, work orders, client rights documents (Make sure to have all those ready when time for DBH Inspection)
o Staff management including selection and onboarding new staff; periodic staff evaluations and performance improvement plans; scheduling 24/7 staff for maximum coverage with minimum overtime. If staff are not available to cover shifts, you are responsible for coverage or finding someone else who can.
o Oversight of staff approach to clients requiring specialized approaches to care and engagement; crisis management

Facilities

• Oversight of ordering supplies for all facilities including office supplies, cleaning supplies, food, hygiene supplies and managing the budget projections for these items.

• Assuring all facilities meet regulatory standards:
o Tracking work orders, hiring contractors, assuring work is completed to code
o Conducting\supervising weekly inspections
o Creating work orders for maintenance; coordinating both internal and external maintenance staff\contractors
o Monthly monitoring and reporting status of repairs
o Schedule\monitor pest treatments
o Weekly house\staff meetings
o Oversight of Fire Inspections and drills
o Vehicle maintenance and repair

Operations

• Billing and Finance Activities

o Working knowledge of accounting system (QuickBooks Online), submits billing for government contracts and other customers, works with accounting and finance team to review spending and revenue collection. Coordinate with A/P and A/R activities.

o Assists in annual budget development.

• General Operating Activities including:

o Renew Business Licenses, Clean hand documents, Good Standing documents, annual government reports and other regulatory documentation.
o Coordinates with the HR Department
o Works with the CFO on various projects

• Serves as a member of the Deaf-REACH Inc executive team:
o Attend provider’s monthly meeting to share information about the group home and members behaviors.
o Attend bi-weekly meetings with the CEO.
o Hold monthly meetings with all staff members.
o Supervise staff, monitor group home staff schedules.
o Represent Deaf-REACH Inc in community meetings.

Other
• Reports to the Executive Director
• Full-time Exempt position\onsite work required
• Supervises Staff: Maintenance staff, Group Home Staff, Administrative Staff
• Work Involves traveling to all Deaf REACH facilities several times per month.
• Communicating on video phone/phone; zoom/google meet, in person meetings

Salary
Starts at $52,000

If interested, please apply through Indeed or send an email to Erik Betjemann, HR Specialist, at: [email protected]

Lots of photos from the BSW students' trip to Capitol Hill! After attending the CEASD/NAD Youth Summit, we visits the Hart and Dirksen Federal Buildings to drop in on some senators. Students talked with senatorial staffers from their home states and urged them to support the Cogswell Macy Act. Advocacy in Action!

LOTS OF JOBS AT INDIANA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF!
Indiana School for the Deaf
·
Exciting news! The Education Division at the Indiana School for the Deaf has multiple job openings available. If you're passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of students, we encourage you to explore these opportunities.
Positions Available:
ECE Teacher
Elementary Teacher
ECE/Elementary Principal
Secondary Computer Science/TV Production Teacher
Related Services Coordinator
Elementary Counselor
Social Worker
School Psychologist
School to Work Specialist
Transition Specialist
Speech Language Pathologist
ASL interpreter (part-time)
Paraprofessional (full-time and part-time)
Substitute
Join us in providing quality education and support to Deaf and hard of hearing students as part of our dedicated team. Send your cover letter and resume to Melissa Stewart at [email protected].
Don't miss this chance to be part of an impactful community-driven by a shared commitment to student success. Apply now and embark on a rewarding career journey with us!

🌟 Exciting news! We are launching an 8-week course that explores clinical social work in healthcare, with a focus on deaf communities. The course will be taught by Prof. DT Bruno, an MSW faculty member with years of experience as a community health worker working with an integrated healthcare department. Graduate students will have the opportunity to dive deep into holistic healthcare approaches and gain practical skills for collaborative environments. Stay tuned for future enrollment opportunities and be ready to join us in making a difference in deaf healthcare! 📚

Good job! Social Work Student Union (SWSU) students! There are star Black/African American social work alum members!

JOB POST: Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Nebraska Commission of DHH

The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) is looking for qualified applicants for a Behavioral Health Coordinator. Behavioral health is often used to describe the connection between our behaviors and the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. This includes behaviors such as depression, anxiety, physical disorders, as well as health conditions, and alcohol and substance abuse.

The Behavioral Health Coordinator will provide support tailored to the unique needs of Nebraskans who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. The position is open in Lincoln or Omaha, with state-wide travel required. A full job description and instructions on how to apply can be found here. (https://son.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NebraskaStateCareers/details/Mental-Health-Program-Specialist_JR2024-00003331?q=deaf)

A peek at GU Social Work's newest elective course: Mindfulness in Clinical Practice. Last week, Professor Connie Pucci brought students to the spirituality room, where Lily Fruguglietti ('24) facilitated a mindfulness activity related to positive self-affirmation. The students, who hail from Psychology and Social Work (Graduate and Undergraduate) can bring these approaches and techniques to their future careers as helping professionals!

**2nd Job Post of the Day: DHH Rehab Counseling opportunities in Hennepin County, MN.**

Please share with Deaf/DeafBlind communities and Deaf/DeafBlind social workers/psychologists,Rehabilitation counselors that Hennepin County in Minneapolis have job opening for Deaf/DeafBlind Social worker/Case Manager position. Please encourage Deaf/DeafBlind people to apply for that job. Apply deadline by February 22nd, 2024. Here's a link for the job description below.

Social Worker, Senior - Long-Term Services and Supports The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) area of the Human Services and Public Health department is seeking a Senior Social Worker to join the Long-Term Care (LTC) Case Management team who will primarily work with people who are within the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (HOH) community. This...

Our Deaf Survivors Center in Worchester, MA seeking Executive Director: see flyer below or visit www.odscunity.org

Mark your calendars for February 22 where we will be discussing Vicarious Trauma in Social Work. Presented by Jaemi Hagen from 6-7pm. We will learn more about the signs and ways we can cope along with many more knowledgable information.

Zoom link: https://gallaudet.zoom.us/j/88460826541

JOB OPPORTUNITY:
Center For Family Services
Services Empowering Rights of Victims

DEAF ADVOCATE
The Deaf Advocate for Sexual Violence Services plays a critical role in providing support and
assistance to Deaf survivors of sexual violence. This position is responsible for providing
advocacy, support, and resources to Deaf individuals who have experienced sexual violence.
Offering culturally competent and accessible assistance, helping survivors navigate the legal
and healthcare systems, and promoting awareness and education within the Deaf community.
This position is also responsible for training, outreach, and awareness presentation to local
service providers. This position reports to the Camden County Outreach Supervisor.
Job Qualifications
The Deaf Advocate must successfully complete 60 hours of the New Jersey State Confidential
Sexual Violence Advocacy Training and Domestic Violence Response Team training provided by
Services Empowering Rights of Victims (SERV). This role requires a deep understanding of Deaf
culture, communication methods, and the specific challenges faced by Deaf individuals who
have experienced sexual violence. The ideal candidate is an empathic professional who
demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice, cultural humility, and equity. People of
color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking are strongly encouraged
to apply. A bachelor& #39;s degree in a related field such as social work, psychology, counseling, or a
relevant human services discipline is preferred. Experience may substitute for education on a
year to year basis.
Additional Qualifications
- Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) or the local sign language is essential.
- Understanding of Deaf culture, history, and identity.
- Knowledge of sexual violence issues and trauma-informed care.
- Strong communication and advocacy skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitivity.
- Experience in providing support services or advocacy, preferably in the field of sexual violence.
- Proficient in using communication devices and technology to facilitate communication.
Duties and Responsibilities
 Advocacy and Support
o Offer emotional support and crisis intervention to Deaf survivors of sexual
violence.
o Assist survivors in understanding their rights, options, and the legal and
healthcare processes.
o Accompany survivors to medical exams, police interviews, court proceedings,
and meetings with service providers as needed.
o Help survivors access available resources, including counseling, support groups,
and legal assistance.

 Safety Planning

Center For Family Services
Services Empowering Rights of Victims
Job Description

o Collaborate with survivors to develop safety plans tailored to their specific
situations, addressing immediate safety concerns and prevention strategies for
future incidents.

 Community Outreach and Education
o Conduct outreach efforts within the Deaf community to raise awareness about
sexual violence, consent, and available support services.
o Deliver workshops, presentations, and training sessions on these topics, using
accessible formats and communication methods.
o Conduct training and outreach to local service providers to raise awareness
about Deaf culture and services available.

 Crisis Hotline and Helpline Support
o Provide support and assistance through crisis hotlines or Chatlines that are
accessible to Deaf individuals who may need immediate help.

 Documentation and Reporting
o Maintain accurate records of interactions with survivors and services provided.
o Compile data and reports as required for grant funding or program evaluation.
 Cultural Competency
o Stay informed about Deaf culture, language, and community dynamics to ensure
culturally competent service delivery.
o Attend relevant training and professional development opportunities.

Congrats to Dr. Connie Pucci, Director of Undergraduate Field Education, for 5 years of service as a full-time Social Work faculty member (and many more in other roles--this leader has worn SO many hats!) ID: Professor Pucci, who has long black hair, glasses, a burgundy sweater and dark slacks, smiles and holds up her certificate for 5 years of service.

Mu Pi Chapter of Phi Alpha was inducted on Monday for 2023-2024 AY. Students are admitted who show academic excellence in achieving in the 35% top of their class based on National Honors Society Standards. We are excited to have new and graduating members at the induction ceremony remotely today! Congratulations everyone on your hard work 🥳

Congratulations to Nichole Vandenbos for Winning the Stipend Award. This picture is of Nicole right outside her internship PAH! office
Nichole shares:
“As a first year MSW student I am interning at PAH! in Canada, a program that provides mental health support to deaf and hard of hearing children and youth. My internship allows me to do many things, but my favorite is completing intakes because I get to work with clients directly. It is also my first time working in an inclusive office which I absolutely love. I am so excited to receive this scholarship award that allows me to continue my internship at PAH! and studies at Gallaudet!”

Thanks so much for sharing and congratulations 🥳

Hey community! 🤟🏽 We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Nicholaus Nero, one of our incredible MSW Alumni! 🎓✨ Let’s hear more about him and his journey:

What brought you to Gallaudet MSW?

“Gallaudet’s commitment to inclusive Deaf-centric social work drew me in. The focus on empowering diverse voices and fostering inclusivity made it the perfect fit for my professional growth.”

Thank you so much Nicholaus for sharing.

Stay tuned for more alumni highlights! 🌟

https://careers.aarp.org/careers-home/jobs/5423?lang=en-us

Audience Strategy Manager in Washington, DC, United States | AARP AARP is hiring a Audience Strategy Manager in Washington, DC, United States. Review all of the job details and apply today!

Link has changed please join us tonight
https://gallaudet.zoom.us/j/88460826541

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