DEAF CULTURE DIGITAL LIBRARY COORDINATOR EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST II

About the role

The Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL) is a division of the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA). MSLA ensures all Marylanders have access to outstanding services and welcoming, innovative spaces by administering state and federal funding, empowering library professionals through certification and training programs, and facilitating collaboration across public, school and academic libraries.

Responsibilities

• Conducting needs assessments, identifying and implementing responsive strategies;
• Developing and providing sensitivity training for State and county library staff to help them better understand deaf patrons and their needs;
• Developing a website that promotes information sharing and coordination between the Deaf Culture Digital Library and county library systems;
• Developing deaf-related programs and materials for all ages and sharing them with county library systems and other libraries in the State;
• Developing partnerships and strategic alliances with other entities including the Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the National Association of the Deaf, and the Maryland Association of the Deaf;
• Encouraging partnerships and collaborations with information service providers to help provide virtual access to information and research.

Requirements

This position is only for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing per COMAR, MD Education Code 23-109, 8(c). The selected candidate for this position shall be a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual and knowledgeable and experienced concerning issues affecting deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Qualifications

• Education: A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university;
• Experience: Five years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, an education program, including two years of experience in coordinating or administering an education program or service directly related to serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers;
• Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the required education;
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree at an accredited college or university in a field related to the position for one year of the required experience;
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL);
• Two years combined work experience in, or affiliated with, community organizing, librarianship or education;
• Experience creating professional training or public programming;
• Experience in promoting services and resources;
• Professional experience with collaboration and partnerships.

Benefits

The State of Maryland offers benefits to its employees. Details can be found on the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Page.