Co-Navigator (CN) - Salem, OR

Position Title:    Co-Navigator (CN)
Reports To:    Access Services Coordinator
Location:    Salem
Status:    Full time, non-exempt and at-will position
Salary Range:    $24.00 - $26.50/per hour / $50,000 - $55,000 annually
Benefits:    Bridges Oregon offers paid sick time off, vacation time, paid holidays, health insurance, an employment assistance program, short and long term disability leave, life insurance, a retirement package, and professional development opportunities.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
A cover letter, resume, completed application and list of three names for references and their contact information must all be received to be considered. If any of the three application materials are missing or incomplete, your submission will not be considered. Please email all materials to apply@bridgesoregon.org.

Organization Summary:
Established in 2017, Bridges Oregon is a statewide non-profit organization serving Oregonians who are D/deaf, DeafBlind, deaf-blind, D/deaf with additional disabilities, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and/or persons with unilateral/bilateral hearing loss. It is in our mission to facilitate equity and inclusiveness and to provide a bridge to opportunities through advocacy, education, and communication.

Position Summary:
The Co-Navigator (CN) position is a direct support role designed to increase the independence, autonomy, and community integration of DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing-Blind individuals. Under the supervision of the Access Services Coordinator, the CN will work closely with DeafBlind individuals to provide visual and environmental information, guiding support, and access to community resources. The CN will assist customers in meeting their basic needs, such as food shopping, running errands, and basic banking, and will also facilitate access to recreational activities and transportation.

This position requires someone with strong communication skills, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and a commitment to promoting the dignity and autonomy of the DeafBlind community. American Sign Language (ASL) skills and familiarity with ProTactile language are highly preferred.

Duration of this Position:
This is a grant-funded position, and it includes options to renew for up to a cumulative maximum of six (6) years.

Co-Navigator Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and Guidance: Provide safe, effective, and person-centered sighted guide services, ensuring the safety and comfort of customers during activities such as walking, navigating public spaces, and using transportation services.
• Relay Visual and Environmental Information: Accurately describe visual and environmental elements that a sighted-hearing individual would typically have access to, allowing customers to make informed decisions and engage fully in their surroundings.
• Community Integration and Advocacy: Encourage and support the participation of DeafBlind individuals in community activities and empower the DeafBlind individuals to advocate for their full inclusion and rights to access services.
• Transportation Assistance: Provide transportation for customers in a private vehicle or assist in using public transportation. Ensure that customers are comfortable and safe throughout the journey.
• Communication Support: Facilitate communication using American Sign Language (ASL), ProTactile, and other communication methods as preferred by the customer.
• Flexible Service Delivery: Be adaptable in providing support based on the customer's schedule and needs. Hours of work will vary depending on the number of customers on the caseload (up to 40 hours/week).
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to represent the mission and values of Bridges Oregon to program participants and community partners.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the D/DB/HH communities (paid or volunteer).
• Strong understanding of DeafBlind culture and the unique communication methods, such as ProTactile, used within the community.
• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).
• Ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships and establish rapport with consumers.
• High level of organizational skills and follow-through.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in challenging circumstances.
• Valid Oregon State Driver's License, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record.
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Sensitivity to the needs of customers and the ability to maintain appropriate customer confidentiality in accordance with reporting and federal/state statutes.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and remotely and to interact with customers through video solutions, telephone, email, text, and in-person meetings at neutral locations.

Desired Qualifications

• Proficiency in ProTactile language.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the connection between individuals who are DeafBlind or Deaf and Hard of Hearing with additional disabilities and various forms of oppression.
• Understanding of anti-oppression issues and experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with scheduling tools like uSked and customer database management.

Essential Functions:

• Frequent movement inside the office and community.
• Frequent computer use and communication with colleagues and clients.
• Ability to constantly problem solve, organize, and prioritize.
• Occasionally work outdoors in cold or high temperatures.
• Occasionally carry up to 20 pounds.

Expected Training:
1. Anti-oppression, anti-racism, bias, and cultural responsiveness, annually
2. Mandatory vs. non-mandatory reporter
3. HIPAA and confidentiality training, annually
4. CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens training
5. Bridges Oregon CN/CF App
6. Familiarize with Bridges Oregon's policy, procedure, and strategic plan.
7. Other training as assigned by the service contract.

COVID-19 Requirements: As part of our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our community and the vulnerable populations we serve, Bridges Oregon requires all employees, volunteers, and contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning work. This policy is in place to protect individuals who are at a higher risk of severe illness and aligns with our mission to provide a safe and supportive environment.

Relocation Package:
No relocation assistance is provided for out-of-state candidates.

Bridges Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates, including survivors of interpersonal violence, persons of color, LGBTQ-identified individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities.