The Director of Deaf Services (DDS) provides strategic leadership, supervision, and administrative oversight of the Deaf Services team and programs that support the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) contract. The DDS oversees program operations, staff performance, budget management, compliance, and service quality to ensure exceptional outcomes, serving as a key advocate for accessibility and inclusion by increasing public awareness, understanding, and support for the rights of people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DHH). This position develops and delivers training, community presentations, outreach initiatives, and educational resources grounded in Deaf culture, accessibility laws, and industry best practices.
The Director of Deaf Services will be responsible for the following core job duties:
A. Develop public workshops on Deaf rights, accessibility, ADA compliance, and inclusive communication.
B. Create training materials including presentations, handouts, and digital content for schools, agencies, businesses, and community partners.
C. Deliver community presentations that promote Deaf culture, communication equity, and best practices for accessibility.
D. Serve as a subject matter expert on Deaf rights, ASL access, and communication accommodations.
A. Collaborate with Deaf organizations, advocacy groups, and service providers to strengthen community partnerships.
B. Conduct outreach campaigns to raise awareness of Deaf culture, accessibility, and equity issues.
C. Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings. Responsibilities include community travel, occasional evening/weekend presentations, and collaboration with both Deaf and Hearing Stakeholders.
D. Collaborate with the Development and Communications team to provide top quality tours and presentations to community partners and guests that showcase DS programs.
A. Continuously monitor and evaluate DS programming using an outcome-based model to ensure deliverables and key performance indicators are met.
B. Provide leadership and administration of all DS programs in the New Orleans and St. Tammany regions. Responsible for monitoring the continued implementation of Lighthouse operational policies (LOP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that govern the DS programs. Coordinate with all teams to ensure continuity of the provision of services across regions.
C. Provide direct supervision and support to DS staff, managing hiring, onboarding, and performance processes. Conduct ongoing time and performance reviews to ensure open communication and appropriate guidance are provided to all team members. Cultivate a team whose performance is rooted in dedication to serving others; guaranteed to follow best practices; measured to ensure accountability; and committed to support each other to success.
D. Maintain compliance with ADA, state, and federal disability laws; uphold confidentiality and documentation standards.
E. Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements, including monthly invoices.
F. Ensure accurate database entries in the Commission’s online consumer system.
G. Resolve complaints with a target of 90% resolution within 30 days.
H. Manage the program budget to ensure full adherence to expenditure and billing guidelines.
I. Serve as the Lighthouse liaison by meeting quarterly with LCD leadership and responding to monitoring activities.
J. All other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Services.
This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.
We help people get jobs, regain their independence, and challenge expectations of the capabilities of people with disabilities. Even as a century-old nonprofit, we're constantly evolving to better serve our community.
Our manufacturing department employs blind, sighted, and low-vision individuals to produce items like paper cups, mess trays, and paper plates. The sale of these items supports our services, which are free to the consumer.
Many of the items we produce are sold to the United States Government, and are used by US troops around the world.
Locally, the Lighthouse helps youth and adults make the most of their remaining vision; find a job; build computer skills; use tools to manage their daily lives; and build a network of support for increased quality of life.
We also provide professional American Sign Language interpreting and connect people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with equipment and resources.
