Closing Date: December 29, 2022 

Are you looking to join an innovative, collaborative, and diverse team? Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is seeking highly motivated individual to provide excellent customer service and equalize opportunity for Montgomery County residents.　

Montgomery County Public Libraries seeks a Program Specialist I with knowledge of Deaf culture to work at the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL), a statewide service managed by the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). The DCDL is the primary information center on Deaf resources for library customers and library staff in Maryland. 

Deaf Culture Digital Library staff are based at the Rockville Memorial Library. Travel throughout Maryland is required. Evening and weekend hours are required. This position is eligible for telework under Montgomery County’s Telework Program.

This is a TERM position.  It is grant funded as outlined in Section 23-108 of the Education Articles, Annotated Code of Maryland. Continued employment in this position depends on annual renewal of the grant.

This position requires fluency in American Sign Language. The candidate selected to fill the vacancy must pass an exam assessing their American Sign Language fluency. 

Who we are:

With 21 physical branches strategically located throughout Montgomery County, MCPL serves a diverse, vibrant community of lifelong learners and information seekers. MCPL is an open, inviting, and vital gateway to the information, ideas and enrichment that strengthens our county.  A diverse, highly qualified staff continually assesses community needs and interests to support, encourage and inspire our customers.

MCPL believes in the right of all to learn and to grow. We value intellectual freedom, accountability, quality service, diversity, fairness, professional ethics, integrity of information and respect for our customers, our community, and ourselves. We are a learning organization that functions openly by exploring new ideas and using the collective talent, knowledge, and creativity of employees at all levels.

What are we looking for:

A Program Specialist I that will assist in the development of the Deaf Culture Digital Library, a statewide service, which will be based at a Montgomery County Public Library branch and managed by MCPL.  The employee will be responsible for providing administrative support to functions related to outreach, planning programs, creation, and maintenance of the DCDL website, and communications with libraries of all types (state, federal, county, and academic).  This employee will also provide programming and training to local and statewide audiences.

How You Will Contribute:

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide and maintain resources for Deaf and hard of hearing community, Maryland libraries, and outside agencies (such as Deaf organizations, schools for the Deaf, universities that offer Deaf Studies curriculum, mainstream programs for Deaf and hard of hearing students, parent groups, etc.);
• Promote interest in the DCDL as a community resource by visiting and speaking to Deaf schools and civic, cultural, and social organizations.
• Maintain email distribution lists.
• Help keep the DCDL website current and accurate.
• Enhance the library's presence on our website and social media.
• Oversee creation and distribution of DCDL marketing materials.
• Create displays and staff exhibit booths at conferences.
• Provide clerical and administrative support, including scheduling meetings and booking meeting rooms, photocopying, taking notes, recording training sessions, and managing supplies.
• Recruit and train volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in Deaf culture/hearing loss services and programming.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Language: Basic proficiency in American Sign Language is required. Equivalency does not apply.

All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications.  Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified”, placed on the eligible list, and may be considered for an interview.  Employees meeting minimum qualifications of the same grade or higher will be placed on the Eligible List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for an interview.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following areas and taking the time to address them in your resume is encouraged.

1. Candidate is Deaf or hard of hearing.
2. Experience with and knowledge of Deaf culture.
3. Experience using social media, especially creating accessible content.
4. Outstanding communication skills.
5. Experience marketing, including planning and presenting at outreach visits, meetings, and conferences.
6. Experience working collaboratively and a team-based environment.
7. Experience maintaining web content and improving user experience.