Susan Shatney
Haddam Neck,CT
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience and expertise in serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities. Certified and skilled in American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, providing vital communication support across diverse settings including educational institutions, state agencies, and healthcare facilities. Proven ability in case management, counseling, and community outreach, facilitating access to essential services and resources. Strong advocate for cultural competence and policy improvement to enhance services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Late Deafened individuals. Holds a Master of Social Work with a focus on casework and community organizing, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Social Perspectives of the Deaf. Completed specialized certification in mediation from Quinnipiac Law School.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Counselor for the Deaf
Department of Aging and Disability Services
Windsor, USA
08.2016 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive services to underserved and disenfranchised socioeconomic populations within the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities
- Develop and manage resources for community members and service providers, enhancing accessibility and support
- Act as a liaison to improve cultural competence and address community concerns, fostering better community relations
- Provide education, referrals, and support to individuals and the public, ensuring widespread access to needed services
- Facilitate the sharing of support resources and information dissemination to keep the community informed and connected
- Address and coordinate responses to community concerns and requests, ensuring timely and effective resolution
- Conduct training sessions for public officials, state, and community employees on best practices for serving the target community
- Raise awareness about available programs and services through public education initiatives, increasing community engagement
- Identify and advocate for policy changes to enhance services and support for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities
Video Interpreter
Sorenson Communications
Farmington, USA
06.2013 - Current
- Facilitate Video Relay Services (VRS) between Sign Language callers and non-Sign Language callers, ensuring smooth and effective communication
- Maintain compliance with FCC regulations, maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality
- Complete necessary reports and documentation, ensuring all interactions were properly recorded and tracked
Assistant Manager of the SLA Program
American School For The Deaf
West Hartford, Connecticut
02.1998 - 02.2021
- Assisted in the development of operational strategies to ensure efficient and productive operations.
- Provided guidance and support to junior staff members on daily tasks, projects, and objectives.
- Maintained budgets for consumer programming.
- Coordinated schedules to ensure proper staffing coverage.
Sign Language Interpreter
Department of Rehabilitative Services
Windsor, USA
08.2004 - 08.2016
- Proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, including collaboration with Certified Deaf Interpreters and interpreting for DeafBlind individuals
- Provided interpreting services across educational settings, from kindergarten through postgraduate levels, ensuring effective communication in academic environments
- Facilitated interpretation in various environments, including state agencies, medical facilities, and rehabilitation centers, adapting to diverse settings and needs
- Responded to on-call emergency calls for hospitals after hours, ensuring immediate support and communication in critical situations
- Offered cultural mediation and education, sharing resources pertinent to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities
Social Worker
DaVita Dialysis
Shelton, USA
09.2005 - 02.2006
- Coordinated comprehensive patient care across medical disciplines, ensuring seamless integration of services
- Educated patients on health, wellness, and strategies for maintaining independence
- Provided compassionate support for patients requiring end-of-life care, ensuring dignity and comfort
- Facilitated referrals to health insurance providers including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers, optimizing access to necessary services and coverage
Counselor for the Deaf
Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
West Hartford, USA
03.2002 - 08.2004
- Counseled and provided case management services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families, addressing a range of needs and challenges
- Delivered comprehensive case management, including budgeting, housing assistance, and basic independent living skills training
- Provided referral and education to the public on issues pertinent to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, enhancing awareness and understanding
- Acted as a liaison to state agencies, fostering cultural competence and improving service delivery
- Maintained detailed and accurate records, ensuring compliance and effective case management
- Assisted individuals in making phone calls, empowering them to independently manage their communications
Interpreter Assistant
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Bridgeport, USA
03.2001 - 02.2002
- Served as the designated interpreter for meetings with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and community agents, ensuring clear and effective communication
- Coordinated interpreter requests
- Maintained appropriate documentation, streamlining the process for all involved parties
- Performed secretarial duties, including drafting letters, scheduling appointments, and managing communications, supporting smooth office operations
Education
Master of Social Work - Casework, Community Organizing
University of Connecticut, School of Social Work
West Hartford, CTBachelor of Arts - Social Perspectives of the Deaf
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CTVisiting student program -
Gallaudet University
Washington, DCSkills
- Client advocacy
- Needs assessment
- Superior communication skills
- Effective communication
- Policy analysis
- Community outreach
- Research and facts collecting
- Effective communication
- Program development
- Regulatory compliance
Certification
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Silver Springs, MD
- 40 Hour Certificate: Mediation, Quinnipiac Law School, Hamden, CT
Timeline
Counselor for the Deaf
Department of Aging and Disability Services
08.2016 - Current
Video Interpreter
Sorenson Communications
06.2013 - Current
Social Worker
DaVita Dialysis
09.2005 - 02.2006
Sign Language Interpreter
Department of Rehabilitative Services
08.2004 - 08.2016
Counselor for the Deaf
Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired
03.2002 - 08.2004
Interpreter Assistant
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
03.2001 - 02.2002
Assistant Manager of the SLA Program
American School For The Deaf
02.1998 - 02.2021
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Silver Springs, MD
- 40 Hour Certificate: Mediation, Quinnipiac Law School, Hamden, CT
Master of Social Work - Casework, Community Organizing
University of Connecticut, School of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts - Social Perspectives of the Deaf
University of Connecticut
Visiting student program -
Gallaudet University
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