While communication is important in all aspects of service, it’s especially essential when meeting the unique needs of people who are deaf. In a move to improve service delivery for individuals who are deaf, Oakland Family Services (OFS) is establishing a new deaf specialist staff position, funded by Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA), starting May 1, 2014.
Kathleen Mitchell, LMSW, ACSW, has been hired by OFS to assume the role of deaf specialist at the Oakland County, human service agency. Born deaf, with two deaf parents, Mitchell learned to communicate using sign language. She has a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree from Madonna University and a Master’s of Social Work Degree from Wayne State University.
“I am committed to empower deaf individuals to know their rights and to access services, especially in the mental health system,” explains Mitchell. “There need to be more interpreters who are also trained in specialized areas. Deaf individuals should have direct access to culturally linguistically appropriate service providers who are skilled in American Sign Language.”
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In addition to providing outpatient therapy to people who are deaf and meet OFS’ service eligibility criteria, Mitchell will also be available as a consultant and trainer to members of OCCMHA’s service network, including direct care staff, case managers, supports coordinators, managers, administration, peers, etc.
The deaf specialist position was previously located at Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network (OIHN) and provided similar services. The transition of the deaf specialist position from OIHN to OFS is part of an expansion plan to broaden the scope of this valuable resource. Additionally, OFS is optimistic that Mitchell will play an important role to improve services and increase deaf awareness within its organization, as well as the community.
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“We’re thrilled about our partnership with OCCMHA to create this position, so that we can better assist individuals who are deaf,” says Jaimie Clayton, OFS vice president of program operations. “Kathleen’s personal experiences and expertise as a deaf specialist are tremendous assets to Oakland Family Services and the people who turn to us for help.”
To schedule an appointment with Mitchell contact OFS at (248) 858-7766. Mitchell is also available to answer questions about OFS’ deaf services at (248) 209-6410 (VP).
About OCCMHA
Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority is the public mental health system responsible for identifying, influencing, and delivering services and supports to approximately 23,000 Oakland County residents, including adults and children with developmental disabilities; adults with serious mental illness or substance use disorders; and children with serious emotional disturbance.
OCCMHA’s network of service providers include: Common Ground, Community Housing Network, Community Living Services, Community Network Services, Easter Seals Michigan, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Oakland Family Services, Inc., and Training and Treatment Innovations. For more information about OCCMHA call (800) 341-2003 or visit www.occmha.org.
About OFS
Oakland Family Services is a private, nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) human service organization. Since 1921, the Agency has been dedicated to providing individuals and families the opportunity to build brighter futures through the provision of quality prevention, education and treatment services throughout southeastern Michigan. For more information, visitwww.oaklandfamilyservices.org.
