ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST, K22

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing professional work in assistive technology services for the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with physical or mental disabilities, blindness or visual impairments. Assigned responsibilities include evaluating of work capacities and providing technical assistance for home/work site modifications for individuals, agencies, and the community.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Completes assessments for assistive technology and/or other accommodation needs related to home, vehicle, job site, and employment modifications including but not limited to: computer access, low visions devices, activities of daily living, personal mobility, and communication obstacles.
• Compares the strengths, weaknesses, and related costs of assistive technology interventions to determine the appropriate devices and services which may include fabrication or customization.

• Completes detailed written reports on the assistive technology assessment to be used as a referral source with recommendations for devices, services, and vendor lists.

  Provides consultation to referral source on purchasing and implementation of assistive technology intervention.

• Provides drawings, photos, schematics, and other pertinent information as required for the bid process on assistive technology modifications.

  Maintains records of consumer contracts, assessments, and resources for funding or acquiring assistive technology.

• Delivers assistive technology devices, provides orientation and training, inspections, and follow-up consultation and assessment of necessity for any additional devices or services.

  Provides training and information to advocate for the use of assistive technology; serves as a representative, subject matter expert, and consultant for the Department of Rehabilitation Services for boards and committees, groups, other state and federal agencies, vendors, organizations, businesses, employers, and persons with disabilities concerning the use of assistive technology.

• Participates in the development of program policies and procedures related to assistive technology for Department of Rehabilitation Services and other agencies and groups.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

This job family consists of four levels of work which are distinguished by the level of complexity and diversity of the specific job assignment, the level of expertise required for the completion of the duties assigned and the responsibly assigned for assisting, training and supervising others.

Level I                                                    Code:  K22A                                         Salary Band: K

This is the basic level where incumbents perform trainee level duties under direct supervision as an Assistive Technology Specialist and develop their skills in assessments and knowledge of assistive technology. The incumbent will not complete complex assistive technology assessments (home modifications, vehicle modifications, wheelchair seating or Environmental controls) unless with the assistance of a mentor. Primary assignments will be related to computer access and may provide training to consumers and partners of the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of disabilities, human relations, assistive technology devices and services, and funding resources.  Ability is required to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, to conduct assessments of accommodation needs, to assist in developing solutions for accommodation needs, and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree from an accredited program in vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation of the blind, vocational evaluation, or counseling or a master’s degree with one year of experience in assistive technology, rehabilitation or related field.

Level II                                                   Code:  K22B                                         Salary Band:  L

This is the career level where incumbents perform professional duties as an Assistive Technology Specialist under limited supervision. The incumbent performs assessments for the Department of Rehabilitation Services consumers, partner agencies, and other referral sources. The incumbent may be required to perform training and public speaking to enhance knowledge and advocate for use of assistive technology – curriculum for training to be approved by Assistive Technology Lead or Unit Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in level I plus knowledge of a variety of problem solving techniques; of the Americans with Disabilities Act [and its amendments]; of the American National Standards Institute, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Public Safety guidelines that impact assistive technology services.  Ability is required to analyze situations, and to identify problems and solutions.

Education and Experience requirements at this level include those identified in Level I plus one additional year experience in assistive technology, rehabilitation or related field and eligibility to sit for the certification/licensure exam specific to the professional job duties such as the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRS), the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), accreditation under the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education (ACVREP), Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE), or Professional Vocational Evaluator (PVE) will substitute for six months of required experience only.

Level III                                                  Code:  K22C                                         Salary Band:  M

This is the specialist level where incumbents are assigned responsibilities for performing all types of assistive technology assessments including complex Assistive Technology assessments (home modifications, vehicle modifications, wheelchair seating or Environmental controls) for all referral sources. This level requires incumbents to develop curriculum for staff training or consumer training for Assistive Technology, and make presentations. This incumbent will be a community liaison for Assistive Technology needs. This position may mentor Level I staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include those identified in level II plus the ability to develop presentations and curriculum, and to make public presentations.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus one additional year of professional assistive technology experience and completion of appropriate certification or education as follows: a.) certification for positions in visual services: Assistive Technology Applications Certification Program; b.) certification for positions in vocational rehabilitation services: Assistive Technology Professional Certification Program (ATP); or education (both services) which includes a minimum completion of certification of 15 graduate credit hours/or one year in an accredited graduate program in Assistive Technology, Biomedical Engineering, any engineering science program, Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy.

Level IV                                                 Code:  K22D                                         Salary Band:  N

This position includes all the same duties as a Level III with the added responsibilities of supervising Assistive Technology staff. The incumbent may be involved in special projects, pilot projects,  and may have special duties related to agency policy and procedure development, and will be primary staff involved in developing and presenting assistive technology training to staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level III plus knowledge of supervisory practices and principles. Ability is required to plan and direct the work of others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified at Level III plus one additional year of professional experience in assistive technology. Certification is required from a “Train the Trainer” program and a DRS recognized Rehabilitation Leadership Program such as any TACE Center, CLICK, NRLI, or WINGS.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

This job requires extensive travel and may include overnight stays and working beyond an 8 hour day.
Participation in continuing education courses regarding the field of Assistive Technology.

Latest revision date:  11-01-12