Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL

Specification for Class of

Dept of Services for the Blind
Assistive Technology Specialist (ITS4)

Definition:  Performs assistive technology work in a vocational rehabilitation setting under general supervision.

Location: There is currently a vacant position located in the Spokane office which serves clients throughout eastern Washington.  Extensive travel is necessary for this position.  This announcement may be used for other AT Specialist positions around the state as they become available.

How To Apply: Please send a completed DSB Employment Application, letter of interest, and detailed resume by 5:00 p.m. on June 16, 2006. The letter of interest should indicate how you meet the qualifications as shown on this announcement. Be prepared to provide references at the time of interview.

Electronic application materials in Word format are preferred and can be sent to elldrumheller@dsb.wa.gov; however, hard copies may be sent to:

Department of Services for the Blind
Attn: Ellen Drumheller
PO Box 40933
Olympia, WA 98504
Fax: 360-586-7627

Distinguishing Characteristics: The goal of DSB’s VR Field Services is to assist in the stable employment of Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision clients, many of whom have multiple disabling conditions. 

The role of Assistive Technology Specialist is vital to this vocational rehabilitation process by identifying appropriate and effective tools to make job tasks accessible for Blind, Deaf Blind and Low Vision individuals. 

AT Specialists open up job opportunities by testing and configuring adaptive softwares for compatibility, and by working with a client and employer to develop accessible work processes and environments.  AT Specialists ensure clients are job ready by providing for training of adaptive technologies for efficient access of print and computer data and work tasks.

Assistive Technology includes specialized hardware and software that enables blind or visually impaired individuals to access computer data or print materials.  The AT Specialist provides direct AT services to participants that includes orientation to adaptive technologies, procurement of training, and conducts onsite job accommodation analyses and recommendations. 
AT might include speech input/output, screen magnification, Braille devices & note takers, video magnifiers, as well as standard computer hardware and peripherals.  Environmental factors such as lighting, ergonomics and work-flow are also a vital part of the AT assessment.  The emphasis is to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and long-term safety in job tasks to ensure that the participant has the skills and tools to attain/retain his or her job. 

Incumbents typically perform the level of work described below a majority of the time. This description is not intended to be all-inclusive but representative of the level of responsibility and level of difficulty of the work performed by this class.

The Assistive Technology Specialist serves approximately 60-100 participants annually, and carries an active caseload of 20-30 on an on-going basis. 

The AT Specialist is responsible for evaluation of new technologies to determine accessibility and compatibility with current hardware and software platforms; providing technical training to Agency staff in the installation and configuration of AT, and assists with the Vendor Qualification Committee to identify, develop and retain skilled and reliable vendor services.

--Conducts all work in accordance with scope and values of a state and federal Vocational Rehabilitation guidelines:

• Understand and consistently act from agency mission and values in interactions with internal and external customers
• Communicate to clients and external customers the Agency’s scope and mission, the VR process, and the scope and impact of broader laws and regulations such as the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and RSA guidelines, in providing context as to the  role of AT Specialist within VR environment.

--Provide client orientation to adaptive technologies:

• Educate clients to array of adaptive tools and techniques that allow for optimal access to print media, computer data, essential job tasks and/or access needs as a student.
• Provide accurate and objective observational, experiential and technical information to assist the client in identifying the correct tools that will best support their rehabilitation goals and access to employment, acting through the agency value of Informed Choice.
• Analyze anticipated tasks with internal team, client, and external customers to assist in identification of best tools for VR related functions.
• AT might include speech input/output, screen magnification, Braille devices & note takers, video magnifiers, as well as standard computer hardware and peripherals.

--Procurement of training and/or service delivery:

• Collaborate with internal team, client, and/or external customers to determine scope of skills required to meet VR goals
• Assess client computer skills, use of adaptive technologies, and other skillsets to identify mastery of or gap in skills
• Collaborate with internal team, client and service providers to determine scope, length, and expectations of training
• Identify, analyze and procure technical troubleshooting and repair needs, within scope of VR process
• Determine whether providing service directly or outsourcing service is most efficient and cost-effective means of procuring training or technical assistance needs
• Provide knowledgable, skilled training and technical troubleshooting guidance
• Connect clients and external customers with appropriate information and resources
• Specify, track and assess outsourced service delivery or training needs through formalized Service Delivery Outcomes Plan and service delivery reports.

--Conduct onsite accommodation analyses for a specific job, a general job class, or other onsite technical needs.  Provide recommendations for accommodation:

• Analyze essential job task requirements as based on business needs, and collaborate to develop feasible alternative solutions for accommodations. 
• As AT solutions may impact multiple business units and/or processes, AT Specialist must anticipate, explore, analyze and collaborate to maximize accommodation and minimize employer and/or client impact.
• Determine technology requirements and user access needs; install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot hardware and software to interface AT products with multiple applications and/or environments.
• Make recommendations for equipment and modifications to the work environment, with consideration given to contextualizing ADA and VR agency scope in accommodation process
• Develop and customize configurations for complex applications directly, as collaborative team, or as outsourced service
• Resolve complex multiple product problems; resolve major conflicts caused by new software versionality, assists others in de-bugging problems with vendor products; develop workarounds; consult with senior technical staff to resolve complex technical problems
• Analysis of environmental factors such as lighting, ergonomics and work-flow
• Work to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and long-term safety in job tasks to ensure that the participant has the skills and tools to attain/retain his or her job
• Use of diplomacy, tact, business sense, care, and respect when conducting business offsite, when advocating for access needs, and when confronting client regarding behaviors skills, or needs

--Documentation and Communications:

• Prepare and maintain AT documentation in automated data system (MACCS),
• Communicates and coordinates participant needs related to AT with the team
• Maintain accurate account of direct and indirect service hours for maintenance of the agency’s Assistive Technology Data Collection (ATDC) needs.
• In the team environment, provides input to assist agency in development of standards and criteria which effect policy, best practices and invoke procedural changes.  

--Continuous Learning and Skills refreshment:

• Evaluate new or upgraded technologies to determine accessibility and compatibility with current hardware and software platforms, and current client functional needs
• Identify new resources, tools, and devices that may assist clients in their VR process and accommodation needs
• Keep current with new assistive technology concepts, navigation, and functionality in order to convey accurate and effective information

--Develop Agency Resources:

• Continuously identify new sources for funding, training, rebates, and procurement of access items
• Assist with the Vendor Qualification Committee to identify, develop and retain skilled and reliable vendor services

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Abilities/Competencies:
Per DOP specifications:
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree including 9 semester or 15 quarter hours of computer science courses and three years of consultative, administrative, or supervisory experience in information technology analysis, system maintenance, or troubleshooting/problem resolution experience.

OR

An Associate’s degree or completion of an accredited vocational training program in an information technology or related program and four years of consultative, administrative, or supervisory experience in information technology analysis, system maintenance, or troubleshooting/problem resolution.

OR

One year as an Information Technology Systems Specialist 3 or equivalent.
Consultative, administrative, or supervisory experience in information technology analysis, system maintenance, or troubleshooting/problem resolution will substitute for education on the basis of one year of experience for two years of education.
A Master’s degree will substitute for one year of the required experience except for the specified Information Technology Systems Specialist 3 requirement.

AND

6 months paid work experience working with Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals;
 
AND

Minimum six months experience working with the blind or visually impaired.

A Master’s degree will substitute for one year of the required experience except for the specified information Technology Systems Specialist 3 requirement.