Assistive Technology Specialist

Job Description

SUBJECT : Assistive Technology Specialist

REPORTS TO : Assistant Director of Special Education

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE :

The mission of the Assistive Technology (AT) Center is to promote teaching and learning for all children with the assistance of specialized technology and adaptive equipment.

The AT team provides specialized technology and training opportunities for teachers to create an enriched learning environment, enabling students to meet the WPS learning standards through universal access techniques while promoting student independence and success.

Federal Special Education Laws : PL 100-407 Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 and PL 101-476 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1991 defines Assistive and Instructional Technology Devices as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

Assistive Technology Services are defined as any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device including :

i. Augmentative and Alternative Communication

ii. Environmental Controls

iii. Adaptive Computer Access

iv. Visual Aids

v. Assistive Listening

vi. Mobility

vii. Positioning and Seating

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITES :

1. Responsible for assessment and diagnosis of students referred for consideration in the use of Assistive Technology (AT) supports.

Prepare written report upon completion of assessment and attend Team meetings to present findings.

2. Responsible for collaboration with parents, teachers, SLP, OT, PT, Vision Specialist, and any auxiliary staff regarding recommendations and implementation of AT supports.

3. Responsible for locating resources and ordering AT / AAC devices, software, and other supports as delineated in the students IEP.

4. Responsible for providing training to staff, students and parents in the use of recommended AT supports.

5. Responsible for maintaining a direct database of all AT supports and student files.

6. Responsible for establishing an effective liaison with parents, school staff and agencies within the community (when necessary) that may provide professional or specialized help to students.

7. Responsible for collaborating with the district technology department and attending departmental meetings as necessary.

8. Responsible for assuring equal educational opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

9. Performance of other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in : Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or a related field.

2. Minimum of 1 year experience working with school-age children in the field of Assistive Technology.

3. Maintain current license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Demonstrated experience supporting students with special needs

2. Ability to speak Albanian, Arabic, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese or an African Language.

3. Master’s Degree with a concentration in Assistive Technology and / or certificate in Assistive Technology.

TO APPLY : Any person interested in this position must submit a resume, cover letter, licensure, and answer all questions on-line at https : / / worcesterschools.

org / about / employment-opportunities

This deadline date does not preclude further advertisement or recruitment

Position Type : Full-time

Positions Available : 1

Job Categories : Special Education >

Special Education >

Occupational Therapist

Special Education >

Physical Therapist

Student Services >

Occupational Therapist

Student Services >

Physical Therapist

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Worcester Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative ActionEmployer / Educational Institution and does not discriminate regardless ofrace, color, ancestry, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, genderidentity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability,pregnancy or a related condition, veteran status or homelessness.

TheWorcester Public Schools provides equal access to employment and the fullrange of general, occupational and vocational education programs.

For moreinformation relating to Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action contact theHuman Resource Manager, 20 Irving Street, Worcester, MA 01609,508-799-3020.

Job Requirements

Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Application Questions

This employer has requested that ALL applicants answer the following questions. It IShighly recommendedthat you type ANY essays IN a word processing program, save them, AND THEN paste them ON the proceeding job application page.

1. Have you ever worked for the Worcester Public Schools? When? What capacity?

Brief Response (Answer limited TO 200characters, including spaces)

2. Do you have any relatives employed by the Worcester Public Schools or the School Committee? If yes, please list name, title, and relationship.

Yes / No

3. Have you ever been terminated for cause from a prior position? If so please explain.

Brief Response (Answer limited TO 200characters, including spaces)

4. Do you have experience working in a public school system?

Yes / No

5. Do you have experience with Special Education students?

Yes / No

6. Do you have demonstrated experience supporting students with special needs?

Yes / No