Subject: Job Posting - Rehabilitation Technology Specialist
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Iowa Department for the Blind Logo
Rehabilitation Technology Specialist
Education and Training Division
Location: Des Moines, IA
Salary Minimum: $55,910.40
Salary Maximum: $86,694.40
Job Type: Full-time
Agency: 131 Iowa Department for the Blind
Job Number: 23-00546
Post Close Date: October 27, 2022
Pointe of Contact: Emily Wharton
To Apply: Applicants should apply by clicking on the "Apply" button. Persons
who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and cover
letter. It is strongly advised that your cover letter outline why you are a
good fit for this specific position.
Job Description:
The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking someone who is passionate
about technology, loves to learn, has excellent problem-solving skills and
enjoys helping people get the technology they need to be successful in
employment. We have an excellent team of smart and supportive professionals
and want to add another talented geek to our squad.
Strong candidates will be adept problem-solvers who love to learn new
technology, have a "can do" attitude, and can communicate clearly with
clients and employers about challenges and potential solutions. IDB is happy
to provide training in the required blindness skill areas and blindness
specific access technology to candidates who demonstrate the technical
aptitude and communications skills required.
Duties and responsibilities to include the following:
* Complete worksite assessments and provide workplace support to
clients, including transition-age youth during work-based learning
experiences, to support the clients in successful employment.
* Assist employers in determining the accessibility of their
technology systems for blind employees.
* Gather data about a work site and the technology that will be used
on the job, and determine what is needed to integrate non visual access
technology with technologies used at the work site.
* Research possible solutions to problems involved with integrating
non visual access technology into the work site.
* Test and implement scripts to improve the use of screen access
technology with programs used.
* Install, test, and configure hardware and software to facilitate
operation with speech, refreshable braille, and/or screen enlargement
systems.
* Provide on-site training and remote assistance to employers and
clients regarding non visual access technology used at the work site.
* Troubleshoot technical problems involving the integration of
nonvisual access technology with other programs, determine what
configuration changes, repairs, and/or upgrades may be necessary, and
facilitate efforts to implement needed hardware/software acquisitions or
configuration changes.
* Produce written reports and case notes to document the work
performed.
* Obtain and review quotes for the purchase of client and loaner
technology.
* Set up new hardware and software including computers with screen
access software, braille displays, and CCTVs to make them ready for client
use.
* Install updates and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Work with
manufacturers as needed to troubleshoot more complex problems and arrange
for the repair of devices.
* Design, validate, and implement skills assessments and training
curricula to determine a client's ability to use technology and teach all
necessary technology skills.
* Develop and/or modify technology skills assessments to ensure the
most accurate results. Based on these assessments, produce written and
verbal reports concerning a client's ability to use technology (with or
without non visual access software/hardware), the client's need for
specialized training, and the configuration of any equipment that the client
might require.
* Develop, maintain and evaluate curricula for effectively teaching
nonvisual technology skills using the structured discovery methodology.
* Travel statewide to provide individualized and group training to
Vocational Rehabilitation clients, including transition-age youth, in the
use of nonvisual access and mainstream technologies.
* Monitor client progress during such training, produce written
reports and case notes for client files, and provide prompt notification to
counselors and/or rehabilitation teachers concerning client progress and
impediments to client success.
* Collaborate with Individualized Education Program teams across the
state to provide appropriate Pre-Employment Transition Services to high
school students.
* Assess the skill level of the students and assist in developing
training plans to help students meet their immediate and long-term goals.
* Recommend and assist with the provision of accommodations as
appropriate. Arrange for the loan of technology to students and provide
training as needed.
* Serve as a resource to parents, teachers and paraprofessionals as
requested. Create cheat sheets and other resources for use by parents and
educators to support students' technology usage.
* Provide presentations to students, parents and educators as
directed.
Essential functions of this position:
* Communicate effectively in person, on the phone, and in writing with
clients, counselors, and the public.
* Write clear and thorough reports on training provided or technology
evaluated for employers, counselors, educators and other professionals.
* Communicate technical information in a manner understandable to
nontechnical individuals.
* Travel regularly to clients' worksites, schools and homes.
* Utilize and teach others to use technology including smartphones,
tablets and computers nonvisually without the need for any visual
information.
* Research and teach oneself to use new and updated technology;
locating training resources as appropriate.
* Read and write contracted braille accurately in order to provide
training on the use of braille notetakers, braille displays and other
braille-related technology.
* Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of non-visual access
technologies-including screen access software, screen enlargement
technology, refreshable braille displays, braille embossers, tablets, smart
phones, and video magnifiers-and make sound recommendations about which
technologies should be used for specific situations and under what
circumstances.
* Teach individuals and/or groups how to use specific technologies,
and vary the teaching method depending on the learning style that works best
for each student.
* Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems with the use of
all available resources as appropriate.
It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background
checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
For further information, contact Emily Wharton at