Iowa Department for the Blind
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Rehabilitation Technology Specialist
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Salary Minimum: $53,580.80
Salary Maximum: $83,075.20
Post Close Date: May 26, 2020.
Job Description:
This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position. Please follow
instructions in the "To Apply" section for directions on how to apply for
this position.
The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for a position
that will promote IDB's mission, vision and values through providing access
technology services to vocational rehabilitation clients including
transition age youth. Strong candidates will be adept problem-solvers who
can explore to learn new technology, troubleshoot to locate and solve
problems, and communicate with clients and employers about challenges and
potential solutions.
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. Gather data about a client's
work site and the technology that the client will use 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 at the work site. Install, test, and configure hardware
and software to facilitate operation with speech, refreshable braille,
and/or screen enlargement systems. Obtain and review quotes for computers
and nonvisual access technology to be used at a work site. Provide on-site
training and remote assistance to employers and clients regarding non visual
access technology used at the work site. Troubleshoot technical problems at
client work-sites 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.
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.
Provide technical assistance and product support to blind or low vision
persons using mainstream software with nonvisual access technology. Maintain
records and generate reports related to problems encountered or solved and
inquiries received. To the maximum extent possible, direct blind or low
vision persons to appropriate sources of technical assistance to foster long
term independence of these individuals in the area of technology.
Maintain lists of nonvisual access technology products and their vendors for
blind and low vision technology users. Upon request, provide product
information to consumers, family members, employers, IDB staff, and other
individuals/organizations. Conduct presentations around the state on
nonvisual access technology and its integration with mainstream computer
programs, for example, nonvisual access to the Internet. Monitor trends and
developments with regard to screen access software/hardware, refreshable
Braille displays, screen enlargement software and hardware, and optical
character recognition software. Monitor trends and developments in
mainstream information technology. Make recommendations concerning the use
of these technologies to counselors, teachers, clients, other IDB staff, and
other individuals/organizations.
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.
Experience teaching blindness skills preferred.
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 Helen Stevens, 515-829-7411 or
helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us