The Iowa Department for the blind currently has two technology related job
openings. Both close May 1 and have the same benefits.
One covers teaching technology in the adult orientation center, for which
applications should be submitted to Alan Bickell.
The Other, with info below, is for providing more individualized training to
clients in the field, and requires applications to be submitted to myself.
Please help spread the word, and let me know if you have any questions.
Applicants are welcome to apply for both positions if interested.
Thanks,
Helen
Iowa Department for the Blind
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Rehabilitation Technology Specialist
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Salary Minimum):$51,438.40
Salary Maximum $ 79,768.00
Post Close Date: May 1, 2017.
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
assistive technology training, worksite assessments, skills assessments, and
technology recommendations for vocational rehabilitation clients.
Duties and responsibilities to include the following:
Provide individualized and/or group training to clients in the use of access
technology. Monitor client progress during such training, produce written
reports and case notes for client files, and provide prompt notification to
counselors concerning client progress and impediments to client success.
Design, validate, and implement skills assessments to determine a client's
ability to use technology. 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. As necessary, develop and/or modify technology skills
assessments to ensure the most accurate results. Based on technology skills
assessments, develop, teach, and/or recommend courses of intensive and
specialized training.
Obtain and review quotes for access technology.
Provide on-site training and telephone assistance to employers and clients
regarding access technology. Troubleshoot technical problems at client
work-sites involving the integration of non-visual 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.
Provide technical assistance and product support to blind or low vision
persons using mainstream software with 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.
Plan and participate in awareness activities to promote the use of
non-visual access technology. Arrange for vendor displays/demonstrations in
the IDB Technology Resource Center and in various locations around the
state. Demonstrate non visual access technology and its use with mainstream
computer programs to clients, counselors, teachers, family members, and
other individuals/organizations.
Maintain lists of access technology products for the blind and their
vendors. Upon request, provide product information to consumers, family
members, employers, IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations.
Monitor trends and developments with regard to screen access
software/hardware, refreshable Braille displays, screen enlargement software
and hardware, and optical character recognition systems. Monitor trends and
developments in mainstream 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, verbally or in writing, in the English language.
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.
Explain complicated concepts and ideas in a simplified manner for group or
individual presentation.
Competently operate the Windows and Mac OSX operating systems and various
applications-including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
Microsoft Power Point, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, web browsers, and other
applications.
Competently operate mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android with
non-visual access technology.
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.
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