Job Summary: The Assistive Technology Specialist
implements the Assisting Consumers Through Technology
(ACTT) program. The AT. Specialist assists persons
with physical, sensory and/or mental disabilities in accessing assistive
technology devices, equipment and services; demonstrates usage of adaptive
devices; researches policies, practices and procedures which facilitate or
impede the provision of A.T. devices or services; provides individual and
systems advocacy to help ensure access to assistive technology; conducts
outreach activities; increases the capacity of public and private entities to
provide assistive technology-related assistance; acts as liaison for state A.T.
project to center’s surrounding areas; collaborates with other agencies; seeks
additional funding sources to support the ACTT program.
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Identify system policies, procedures and practices which facilitate or
impede access to appropriate A.T. services and devices. Advocate for needed
changes which will increase provision of these services and devices to people
with disabilities.
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Advocate for and assist consumers in obtaining needed assistive
technology services, including acquisition of devices, maintaining, repairing,
adapting devices and technical assistance as may be needed.
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Respond to requests for information and / or appropriate referral to
other agencies or businesses.
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Demonstrate a wide variety of assistive technology devices which
address the needs of people with all types of disabilities; be able to explain
their use in the context of everyday living, recreation/leisure, education,
employment, etc.
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Make presentations to public groups about A.T. and related issues
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Perform outreach activities focused on difficult to reach and unserved populations.
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Develop collaborative relationships with other agencies to facilitate
cross-disability, consumer-responsive delivery of assistive technology
services.
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Document and compile service data; generate monthly, quarterly and
annual reports.
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Compile and keep current, resource information on products, directions
for use, maintenance and funding sources for such products/devices; computerize
this information to facilitate updating.
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Make home visits to consumers who are unable to come into the office.
May involve travel in eight-county area. Need reliable transportation.
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Prepare information sheets and brochures in accessible formats which
make this information readily available to the public
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Serve as local liaison for Missouri Assistive Technology Project
activities in the center’s surrounding area.
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Attend regular staff meetings and training opportunities.
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Seek alternative funding sources for the program.
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Understand and adhere to the Independent Living Philosophy.
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Perform other duties as may be deemed necessary and appropriate by the
Assistive Technology Coordinator or Executive Director.
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Bachelors degree in computer, rehabilitation, communication or other
related field*
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Experience in public service provision
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Personal experience with disability
*May be waived for appropriate experience
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Excellent organizational skills
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Excellent communication skills
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Computer skills including Microsoft Windows and Office, adaptive
programs and devices such as
voice-recognition software, adaptive computer aids
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Ability to handle a number of job demands at once
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Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
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Ability to work independently
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Effective decision-making skills
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Creative problem-solving skills
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Ability to interact pleasantly, constructively and cooperatively with
SCIL staff, consumers and the public
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Flexibility in dealing with job functions and schedules
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Effective public presentation skills
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Ability to work effectively as part of a team
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Perform research and reference activities
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Handle frequent telephone contacts
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Serve on community task forces, committees, councils
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Coordinate and deliver services as determined by consumer contacts
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Lead group workshops, training, demonstrations
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Supervised by the Assistive Technology Coordinator