Assistive Technology Specialist

The Lighthouse for The Blind in New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform technology assessments, training, technical support, and equipment installation in the home, workplace, or Lighthouse facility for visually impaired clients and complete all subsequent documentation for reimbursement. Effectively assess the learning potential for each client and develop a training plan with reasonable goals to assist the client in achieving their objectives for employment or computer-based independent living skills. Submit assessments, progress summaries, discharge summaries, daily notes, and invoices in a timely manner to support reimbursement from all funding sources. Supervise a free typing program to assist individuals in enhancing their keyboard skills as needed to support computer training. Collaborate with other Lighthouse Technology Specialist to support the needs of New Orleans and Baton Rouge programs. Travel to other Lighthouse facilities and service areas as needed. Collaborate with Vision Rehab team to provide training modules for youth and adult programs as needed. Collaborate with the Job Readiness Instructor to successfully plan, schedule, and implement technology training for Employment Services students. Provide documentation to reflect each student’s goals and progress during training. Maintain strong working knowledge of current hardware, software, and assistive devices available to support the needs of individuals with vision loss. Develop program curricula and subsequent training materials for Vision Rehab and Job Readiness Programs. Provide opportunities and instruction to all Lighthouse staff to enhance their level of skill with commonly used software and computer functions (i.e. Office Suite, internet, email, etc.) as needed to support employee productivity. Coordinate and implement seminars and other educational opportunities for Lighthouse staff to receive information regarding updates in Assistive technology for people with vision loss. Spearhead agency efforts to ensure that all Lighthouse documents are accessible. Work with website manager to ensure the accessibility of the Lighthouse website. Perform system upgrades and replace software and hardware systems in technology lab as needed. Maintain database of licenses and hardware. Perform community outreach as required. Follow all VRS program and department policies for managing time, client files, documentation and invoicing. Follow all ISO procedures as required. Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Vision Rehabilitation Services.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field. Equivalent knowledge and experience in assistive technology for the blind will be considered.
Special Knowledge/Skills: Excellent computer skills required, including expert knowledge of all versions of Microsoft Windows and Office products required; Jaws/Magic/ZoomText certification preferred; Current working knowledge of Assistive hardware, software, and assistive devices for the blind preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills required; Ability to develop and perform professional presentations required.
Experience: At least 1 year experience providing technical support or teaching computer skills required. Experience working with Access Technology for the blind preferred.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Physical: Good physical health; Able to carry at least 50 pounds; Able to perform the specified duties.
Personality: Personable, patient, organized, punctual, self-directed, creative, dependable, able to motivate others, enthusiastic, empathetic, adaptive, confident, positive thinker, flexible
Working Conditions: Classroom, commercial, and home environments. Frequent travel required. Valid driver’s license, valid insurance, and clear driving record required to drive on company business.
Work Schedule: Part-time, 20 to 29 hrs. Week Monday – Friday; Occasional weekend community outreach activities and training sessions.
Background Check and Drug Testing required: Employment is contingent based upon satisfactory results.

Nice To Haves

Jaws/Magic/ZoomText certification preferred
Current working knowledge of Assistive hardware, software, and assistive devices for the blind preferred.
Experience working with Access Technology for the blind preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform technology assessments, training, technical support, and equipment installation in the home, workplace, or Lighthouse facility for visually impaired clients and complete all subsequent documentation for reimbursement.
Effectively assess the learning potential for each client and develop a training plan with reasonable goals to assist the client in achieving their objectives for employment or computer-based independent living skills.
Submit assessments, progress summaries, discharge summaries, daily notes, and invoices in a timely manner to support reimbursement from all funding sources.
Supervise a free typing program to assist individuals in enhancing their keyboard skills as needed to support computer training.
Collaborate with other Lighthouse Technology Specialist to support the needs of New Orleans and Baton Rouge programs. Travel to other Lighthouse facilities and service areas as needed.
Collaborate with Vision Rehab team to provide training modules for youth and adult programs as needed.
Collaborate with the Job Readiness Instructor to successfully plan, schedule, and implement technology training for Employment Services students. Provide documentation to reflect each student’s goals and progress during training.
Maintain strong working knowledge of current hardware, software, and assistive devices available to support the needs of individuals with vision loss.
Develop program curricula and subsequent training materials for Vision Rehab and Job Readiness Programs.
Provide opportunities and instruction to all Lighthouse staff to enhance their level of skill with commonly used software and computer functions (i.e. Office Suite, internet, email, etc.) as needed to support employee productivity.
Coordinate and implement seminars and other educational opportunities for Lighthouse staff to receive information regarding updates in Assistive technology for people with vision loss.
Spearhead agency efforts to ensure that all Lighthouse documents are accessible. Work with website manager to ensure the accessibility of the Lighthouse website.
Perform system upgrades and replace software and hardware systems in technology lab as needed. Maintain database of licenses and hardware.
Perform community outreach as required.
Follow all VRS program and department policies for managing time, client files, documentation and invoicing.
Follow all ISO procedures as required.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Vision Rehabilitation Services.