Assistive Technology Specialist

Institute Of Biochemistry Of The Romanian Academy•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

Why a career with Independence First? When you join Independence First you will be part of a collaborative and passionate team. You will also enjoy lucrative benefits! Independence First was selected as one of Milwaukee Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2022, 2023 and 2024 Independence First is looking for awesome people to join our team! You are just the person to join our growing team if you are... Passionate About Helping Others Benefits include: 12 sick days, 13 vacation days and an additional 12 paid holidays a year Employer paid Dental, Life Insurance (twice annual salary), AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability Health Insurance Benefits (partially employer paid, depending on coverage) Low-cost Vision Insurance Employer-matched 403(b) Retirement Account Fitness Center On-site Annual Health Risk Assessment Annual Flu Shot Comprehensive Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement Program POSITION DESCRIPTION Position: Assistive Technology Specialist Status: Full Time - Hourly Reports to: ILS Assistant Program Director Position Summary: Prepare and present evaluations for assistive technology, adaptive equipment and home and vehicle modifications. Conduct assistive technology and disability specific related computer training classes and workshops. Responsible to provide the assigned services and data collection required for the agency activities related to assistive technology and adaptive equipment evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, and technology training to enhance the quality of the lives of individuals with disabilities. Provide back-up coverage/support to other programs within the department (e.g. I&R, Transition, IL Sills etc.) Position Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Occasional evenings and weekends. Independent Living Services Essential Functions: Facilitate assessment and identification of functional capacities and independent living related services needs of the consumer. Provide consumers assistive technology and adaptive equipment evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, training, information and referral, advocacy, funding information and assistance with the appeals process. Must be able to enter buildings that have stairs, chemical scents (fabric softener, air fresheners, cleaning products), cigarette smoke, animals, etc. Must be able to maneuver in homes that are not wheelchair accessible. Provide independent living skills instruction on an individual or group basis. Provide consumers with training on assistive technology, adaptive equipment or other related equipment on a fee-for-service basis. Provide consumers with assistive technology instruction and disability specific computer training. Develop AT suggestions for IL Department curriculum and other trainings. Promote self-advocacy by teaching individuals how to access services, assert their rights and obtain funding for the purpose of reaching their adaptive/assistive technology needs. Provide information, training and referral to the community at large on assistive technology, adaptive equipment and related resources on a free or fee-for-service basis. Assist with the coordination of Independence First's assistive technology Loan and Demonstration program. Attend and participate in the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC) home modification calls as needed. Supply AT services on a free or fee-for-service basis to employers, schools, DVR, county agencies, long-term care providers, etc. These services include, evaluations, consultations, bids, trainings, recommendations and reports. Complete required documentation in agency database and as required by various funding sources and vendors, including writing timely assessment reports with recommendations for further training, equipment or home modifications that are sent to vendors. Develop and maintain appropriate collaborative relationships with other organizations/service providers to enhance the goals of independent living. Participate as a member of the Independent Living Services team by attending agency meetings and events. Obtain the necessary cross-training to be able to provide back-up coverage/support for other programs and functions within the department. Disability Policy Change Essential Functions: Participate in individual and systems advocacy activities at public hearings and educating public officials through appropriate means on issues relative to independent living. Actively participant in agency advocacy team. Present written or oral testimony on disability issues on pending legislation to legislative bodies on the local, state and federal levels. Assist consumers with advocacy. Participate in activities related to Disability Policy Change. Work Environment Work environment is generally performed in an office setting with minimal to moderate noise level. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Disclaimer: The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation. As an Independent Living Center, it is required that 51% of Independence First's staff have a disability. Independence First is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people with disabilities to apply for this position.

Requirements

Must have a firm belief in consumer control, the independent living philosophy and our agency Vision Statement:
Independence First is for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of our community and Independence First commits itself toward this end.
'Empowerment is part psychological, part social, and part political. It is the process by which individuals define their own problems, find their own voice, develop their own plans, act on their own behalf, and claim their own power.'
'Empowerment means more than having responsibility, but also having the authority and ability to make one's own choices.'
Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation counseling, or related field or equivalent life experience may be substituted in lieu of, in full or part of academic requirements.
Must have extensive knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
Excellent computer skills including MS Word 2010 or above, EXCEL, and are familiar with Macintosh products.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, excellent organizational skills.
Have strong critical thinking skills and be interested in meaningful problem solving.
Must be able to successfully interact with a variety of individuals.
Knowledge of federal, state and community services and funding resources related to technology.
Knowledge of disability rights legislation including the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, etc.
Transportationally mobile or able to arrange own transportation.
Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.
Must be willing to pursue related certifications and educational opportunities when requested.

Responsibilities

Prepare and present evaluations for assistive technology, adaptive equipment and home and vehicle modifications.
Conduct assistive technology and disability specific related computer training classes and workshops.
Responsible to provide the assigned services and data collection required for the agency activities related to assistive technology and adaptive equipment evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, and technology training to enhance the quality of the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Provide back-up coverage/support to other programs within the department (e.g. I&R, Transition, IL Sills etc.)
Facilitate assessment and identification of functional capacities and independent living related services needs of the consumer.
Provide consumers assistive technology and adaptive equipment evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, training, information and referral, advocacy, funding information and assistance with the appeals process.
Provide independent living skills instruction on an individual or group basis.
Provide consumers with training on assistive technology, adaptive equipment or other related equipment on a fee-for-service basis.
Provide consumers with assistive technology instruction and disability specific computer training.
Develop AT suggestions for IL Department curriculum and other trainings.
Promote self-advocacy by teaching individuals how to access services, assert their rights and obtain funding for the purpose of reaching their adaptive/assistive technology needs.
Provide information, training and referral to the community at large on assistive technology, adaptive equipment and related resources on a free or fee-for-service basis.
Assist with the coordination of Independence First's assistive technology Loan and Demonstration program.
Attend and participate in the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC) home modification calls as needed.
Supply AT services on a free or fee-for-service basis to employers, schools, DVR, county agencies, long-term care providers, etc. These services include, evaluations, consultations, bids, trainings, recommendations and reports.
Complete required documentation in agency database and as required by various funding sources and vendors, including writing timely assessment reports with recommendations for further training, equipment or home modifications that are sent to vendors.
Develop and maintain appropriate collaborative relationships with other organizations/service providers to enhance the goals of independent living.
Participate as a member of the Independent Living Services team by attending agency meetings and events.
Obtain the necessary cross-training to be able to provide back-up coverage/support for other programs and functions within the department.
Participate in individual and systems advocacy activities at public hearings and educating public officials through appropriate means on issues relative to independent living.
Actively participant in agency advocacy team.
Present written or oral testimony on disability issues on pending legislation to legislative bodies on the local, state and federal levels.
Assist consumers with advocacy.
Participate in activities related to Disability Policy Change.

Benefits

12 sick days, 13 vacation days and an additional 12 paid holidays a year
Employer paid Dental, Life Insurance (twice annual salary), AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability
Health Insurance Benefits (partially employer paid, depending on coverage)
Low-cost Vision Insurance
Employer-matched 403(b) Retirement Account
Fitness Center On-site
Annual Health Risk Assessment
Annual Flu Shot
Comprehensive Wellness Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program