Technical Assistance Specialist II

Utah State University•Logan, UT

2d•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled special education and digital accessibility professional who is collaborative, extremely knowledgeable, and passionate about improving outcomes for students with disabilities by providing high-quality technical assistance and professional learning to states, school districts, and related audiences. The ideal candidate has worked in or with teams that have successfully implemented systemwide practices to improve the provision of accessible formats of print materials and/or the provision of accessible digital educational materials. The demonstrated ability to build strong, positive relationships with diverse audiences is also important to this position. You are a special education or digital accessibility professional with state or district experience improving the accessibility of educational materials for students with disabilities. You are ready to move into the role of subject-matter expert at the national level using your knowledge and experience to assist state and local leadership teams in improving their capacity to provide accessible educational materials. You are collaborative and flexible, excited to apply your knowledge and skills to varied contexts. You like to travel as needed, you like to prepare high-quality professional learning activities, you enjoy networking and creating new relationships, and you have a history of seeing solutions to current problems but also ideas for future opportunities! The Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist II for the National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI) provides highly qualified expertise and skills in the provision of accessible educational materials in PreK-12 educational settings. The TA Specialist II is a capable facilitator, coach, and trainer of diverse representatives from state and local educational agencies, as well as other entities responsible for improving outcomes for students with disabilities and their families. This role requires depth and breadth in the understanding of related special education standards and laws (NIMAS and NIMAC under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)) and digital accessibility standards and laws (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)). The TA Specialist II will support collaborations with education and disability representatives across the country to identify challenges, provide TA services and resources, and promote best practices to create coordinated systems for providing accessible educational materials for students with disabilities. NCADEMI is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. This position is telework-eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field.
Minimum 4 years’ experience in relevant fields as a TA provider or related professional role.
Demonstrated experience in delivering TA or professional development to state and local educational agencies.
Demonstrated skills in professional verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated skills in applying adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
Demonstrated understanding of applicable federal laws and regulations, such as IDEA and ADA Title II.
Demonstrated skills in developing professional learning materials (slide decks, handouts).
Excellent social and interpersonal skills.
Experience in group facilitation and training.
Experience delivering technical assistance virtually from a variety of technology platforms.
Ability to travel (by air and automobile) independently.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field.
Grant writing skills.
Experience with virtual meeting facilitation.
Experience with developing content in the Canvas learning management system.
Knowledge of how artificial intelligence (AI) is effectively used in digital accessibility.
Knowledge of educational material accessibility needs of braille readers.
Knowledge of educational material accessibility needs of students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Familiarity with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Responsibilities

Provide TA and consultation to state and district leadership teams, as well as related entities, aligning with relevant special education and technical accessibility guidelines and laws.
Develop and deliver technology-supported trainings and presentations on topics related to the evaluation, procurement, selection, creation, and use of accessible digital educational materials.
Support the development of web-based professional development modules on best practices for providing accessible educational materials and instruction for multiple audiences.
Participate in project dissemination strategy and activities, including website improvements, recurring newsletter development, and social media use.
Be familiar with and use various assistive technologies, such as common screen readers and speech-to-text software.
Develop intermediate to advanced technical assistance briefs, guides, blog posts, and articles.
Maintain a deep understanding of relevant state and federal guidelines and legal requirements related to special education and digital accessibility.
Foster trusting and positive relationships with TA recipients.
Maintain a deep understanding of relevant state and federal guidelines and legal requirements.
Assist with the analysis of project evaluation data to inform continuous improvement in TA service and resource delivery.
Contribute to quarterly progress reports for project funder.
Provide input and participate in USU/IDRPP/NCADEMI level activities.
Participate in all relevant USU/IDRPP/NCADEMI events and activities.
Attend and provide appropriate updates at NCADEMI meetings.
Follow all USU/IDRPP/NCADEMI policies and procedures.
Follow all USU/IDRPP/TAESE policies and procedures.