Assistive Technology Specialist - Systemwide Special Education

SUBJECT: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST REPORTS TO: Supervisor /Department Head who oversees Itinerants ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE: The mission of the Assistive Technology (AT) Center is to promote teaching and learning for all children with the assistance of specialized technology and adaptive equipment. The AT team provides specialized technology and training opportunities for teachers to create an enriched learning environment, enabling students to meet the WPS learning standards through universal access techniques while promoting student independence and success. Federal Special Education Laws: PL 100-407 Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 and PL 101-476 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1991 defines Assistive and Instructional Technology Devices as "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of children with disabilities." Assistive Technology Services are defined as "any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device" including: i. Augmentative and Alternative Communication ii. Environmental Controls iii. Adaptive Computer Access iv. Visual Aids v. Assistive Listening vi. Mobility vii. Positioning and Seating PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 1. Responsible for assessment and diagnosis of students referred for consideration in the use of Assistive Technology (AT) supports. Prepare a written report upon completion of the assessment and attend Team meetings to present findings. 2. Responsible for collaboration with parents, teachers, SLP, OT, PT, Vision Specialist, and any auxiliary staff regarding recommendations and implementation of AT supports. 3. Responsible for locating resources and ordering AT/AAC devices, software, and other supports as delineated in the student's IEP. 4. Responsible for providing training to staff, students, and parents in the use of recommended AT supports. 5. Responsible for maintaining records shared with the special education administration of all AT supports, including devices and student files. 6. Responsible for establishing an effective liaison with parents, school staff, and agencies within the community (when necessary) that may provide professional or specialized help to students. 7. Responsible for collaborating with the district technology department and attending departmental meetings as assigned. 8. Responsible for assuring equal educational opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness. 9. Performance of other job-related duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education, Speech and Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or a related field. 2. Minimum of 1 year of experience working with school-age children in the field of Assistive Technology. 3. Maintain current license PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Demonstrated experience supporting students with special needs 2. Ability to speak Albanian, Arabic, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese or an African Language. 3. Master's Degree with a concentration in Assistive Technology, and a certificate in Assistive Technology, or 3-5 years of experience working with students with disabilities using assistive technology. 4. A Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist with 3-5 years of demonstrated experience working with assistive technology for school-aged students. Additional training in assistive technology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is preferred. WORK YEAR: 185 Days SALARY: Salary scale shown is based on the candidate holding a Bachelor's or a Master's Degree, with the potential to increase, depending on the highest level of education. TO APPLY: Any person interested in this position must submit a resume, cover letter, licensure, and answer all questions online at https://worcesterschools.org/about/employment-opportunities This deadline date does not preclude further advertisement or recruitment