Assistive Technologist

Job Code: 32000336
Salary Grade: NC09
Revision Date: 06/2018

Class Concept

Employees analyze the technology needs of individuals with disabilities and helps users select and use adaptive devices. Employees work with clients of all ages with every type of functional limitation. The employee assists in selecting, designing, developing, enhancing or adjusting adaptive, assistive, and/or rehabilitative devices, equipment, and processes for persons with disabilities to enable an individual to perform or to improve upon performing tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish or for which they had difficulty accomplishing. Adaptations are based on an assessment of the client's abilities and functional limitations in their workplace, home, community, educational, or recreational area(s). Assessments may include information provided by a physician, therapist, educational or rehabilitation professional. Position may work with a team of professionals to develop a plan of action and/or to design and adapt universal accessibility technologies or custom fit ergonomic accessories for individual clients. The technologist selects or develops age appropriate options that will allow individuals to utilize and access devices with minimal or reduced physical and emotional discomforts.

Technologist may provide training on use of devices and technology to individuals and groups and adapt training techniques to ensure client success. The Technologist conducts follow-up to assess the extent of progress of the clients' adaptations to devices and technology. Upon identification of design or equipment needs outside of the facility/division, position may recommend vendors and contractors. Positions may monitor the bid process, and approve/disapprove vendor submissions and contractor work or contract variations.

The assistive technologist must be able to provide and receive clinical information from occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologist, physicians, nurses, educators, rehabilitation professionals, as well as technical information from industrial engineers, electronics technicians and engineers, software engineers and information technology specialists. Position must be familiar with changing technology and its applications such as the use of tele-care (electronic sensors), technology transfer, robotics, computer applications/software/apps, and alternative and augmentative communication options. Also, position must be knowledgeable of the latest software and hardware related to various function areas (e.g., refreshable Braille displays, screen readers, communication boards). Positions may troubleshoot equipment and/or software problems associated with assistive technology. Position may schedule and present device demonstrations or conduct outreach and education at community events.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledgeable of the science of assistive technology as well as relative disabilities and their functional limitations.
• Knowledgeable of various types of assistive technology, augmentative communication, specialized computer (adaptive) software and durable medical equipment.
• Knowledge and application of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, Assistive.
• Technology Act, and other federal/state legislation impacting assistive technology services and delivery.
• Ability to adapt teaching style for a variety of learners.
• Ability to conduct technological assessments and make clinical based decisions.
• Ability to develop policies and procedures applicable to this functional area.
• Ability to prepare necessary reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of customers (e.g., individuals with disabilities, manufacturers, employers, engineers, consultants, managers, and direct service providers) to establish relationships and to develop a system of information and referrals.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in any field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience working with assistive technology that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.