Specialist, Assistive Technology

Scope and Summary

of Primary Responsibilities

In covering a broad range of duties and responsibilities this position assesses, recommends, and demonstrates assistive technology hardware and software for people with vision loss, helps develop, implement and instruct in assistive software training.

This position also participates in education and awareness activities.

This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi-faceted service and operations program.

II. Essential Functions

This position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities :

• Assesses Clients with vision loss and helps them identify their personal needs and requirements as it relates to assistive technology solutions.
• Writes comprehensive assessment reports.
• In consultation with the Client, makes recommendations on assistive technology and training solutions to meet their unique needs.
• Assists Clients with a plan for the implementation of the assistive technology recommendations, including acquisition, setup and configuration of the assistive device and makes training referrals, as appropriate.
• Provision of instruction on adaptive software / hardware, develop rehab plan, and provide training on use of recommended assistive technology
• Performs administrative duties, including but not limited to, service tracking, benchmarking, report writing, etc.
• Delivers public speaking seminars and workshops on assistive technology and related topics to community agencies / groups and others.
• Demonstrates assistive technology options and solutions to both internal and external audiences.
• Uses electronic assessments and templates in the electronic medical record system to identify and document client challenges and training plans.

Relationships

• Provides support and consultation to Clients and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss.
• Promotes an understanding and awareness of assistive technology and related issues through consultation, public education, and in-service training.
• Attends and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Assists with the training, placement and supervision of volunteers and students.
• maintain relationships with vendors, alternate service providers and partners to support client's goals and acquisition of equipment.

Problem Solving

• Provides timely delivery of assessments to Clients to help them determine what assistive technology will be best suited for their needs.
• Demonstrates the ability to creatively and quickly resolve problems to respond to unique individual needs.
• Supports Clients in their use of assistive technology and in resolving related problems and recommending solutions to those problems.

Decision Autonomy

• Utilizes standard procedures and processes to work with Clients to determine appropriate assistive technology.
• Utilizes judgment when determining if the individual requires referral to another VLRC service or external service.
• Operates with flexibility and personal discretion to accommodate each person’s specific needs.
• Utilizes VLRC based curriculum, standard procedures, and processes to work with Clients on developing an individual program to accommodate their unique needs.

Leadership

• Takes initiative to keep abreast of assistive technology as it relates to vision loss. Takes initiative in professional development activities to keep current in all aspects of mainstream and assistive technology.
• Provides leadership to community groups and partners by educating, advocating, and promoting awareness about vision loss.
• Provides leadership in mentoring, training and coaching volunteers, students, and staff.
• Facilitates and enhances team efforts on a professional level and shares specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.

Requirements

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Knowledge and experience working with Clients of all ages with vision loss.
• Basic understanding of the principles of low vision and the impact of visual demands when transferred to electronic visual displays.
• General understanding of other disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors) and how this affects assistive technology selection and instruction.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communications skills.
• Decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Mature and professional attitude.
• Self-directed, organized and detail oriented.
• Demonstrated client centred approach and commitment.
• Working confidentially in a technology intensive operation environment. Utilizing both standard office software and specialised client management technology.
• Knowledge and experience working with access technology and assistive technology.
• Related work experience.

Experience and Education

• College diploma or university degree in technology.
• Courses or certificate in teaching and training.
• Graduate of training courses that are designed or delivered by VLRC, or by an external provider on behalf of VLRC.
• Extensive knowledge of blindness and low vision assistive technology.
• Good command of relevant computer applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Work Environment

• Service will be provided in VLRC centers, individual homes and / or the community.
• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Willingness to travel overnight.
• Ability to lift / carry items up to 15 kilograms.

Benefits