[Trainer-Talk] Iowa Department for the Blind JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

[Enrique Mejia]

 <>Iowa Department for the Blind  <>
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
 
Rehabilitation Technology Specialist
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Salary Minimum: $51,958.40   
Salary Maximum: $80,558.40
Post Close Date: March 19, 2018.
 
Job Description:
This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position.  Please follow instructions in the “To Apply” section for directions on how to apply for this position.
 
The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for a position that will promote IDB’s mission, vision and values through providing access technology training to vocational rehabilitation clients including transition age youth. This position will also provide access technology training to independent living teachers to assist the teachers in providing technology training to independent living clients. 
 
Duties and responsibilities to include the following:
 
Provide individualized and/or group training to clients in the use of access technology. Monitor client progress during such training, produce written reports and case notes for client files, and provide prompt notification to counselors concerning client progress and impediments to client success. 
 
Design, validate, and implement skills assessments to determine a client's ability to use technology. Based on these assessments, produce written and verbal reports concerning a client's ability to use technology (with or without non visual access software/hardware), the client's need for specialized training, and the configuration of any equipment that the client might require. As necessary, develop and/or modify technology skills assessments to ensure the most accurate results. Based on technology skills assessments, develop, teach, and/or recommend courses of intensive and specialized training.
 
Provide on-site training and telephone assistance to employers and clients regarding access technology. Troubleshoot technical problems at client work-sites involving the integration of non-visual access technology with other programs, determine what configuration changes, repairs, and/or upgrades may be necessary, and facilitate efforts to implement needed hardware/software acquisitions or configuration changes. Produce written reports and case notes to document the work performed.
 
Provide technology training to independent living teachers in areas such as iOS, Android, built-in computer accessibility features and basic screen reader usage, and serve as a resource to them as they provide technology training to independent living clients. Provide group training to independent living clients such as through community based trainings.
 
Provide technical assistance and product support to blind or low vision persons using mainstream software with access technology. Maintain records and generate reports related to problems encountered or solved and inquiries received. To the maximum extent possible, direct blind or low vision persons to appropriate sources of technical assistance to foster long term independence of these individuals in the area of technology.
 
Plan and participate in awareness activities to promote the use of non-visual access technology. Arrange for vendor displays/demonstrations in the IDB Technology Resource Center and in various locations around the state. Demonstrate non visual access technology and its use with mainstream computer programs to clients, counselors, teachers, family members, and other individuals/organizations.
 
Maintain lists of access technology products for the blind and their vendors. Upon request, provide product information to consumers, family members, employers, IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations. 
 
Monitor trends and developments with regard to screen access software/hardware, refreshable Braille displays, screen enlargement software and hardware, and optical character recognition systems. Monitor trends and developments in mainstream technology. Make recommendations concerning the use of these technologies to counselors, teachers, clients, other IDB staff, and other individuals/organizations.
 
Essential functions of this position:
 
Communicate effectively, verbally or in writing, in the English language.
 
Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of non-visual access technologies-including screen access software, screen enlargement technology, refreshable braille displays, braille embossers, tablets, smart phones, and video magnifiers-and make sound recommendations about which technologies should be used for specific situations and under what circumstances.
 
Explain complicated concepts and ideas in a simplified manner for group or individual presentation.
 
Competently operate the Windows and Mac OSX operating systems and various applications-including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, web browsers, and other applications.
 
Competently operate mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android with non-visual access technology.
 
Teach individuals and/or groups how to use specific technologies, and vary the teaching method depending on the learning style that works best for each student.
 
It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.
 
For further information, contact Helen Stevens, 515-829-7411 or helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us>
 
To Apply:
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.  Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application to:
 
Helen Stevens
Education and Training Director
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 4th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309-2364
helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us <mailto:helen.stevens at blind.state.ia.us>				

	
Enrique Mejia, NOMC
Rehabilitation Technology Specialist for Youth Services
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 4th Street 
Des Moines IA 50309
Email: enrique.mejia at blind.state.ia.us
Phone: 515-443-3038
Visit us:  www.blind.iowa.gov

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