Assistive Technology Specialist, Senior

Special Information

• This position is a hybrid position which allows the incumbent to complete their work at both an NAU site, campus, or facility and at a non-centralized site with or without accommodation.
• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
• This position is posted as Assistive Technology Specialist, Senior, which is a working title. The NAU system title for this position is Assistive Technology Analyst, Senior.
• Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a regular part of this position. Arizona Administrative Code Fleet Safety Policy requires all employees who drive on university business become authorized by submitting Driver’s license information for driving record monitoring, and completion of training appropriate to the level of driving performed. The law applies to all faculty, staff, and students who drive personal or university-owned motorized vehicles for any business purpose. More information on the NAU Authorized Driver Policy can be found on the NAU website.

About the Department/College

The Institute for Human Development (IHD) is an interdisciplinary unit and the oldest Institute at NAU. IHD is housed in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) on the Flagstaff Mountain campus of NAU. IHD is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) emphasizing four core function areas: Research and Evaluation, Interdisciplinary Education and Training, Community Service, and Information Dissemination.

About the Position

The Assistive Technology for Employment and Independence (ATEI) falls under the “Community Service” core function areas and is funded through a contract with the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). It provides comprehensive assistive technology (AT) services to RSA’s vocational rehabilitation clients statewide. ATEI’s AT services include provision of comprehensive assistive technology evaluations, client AT device training, product installation services, technical assistance, client-specific AT and bulk product purchases, product distribution to clients and the management of an employment-related, dedicated assistive technology inventory for device demonstrations and short-term product loans for RSA clients, staff, and community-based AT specialists.

In this position, the Assistive Technology Specialist applies broad knowledge of AT practices, products and processes focusing on employment and independent living for adults and transition age youth. Key responsibilities include assessing the need for and directly implementing and/or overseeing the implementation of assistive technology services for RSA clients referred to the ATEI Project.

Position is primarily hybrid/remote, with office space available in Mesa, AZ. In-state travel to serve the needs of ATEI clients is a required part of this position.

Responsibilities Include

50% - Provision of Direct Client Services

• Gathers and analyzes information for individual RSA client evaluations focused on assistive technology for employment and independent living; makes recommendations for assistive technology purchases and type/duration of AT implementation services needed. Implementation services include client training, AT product installation, set up and configuration, and technical assistance.
• Reviews referral information and consults with the referring RSA Counselor when information is missing or clarification is needed.
• Researches and recommends commercially available and/or customized AT options that meet the client’s identified needs.
• Produces and submits comprehensive AT evaluation and progress reports using established report formats and within identified time frames. Supervises contracted vendors performing evaluations and training.
• Ensures that RSA VR Counselor approval is obtained prior to initiating the purchase of AT products and/or services.
• Utilizes person-centered processes as a best practice foundation for providing evaluation and training/implementing services.
• Ensures that RSA-approved AT recommendations are successfully implemented and periodically reassessed to achieve client goals within established time frames.
• Reviews AT evaluation and progress reports produced by ATEI contractors and as assigned by the project director, to ensure suitability of recommendations and timely progress toward implementation goals.
• Oversees the process for delivery/distribution of AT Products to the intended clients; troubleshoots and resolves problems.
• Provides periodic training and/or technical assistance for VR Counselors/RSA staff consistent with the purposes of the ATEI Project.
• Identifies and tracks problems with internal and external program process and provides input to the ATEI director for resolution.
• Provides assistive technology device loans, demonstrations and consultations for RSA VR Clients, RSA staff, and contractors in coordination with AzTAP staff as necessary.

20% - Effectively Manages Internal and External Communications

• Communicates on a regular basis (via email, phone calls, video conferencing, meetings, and reports) with RSA staff (counselors, job developers, procurement personnel, etc.) regarding client status, issues, and progress to avoid or resolve problems.
• Communicates with ATEI contractors as needed to answer questions, address issues with assessment processes, device recommendations, implementation, training, and documentation.
• Communicates with ATEI internal staff to facilitate administrative and equipment purchasing needs.
• Communicates regularly with assigned RSA clients to address/resolve problems; intervenes as appropriate to avoid disputes with contractors and assigned clients.
• Interfaces as needed with personnel associated with the client’s employer or education program including supervisors, Human Resources and Information Technology staff, Disability Resources Services, Instructors, ADA Coordinators, etc.

15% - Compliance, Reporting, and Data Collection

• Responds to RSA referrals for ATEI services within established time frames.
• Completes evaluation reports, progress notes and other required documentation within established time frames. Proactively communicates when timelines need to be extended. Track billable hours per client and communicate remaining hours to vendors. Data entry in ATEI case management and referral management software.
• Prepares and/or inputs required data into ATEI, AzTAP and IHD data collection systems within established time frames.
• Complies with established NAU and Funder policies and procedures.

10% - Tangible Resource (Equipment) Management

• Researches and contributes to the decision-making and operational processes for AT device inventory and bulk purchases for the dedicated assistive technology equipment inventory for device demonstrations, short term product loans and on demand AT product distribution.
• Ensures the appropriate disposition of RSA-client returned AT devices in coordination with RSA requirements and AzTAP’s Equipment Reuse Program.

5% - Other

• Assists in addressing the mission and objectives of the IHD and NAU by providing support for or participation in IHD/AzTAP activities (e.g., AzLAT Loan Review Committee; IHD Conference, other IHD committees or work groups, etc.) with Supervisor approval.
• Attends (via in-person and/or virtually) at least one national assistive technology conference e.g., ATIA, CSUN, RESNA, CTG, etc.; (as funding permits) and participate in other educational events such as webinars and vendor trainings to stay informed of assistive technology trends, new products, and services.
• Travels as needed and as health conditions permit to all regions of the state to provide assistive technology services consistent with ATEI’s purpose.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or related field.
• 3 years of relevant experience.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (SLP), physical therapy (PT), special or general education, rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation counseling, assistive/rehabilitation technology, disabilities studies/services, social work or similar.
• 5 or more years’ experience with an emphasis on the application of AT for employment and independent living for adults and transition age youth across disability categories.
• Documented experience providing client implementation training (product installations/set up/configurations, technical assistance, etc.)
• Advanced assistive technology credentialing such as RESNA Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential; Assistive Technology (AT) Certificate from an accredited college or university program, specialty disability certifications, e.g. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT), Low Vision Specialist (CLVS) or Teacher for the Visually Impaired (CTVI) by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP); or National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).
• Fluent Spanish speaker.
• Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of assistive technology products, processes, and concepts.
• Advanced knowledge of the impact of disability on employment, postsecondary education, and independent living across disability conditions.
• Knowledge of computer operating procedures and techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of accessibility systems software and hardware for employment and higher education.
• Advanced knowledge of major disability legislation including, but not limited to the Rehabilitation Act, Sections 504, 508, the AT ACT, ADA and WIOA.

Skills

• Well versed in best practice assessment processes for comprehensive assistive technology evaluations.
• Documented experience providing assistive technology implementation training including client training, product installations/set up/configurations and technical assistance.
• Advanced application skills associated with the use of Microsoft Office and Adobe products.
• Works effectively with underrepresented/culturally diverse populations.   

Abilities

• Balances competing priorities.
• Analyzes complex situations and anticipates issues.
• Demonstrates strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical capabilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment
• Utilizes effective collaboration skills/strategies when working with internal and external partners/stakeholders.

Compensation

Salary range begins at $77,781.00. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Submit your Application

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by midnight of the application deadline.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.