Job Openings

VISIONS

11/01/2022

Job Title: Senior Assistive Technology Instructor

Summary

The VRC Senior Assistive Technology Instructor at VCB is an individual with both depth and breadth of knowledge related to computer operating systems, commercial software applications, and accessible/assistive technologies used by persons with vision impairments.  The AT Instructor is a skilled computer instructor who has experience teaching in group settings as well as one-on-one.  The ideal candidate will be patient, creative, friendly, and flexible.  The AT Instructor can work autonomously as needed but is equally comfortable working as part of a team.  The AT Instructor develops new courses, prepares lesson plans, provides direct instruction, monitors and documents student progress.  In addition, as assigned, the AT Instructor will contribute technical expertise and computer support to VCB’s programs and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1.    Provide & complete Readiness Evaluations, Assessment, Training, and complete outcome reports for participants (16 years +) referred to the Assistive Technology Center (ATC) as follows:

a.    Readiness Evaluations is used to determine that the participant has the prerequisite skills to successfully complete assistive technology assessment and training. This service should be completed in 2-4 hours.

·   The readiness evaluation consists of five components: keyboarding evaluation, spelling evaluation, reading comprehension (TABE), note taking evaluation and logical sequencing.

·   Touch-typing skills (20 WPM) and a reasonable degree of proficiency using the computer keyboard, spelling, note taking, and an eighth-grade reading level are pre-requisites for all ATC services.

b.    Assessment is used to determine the participant’s present level of functioning, the training needs and estimated time to complete training. This service should be completed in 2-4 hours.

·   The instructor will use this to gather information about the participant’s ability to remember information; improve with practice; tolerate working at a computer terminal; and to observe general work habits.

·   The assessment includes five components:  1) Note-Taking Exercise Two, 2) Computer Concepts Tool Pre and Posttest, 3) Functional Computer Evaluation, 4) Demonstration of Equipment and 5) Writing Work Sample

·   The scores achieved guide the instructor to create a training that is customized to each participant’s needs.

·   A plan of training must be included as part of any assessment and must include an estimate of the length of training and the frequency of training needed to successfully complete that program.

c.    Training is individualized or small group training which provides each participant with the skills and abilities needed to perform tasks in an education/training or employment setting successfully using specifically recommended and configured hardware, software, and peripheral devices. This service should be completed on average in 25 hours.

·   All participants referred for training must achieve proficiency for employment/training or educational purposes in the following areas:

                      i.        Function and use of the assistive device

                    ii.        Function and operation of the computer

                   iii.        Routine maintenance

                   iv.        Utilization of technical documentation

                    v.        Use of the computer operating system

                   vi.        Use of email

                  vii.        Use of Internet software

                 viii.        Use of cloud or collaborative systems

                   ix.        Use of commercial applications (e.g., word-processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, email, web-browsers, etc.) as used in tandem with various assistive technologies including screen-readers, magnification systems, and/or refreshable Braille displays.

2.    Provide group and individual instruction to participants (16 years +) in the 15-Week Employment Readiness & Pre-ETS program using the same methodology established for ATC services and the Pre-ETS requirements which follow:

a.    The Adaptive Technology training must be prepared to cover all the required Pre-ETS requirements:

·   Selecting the proper tool for a task

·   Using the device appropriately to complete task. 

·   Ability to care for the device, keeping the device charged, setting up/putting away the device, etc.

·   Where to order parts or accessories when needed.

·   Procedure for having device serviced when not working properly

·   Use of technology for career exploration and other on-line information gathering.

·   Skills required to complete on-line coursework. 

b.    This training is provided to participants to prepare them for a specific occupational goal for entry or re-entry into gainful employment consistent with the individual's interests and capabilities as identified in their Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE).

3.    Provide & complete Vocational Skills Assessment, Training, and complete outcome reports to participants (18 years +) referred to Comprehensive Contract Services, as follows:

1. Assessment

The Vocational Skills Assessment must include the individual's current level of functioning (baseline). 

·         For training programs leading to employment in clerical or technology related occupations the evaluation must include the areas of typing, note-taking, reading, spelling and logical sequencing.

·         Touch-typing skills (20 WPM) and a reasonable degree of proficiency using the computer keyboard, spelling, note taking, and an eighth-grade reading level are pre-requisites to all of the technology-oriented vocational training.

·         A plan of training must be included as part of any assessment and must include an estimate of the length of training and the frequency of training needed to successfully complete that program.

1. Training

Vocational skills training is hands-on, experiential learning for service, clerical, industrial or technology related occupations. 

·         This training is provided to participants to prepare them for a specific occupational goal for entry or re-entry into gainful employment consistent with the individual's interests and capabilities as identified in their mutually agreed upon Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE). 

·         Additional areas of instruction include the use of commercial applications (word-processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, email, web-browsers, etc.) as used in tandem with various assistive technologies including screen-readers, magnification systems, and/or refreshable Braille displays.

·         The intensity of the training program should allow for substantial skill development but should also allow participants to obtain skills within a reasonable amount of time.

4.    Provide AT assessments and training for participants referred to other adult residential programs e.g., 5-Week Vocational Rehab Services, 60-Day Vocational & Workforce, other Signature Project residential programs, etc.

5.    The AT Instructor will inform supervisor about adjustments, and/or problems in the participants’ training program as soon as they are identified.

6.    The AT Instructor will also complete required forms, reports and case documentation and submit such information in a timely manner.  Closure reports should be submitted as required during each VRC session.

7.    As assigned, provide technical evaluation and/or support services to clients at their job or education sites.

8.    Assist the Director of Technology Services to develop technology-related curricula, and staff training manuals for technology instruction at the VRC and VCB.

9.    Develop course syllabi, daily lesson plans, and hands-on exercises for group classes in basic keyboarding and commercial applications (word-processors, spreadsheets, email, web-browsers, etc.) as used in tandem with various assistive technologies including screen-readers, magnification systems, and/or refreshable Braille displays.

10. Demonstrated ability to train professional staff (TVI, VRT, etc.) in beginner, intermediate and advanced use of adaptive technology, software, and devices

11. Monitor all equipment in the computer lab and report technical problems to supervisor. 

12. Provide technical support to staff and other programs at VCB when needed and/or perform routine technical maintenance activities.

13. Provide in-service training and follow-up support to other computer instructors, lab volunteers, and full-time agency staff as requested by supervisor.

14. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1.    Bachelor’s degree in Education/Special Education, Rehab Science or another related field plus one year of experience teaching accessible/assistive technology is preferred or Associates Degree with 3-5 years of experience teaching accessible/assistive technology

2.    Three years of technology experience.

3.    Fluent in use of screen-readers, screen-magnification, and other assistive technologies used by individuals with impaired vision.

4.    Must possess expertise in all aspects of PC operations including MS Windows, MS Office applications, Google Suite, file management, system maintenance, technical troubleshooting, software configuration and hardware installation.  Knowledge of html code, web design, and networking a plus. 

5.    Familiarity with IOS and Android accessibility options.

6.    Ability to relate well with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and age groups.

7.    Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) certification is highly desired or should obtain within one year after eligibility.

Salary: $62,000-$74,000 commensurate with experience; Moving expense reimbursement is available.  Short-term accommodation in a two-bedroom cottage is available for anyone relocating. 

Location: This full-time exempt position is based out of VISIONS Center on Blindness campus, 111 Summit Park Road, Spring Valley NY, 10977.  Scheduled evening and weekend hours will be required.  Part of the work could be completed remotely when feasible. 

VISIONS is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit rehabilitation and social service agency incorporated in 1926.  VISIONS provides service for blind and visually impaired people of all ages in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area.

VISIONS is an equal opportunity employer.  All job candidates, consultants, volunteers, and interns 18 years of age and older, must consent to a background investigation including a criminal justice system search, reference and education checks. 

Rev Oct 2022

E_mail: rcoellar@visionsvcb.org

Phone: 201-250-2518

Cert: CATIS