Assistive Technology Specialist

Why a career with Independence First?

When you join Independence First you will be part of a
collaborative and passionate team. You will also enjoy lucrative
benefits! Independence First was selected as one of Milwaukee
Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2022 - 2025

Independence First is looking for awesome people to join our team!

You are just the person to join our growing team if you are...

*Passionate About Helping Others

Benefits include:

* 12 sick days, 13 vacation days and an additional 12 paid holidays a year

* Employer paid Dental, Life Insurance (twice annual salary),
AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability

* Health Insurance Benefits (partially employer paid, depending on coverage)

* Low-cost Vision Insurance

* Employer-matched 403(b) Retirement Account

* Fitness Center On-site

* Annual Health Risk Assessment

* Annual Flu Shot

* Comprehensive Wellness Program

* Tuition Reimbursement Program

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: Assistive Technology Specialist

Status: Full Time - Hourly

Reports to: ILS Director

Position Summary: Prepare and present evaluations for
assistive technology, adaptive equipment and home and vehicle
modifications. Conduct assistive technology and disability specific
related computer training classes and workshops. Responsible to
provide the assigned services and data collection required for the
agency activities related to assistive technology and adaptive
equipment evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, and
technology training to enhance the quality of the lives of individuals
with disabilities. Provide back-up coverage/support to other programs
within the department (e.g. I&R, Transition, IL Sills etc.)

Position Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time
position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to
4:30 pm. Occasional evenings and weekends.

Independent Living Services Essential Functions:

1. Facilitate assessment and identification of functional capacities
   and independent living related services needs of the consumer.
2. Provide consumers assistive technology and adaptive equipment
   evaluations, home and vehicle modification evaluations, training,
   information and referral, advocacy, funding information and
   assistance with the appeals process. Must be able to enter buildings
   that have stairs, chemical scents (fabric softener, air fresheners,
   cleaning products), cigarette smoke, animals, etc. Must be able to
   maneuver in homes that are not wheelchair accessible.
3. Provide independent living skills instruction on an individual or
   group basis.
4. Provide consumers with training on assistive technology, adaptive
   equipment or other related equipment on a fee-for-service basis.
5. Provide consumers with assistive technology instruction and
   disability specific computer training.
6. Develop AT suggestions for IL Department curriculum and other trainings.
7. Promote self-advocacy by teaching individuals how to access
   services, assert their rights and obtain funding for the purpose of
   reaching their adaptive/assistive technology needs.
8. Provide information, training and referral to the community at
   large on assistive technology, adaptive equipment and related
   resources on a free or fee-for-service basis.
9. Assist with the coordination of Independence First's assistive
   technology Loan and Demonstration program.
10. Attend and participate in the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent
    Living Centers (WCILC) home modification calls as needed.
11. Supply AT services on a free or fee-for-service basis to
    employers, schools, DVR, county agencies, long-term care providers,
    etc. These services include, evaluations, consultations, bids,
    trainings, recommendations and reports.
12. Complete required documentation in agency database and as required
    by various funding sources and vendors, including writing timely
    assessment reports with recommendations for further training,
    equipment or home modifications that are sent to vendors.
13. Develop and maintain appropriate collaborative relationships with
    other organizations/service providers to enhance the goals of
    independent living.
14. Participate as a member of the Independent Living Services team by
    attending agency meetings and events.
15. Obtain the necessary cross-training to be able to provide back-up
    coverage/support for other programs and functions within the department.

Disability Policy Change
Essential Functions:

1. Participate in individual and systems advocacy activities at
   public hearings and educating public officials through appropriate
   means on issues relative to independent living.
2. Actively participant in agency advocacy team.
3. Present written or oral testimony on disability issues on pending
   legislation to legislative bodies on the local, state and federal levels.
4. Assist consumers with advocacy.
5. Participate in activities related to
   Disability Policy Change.

Work Environment

1. Work environment is generally performed in an office setting with
   minimal to moderate noise level.
2. The work environment characteristics described here are
   representative of those an employee encounters while performing the
   essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
   made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
   essential functions.

Disclaimer:

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to
describe the principle functions of the occupation described and
shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work
requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

As an Independent Living Center, it is required that 51% of
Independence First's staff have a disability. Independence First is
an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people with
disabilities to apply for this position.

Professional Qualifications

Must have a firm belief in consumer control, the independent living
philosophy and our agency Vision Statement:

Independence First is for full inclusion of persons with
disabilities in every aspect of our community and Independence First
commits itself toward this end.

'Empowerment is part psychological, part social, and part
political. It is the process by which individuals define their own
problems, find their own voice, develop their own plans, act on
their own behalf, and claim their own power.'

'Empowerment means more than having responsibility, but also having
the authority and ability to make one's own choices.'

1. Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, rehabilitation
   engineering, rehabilitation counseling, or related field or
   equivalent life experience may be substituted in lieu of, in full or
   part of academic requirements.
2. Must have extensive knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
3. Excellent computer skills including MS Word 2010 or above, EXCEL,
   and are familiar with Macintosh products.
4. Excellent verbal and written communications skills, excellent
   organizational skills.
5. Have strong critical thinking skills and be interested in
   meaningful problem solving.
6. Must be able to successfully interact with a variety of individuals.
7. Knowledge of federal, state and community services and funding
   resources related to technology.
8. Knowledge of disability rights legislation including the ADA,
   Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, etc.
9. Transportationally mobile or able to arrange own transportation.
10. Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.
11. Must be willing to pursue related certifications and educational
    opportunities when requested.