Assistive Technology Consultant

About the role

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Responsibilities

• Completes Assistive Technology Assessments for individuals who are blind and visually impaired in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Orange, Vance, Wake and Warren Counties.
• Provides training on use of devices and technology to individuals and groups, adapting training techniques to ensure client success.
• Counsels and consults with professionals, employers, and programs in specialized employment applications of assistive technology.
• Monitors the bid process, approves/disapproves vendor submissions and contractor work or contract variations.
• Works with the staff of the employer to assure that the assistive devices(s) will interface with the employer’s hardware and software.
• Schedules and presents device demonstrations or conducts outreach and education at community events.
• Supports job reengineering, machinery modifications, job restructuring, technology application, and the application of speech synthesis or Braille output/input to computerized devices.
• Provides technical assistance and consultation to consumers, professionals, employers, and programs in specialized employment applications of assistive technology.
• Follows up on the job site with the consumer and employer to troubleshoot any difficulties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience working with assistive technology that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

The Knowledge Skills and Abilities/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Knowledge of disabling conditions and how technology can assist.
• Knowledge of or experience working with people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of or experience working with a team of professionals to help a client meet a goal.
• Knowledge of assistive technology.

Skills

The position requires the ability to:

• Provide and receive clinical information from occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, physicians, nurses, educators, rehabilitation professionals, as well as technical information from industrial engineers, electronics technicians and engineers, software engineers and information technology specialists.
• Be familiar with changing technology and its applications such as the use of tele-care (electronic sensors), technology transfer, robotics, computer applications/software/apps, and alternative and augmentative communication options.
• Be knowledgeable of the latest software and hardware related to various function areas (e.g., refreshable Braille displays, screen readers, communication boards).
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to consumers, professionals, employers, and programs in specialized employment applications of assistive technology.
• Monitor the bid process, approve/disapprove vendor submissions and contractor work or contract variations.
• Provide support in all phases of job reengineering, machinery modifications, job restructuring, technology application, and the application of speech synthesis or Braille output/input to computerized devices.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to consumers, professionals, employers, and programs in specialized employment applications of assistive technology.
• Follow-up on the job site with the consumer and employer to troubleshoot any difficulties.

Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Pay

$41,206 - $72,113

Schedule

N/A