Technologist

Description

Job Summary

The Lighthouse Technologist is a vital member of the Pathways to Success (PTS) team, who creates opportunities through the innovative use of technology for people with disabilities (PWD) to achieve their goals for employment. The Technologist is well versed in technology and has a passion for problem solving and a desire to drive programs to success, assisting people in achieving their dreams for starting new career paths or advancing in their current roles.

This position requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders. The ideal candidate embraces new assistive technologies and is eager to keep up with current trends to support program development. Completion of or current enrollment in a recognized assistive technology certification program, such as the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) offered by California State University, Northridge (CSUN), or the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification administered by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), is required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technologist will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Research and evaluate new and emerging technology solutions that support people with physical, sensory, and/or intellectual disabilities to improve their employability.
2. Conduct assessments to determine optimal technology that would assist PWD with overcoming barriers to employment. Identify meaningful goals and collect pre/post data to measure progress.
3. Support Lighthouse employees by ensuring they have the adaptive skills and technology tools for success in their current jobs and the abilities needed for career advancement. Collaborate with the Lighthouse team to develop an innovative Upward Mobility Program that uses technology to create pathways to success.
4. Provide individualized training to ensure independent use of all technology recommended. Document client engagement according to Lighthouse procedures.
5. Provide individual and group computer training to PWD, using assistive software as needed to develop basic skills for employability in administrative roles.
6. Collaborate with employment specialists and employers to assess, recommend, and integrate technology solutions into various work environments.
7. Conduct workshops and training sessions to equip clients and service professionals with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilize assistive technology to perform specific tasks.
8. Stay current with trends and new developments in assistive technology as related to employment for PWD.
9. Maintain technology inventories and ensure all devices and software remain updated.
10. Maintain clean and clutter-free spaces for clients and guests.
11. Advocate for inclusive employment practices by promoting awareness of assistive technology solutions among staff, employers, and community partners.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in education, special education, rehabilitation science, occupational therapy, or related field. Completion or current enrollment in a recognized assistive technology certification program (e.g., ATACP – CSUN, RESNA ATP certification) required.
2. Special Knowledge/Skills: Superior skill for developing adaptive strategies for PWD with expert knowledge of assistive hardware and software to enhance employability. Excellent computer skills including expert knowledge of all versions of Microsoft Windows and Office products. Expert knowledge of both Apple and Android products, related apps, and accessibility features. Strong troubleshooting skills. Effective teaching skills to assess and adjust training to optimize progress. Ability to design and deliver training for diverse audiences with excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills.
3. Experience: Minimum of 350 hours experience instructing PWD on the use of various types of technology for independence to include hardware, software, and emerging technology. Experience completing assessments and drafting professional reports.
4. Supervisory Responsibilities: Occasional professional interns.
5. Physical: Must be energetic and able to function in a dynamic office setting. Must be able to tolerate travel across service regions for extended periods. Must be able to tolerate sitting at a computer for extended periods.
6. Personality Traits: Friendly, client-focused, and flexible. Creative problem-solver who is detail-oriented and works well with others. Collaborative spirit but able to work independently. Mission-minded teacher who motivates clients and teams to achieve successful outcomes. Openly offers and accepts constructive feedback.
7. Working Conditions: Classroom, client home/work, commercial, and industrial environments. Some travel required to serve Southeast Louisiana. Mileage reimbursement provided to service providers who travel to/from client appointments. Transportation provided by Lighthouse to/from client appointments for service providers who are unable to drive due to vision impairment.
8. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. May require occasional overtime and some evening and weekend work under extraordinary circumstances.
9. Background Check and Drug Testing Required: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.

Accomplishments in these areas of responsibility will be the basis of the employee’s evaluation, continuation of employment, and changes in compensation.