Assistive Technology Specialist - #ARS00533

Title: Assistive Technology Specialist - #ARS00533

State Role Title: Therapist III

Hiring Range: Minimum Starting Salary is $75,000 commensurate with experience.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs

Location: Aging & Rehab Svcs

Agency Website: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Do you enjoy supporting others, working with a passionate and successful team?

This is the job for you!  Come and join our team!

Job Duties:

In partnership with people with disabilities, the Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) assists individuals with disabilities to make informed choices that will maximize their employment through coordinated service delivery. DARS provides a variety of assistive technology (AT) services to agency clients, staff, and employers who hire DARS clients.

The DRS-RTS team is comprised of AT Specialists (ATS) /licensed occupational therapists, rehabilitation engineers and rehabilitation engineering technicians. ATS members remove barriers for DRS clients in home, school/college, and/or work settings. ATS examine activities of daily living as they relate to employment and tasks that support employment. Their goal is to work with the individual to identify equipment and accommodations to help VR clients obtain and maintain employment.

Services include AT assessment, AT trials / recommendations, computer access/accommodations, ergonomic work solutions, AT for sensory regulation, cognitive and wearable technology. ATS work collaboratively with rehabilitation engineering staff to provide Home and Worksite modification consultations. ATS communicates clearly in writing and orally with referral sources, clients, employers, and other support staff to support the vocational rehab process.

We are seeking an Assistive Technology Specialist (ATS). The incumbent will serve as a specialized assistive technology clinician, licensed occupational therapist or eligible in Virginia, with experience and knowledge in client evaluation and intervention techniques. The ATS serves on the statewide interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Technology Services (RTS) Team and coordinates AT services with other RTS members in corresponding districts/generalized regions. Frequent in-state travel to support RTS program projects.

The position will be located at the Norfolk/Virginia Beach DRS office.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

Knowledge/Experience:

Virginia licensed Occupational Therapist or eligible for licensure in Virginia. Advanced knowledge of principles and practice of occupational therapy techniques. Considerable knowledge of the medical, vocational, and emotional issues impacting persons with disabilities; interviewing, evaluation, and intervention techniques; methods and tools for occupational therapy intervention; ADA compliance requirements. Demonstrated competency in assistive technology.

Knowledge of computer systems/technologies, software, and hardware, including compatibility issues as well as comprehensive knowledge of assistive technology. Working knowledge of Windows and Mac Operating Systems, including accessibility features. Knowledge of Assistive Technology principles and practices.

Skills/Abilities:

Ability to install computer hardware and software in various environments, including customer’s homes and to incorporate technology into employment plans of persons served and provide consultation on AT through an interdisciplinary team model.

Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers and the professional community, especially able to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Ability to organize and manage multiple and sometimes unrelated responsibilities in a timely manner, to prioritize duties and exercise responsible judgment with minimal supervision.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Considerations:

Experience working with Assistive Technology as a licensed Occupational Therapist. Previous vocational rehabilitation experience. RESNA ATP certification.

Special Instructions:

• This has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2-1201.1. 
• A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the finalist candidate.
  
  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, Americorp, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.