Director of Statewide Assistive Technology Centers

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a motivated professional driven to improve individual's mobility, independence, and accessibility through the use of assistive technology. The role of the Director of Assistive Technology Centers serves to create a system where access to Assistive Technology is not limited by one’s age, address, or disability. This equitable access supports families and individuals by fostering mobility, independence, functional ability, safety, communication, leisure, access to the environment, and many other areas of daily living.

Through the development of inter-agency contacts, access to Assistive Technology (AT) will also not be limited by diagnosis. This takes executive level communication and coordination across agencies. This position strongly supports the Mission of the Department through developing opportunities for individuals to make informed choices, supporting individual’s dignity through independence, all within a local, familiar, support oriented and fiscally responsible service delivery system. There are currently four AT centers though out Massachusetts (Wrentham, North Hampton, Worcester, and Danvers) and a mobile service based in the Metro Region.

This position will provide oversight, management of equipment and supplies, coordination of staff and referrals to each of the Centers. This person will be responsible for communicating and working alongside the appropriate regional staff. Each site has a variety of specialties ranging from OT/ PT to engineers and designers. The scope of work varies but includes equipment adaptations, design, repair.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Direct the delivery of Assistive Technology Center products and services to those individuals residing in the Commonwealth and eligible for services by the Department of Developmental Services
• Analyze the current operations of the AT Centers for the purpose of identifying areas of excellence and areas of improvement.
• Create a geographically distributed cohesive service delivery system throughout the Commonwealth that allows for the fair and equitable delivery of Assistive Technology products and services to those eligible for DDS services
• Create and implement a vision for the Department of Developmental Services to develop an efficient and effective service delivery system for Assistive Technology Center products and services
• Develop policy initiatives for the Department of Developmental Services regarding the delivery of Assistive Technology Center products and services to all of the residents of the Commonwealth served by DDS for the purpose of providing the highest quality service delivery system at the least possible expense
• Develop a framework to expand the delivery of Assistive Technology Center Services

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with disabled individuals
• Experience utilizing technology to assist individuals with disabilities
• Ability to manage a group to achieve organizational goals

Preferred Qualifications:

• A degree in technical or rehabilitation services or equivalent skilled background in those fields
• A minimum of three years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities and three years’ experience working in an assistive technology-related field
• An Assistive Technology Practitioner certification from RESNA is desired

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.