Assistive Technology Coordinator

QUALIFICATION

• EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in education and endorsement in special education
• LICENSURE: Iowa special education license by Iowa Board of Education Examiners
• EXPERIENCE: Previous experience with assistive technology preferred

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Support the evaluation, selection, implementation and progress monitoring of research-based technology tools and strategies to support educational achievement for students who have special needs
• Focus on key areas which include: Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM), specialized software and applications for struggling readers and writers, alternative/augmentative communication, and computer and mobile device access
• Maintain current knowledge of available technologies. Develop and support a regional communication network within the AEA to build capacity and knowledge about assistive technology that supports student learning
• Provide professional development training to AEA and LEA staff regarding assistive technology and instructional technology
• Develop regional capacity of AEA staff to effectively identify and deploy assistive devices tailored to the identified learning needs of individual students
• Assist and support AEA staff by building capacity for trouble-shooting assistive technology
• Provide information and assistance to AEA and LEAs in procuring funding sources for AT devices and services
• Work collaboratively with AEA media and technology staff to purchase and implement instructional technology and assistive technology within the AEA and with LEAs
• Serve as liaison between PLAEA and various state level entities and initiatives
• Maintain the AEA’s inventory of assistive technology devices and software available for use by school teams
• Make effective use of available funding to maintain or replace devices and software as appropriate
• Compile and keep current resource information on products and devices, directions for use, maintenance and funding sources
• Maintain the Assistive Technology webpage
• Coordinate work within PLAEA around students with significant disabilities (SWSD)
• Coordinate professional learning for AEA and LEA staff around high expectations and quality instruction for
• Provide technical assistance around Iowa Core Essential Elements, Iowa's Alternate Assessment and Iowa's Early Literacy Alternate Assessment
• Participate in the state leadership network that supports students with significant disabilities.
• Coordinate and communicate information from the Iowa Department of Education regarding SWSD
• Maintain current information on PLAEA website regarding AT and SWSD
• Other duties as assigned

COMMON TO ALL EMPLOYEES: 

• Contributes to a positive and productive work, learning and team environment
• Believes in, advocates for, understands, supports and delivers the priority work of the AEAs, Iowa Public and Accredited Schools, the Iowa Department of Education and Prairie Lakes AEA
• Focuses upon agency and team efforts to deliver equitable, efficient and effective educational services that prepare Iowa children for a life well-lived
• Anticipates and responds to needs, requirements and expectations of clients resulting in acceleration, inspiration and innovation
• Demonstrates effective verbal, non-verbal, written, listening and visual communication
• Possesses effective interpersonal, collaboration, facilitation skills and is committed to relationships and partnerships, within and outside of the agency
• Exhibits self-motivation, reliability, organization, detail and quality and engages in continuous improvement of professional practice to build skills needed to perform job duties and meet agency goals and expectations
• Manages time effectively so that timelines are met and improved results are evident in learning, professional capacity and system effectiveness
• Problem solves by utilizing data-based decisions, preventing and resolving conflicts and providing comprehensive, high quality solutions
• Works with integrity and maintains confidentiality
• Models and integrates technology into daily work
• Leads professional development for at least one course, internally, externally or both
• Understands other duties and responsibilities may be assigned, according to current needs of the agency or districts served

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to travel between schools and sites served
• Normal, routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above-average levels of activity at times that can’t always be anticipated