Access Technology Specialist

Access Technology Specialist

Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is currently seeking an experienced Access Technology Specialist to join our team in San Francisco, CA.

The Access Technology Specialist position works with a team of AT Specialists as directed by the AT Coordinator and Director of Rehabilitation Services, providing assessment and training to students who are blind or deaf-blind, and of all ages (primarily 14 and over). The AT Specialists are responsible for fully assessing the individual’s interest, needs, and skills; providing a written assessment of recommendations; and then developing and implementing an access technology training program. Training may range from (but is not limited to): basic keyboarding and computer skills, to advanced computer skills (PC/Mac); speech and/or large-print software; Internet access; smartphones, tablets, Braille Displays, note-takers, media play-back/recording devices (i.e. Olympus and Victor Reader Stream) use of stand-alone reading systems, and use of video magnifiers. 

The end goal for each student is to be able to effectively and efficiently utilize the appropriate access technology equipment and/or tools. The Access Technology Specialist is also responsible for facilitating individual and small-group training; developing assessment tools & technology training curriculums for instruction in hardware and software; assessment and report writing; maintaining teaching skills current with all access technology equipment, software and tools used by persons who are blind and low vision; and working with students to develop solutions to their access technology needs, in relation to their abilities.  Finally, this position will be responsible for establishing evening and weekend scheduling for “open lab†and AT training support.

What you'll do:

• Conduct individual training in the use of access technology products and application software.
• Conduct full access technology assessments and video magnification assessments, on and off-site.
  
• Facilitate and develop access technology trainings, workshops and solutions which meet the student’s ongoing needs in an ever-changing technology field.
  
• Coordinate and implement in-service trainings for the community and Agency technology staff.
  
• Maintain inventory lists of equipment and software.
  
• Provide written assessments and recommendations, monthly updates and training summaries to all Department of Rehabilitation counselors and third-party contracting sources (Regional Centers, Veterans Administration, etc.).
  
• Meet training and reporting requirements to satisfy all grant-funded programs, including but not limited to the Older Individuals Who are Blind Program (OIB); the DeafBlind Telecommunication Access Program (FCC funded) and others.
  
• Complete accurate entries of student information into the LightHouse student database (Salesforce).
  
• Complete monthly billing on a timely basis (by the 5th day of each month).
  
• Maintain professional communication with referring entities; respond to student referrals within three business days.
  
• Maintain professional and timely communication via e-mail and voice mail with students, community partners and colleagues.
  
• Maintain and respect client confidentiality.
  
• Occasional overnight travel is required for this position.
  

Our ideal candidate:

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Teaching, Rehabilitation Engineering, Computer Science Computer Science or comparable degree/experience preferred (but not required); or a BA degree in a related field with three years’ experience in teaching persons which are blind or low vision.
• Demonstrated ability in understanding and using large print programs, video magnifiers, standalone reading systems and low vision/speech software. Demonstrated ability to understand and teach all aspects of access technology and programs such as:  Microsoft Office Suite; Voiceover and Zoom on iOS; Talkback on Android, general Internet access and use. Proficiency in uncontracted Braille is required; contracted UEB is a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with and knowledge of working with all ages and levels of computer users. 
• Second language or ASL proficiency preferred but not required. 
• An intermediate to advanced background in computer technology, and experience using assistive technology, are essential.
•  Excellent and demonstrated written and verbal communication including experience giving oral presentations.
• Ability and willingness to work with individuals of varying degrees of skill. 
• Must have excellent time-management skills, and the ability to complete training and reporting in a timely and professional manner.
• Skilled in relating to, and communicating with, community agencies, volunteers, blind and visually-impaired consumers, and community members with varied backgrounds and viewpoints in an effective and collaborative way.
  

What we offer:

• Medical/HDHP
• Dental 
• Vision
• Fitness Club Membership
• 401(K) Match
• Life Insurance
• FSA/HAS
• Work and Life Balance

Equal opportunity to all regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation. We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time.  Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause ("employment at will").

                                      To Apply:                                                                 

Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest; thanks for your understanding.