Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Assistive Technology Senior Instructor. Responsible for evaluating the base level of ability of each individual to use assistive technology such as computers, refreshable braille displays and note takers, various communication devices, various relay devices and software, and other related software applications for the California Community Services Program (CSP).

The Senior AT instructor will be expected to plans lessons and provide skills training in content areas of Assistive Technology curriculum based on the finding of the evaluation and as determined by the individual’s personal needs and preferences, employing appropriate techniques materials and communication preferences. Provide assessment, install, and training for qualified participants of telecommunication equipment for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Program (NDBEP), in collaboration with the SF Lighthouse for the Blind. 

**Note: this position requires extensive travel through the San Diego and Los Angeles service areas. Meeting all job duties and responsibilities will require use of personal vehicle. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•  Ensures services provided to participants are person-centered and meet the participants’ needs:
•  Assess, through dialogue with participant and team, the participant's training priorities
• Actively collaborate with team (including participant) to design trans-disciplinary training activities, implement individualized program and evaluate progress through debriefing and further dialogue to identify further learning opportunities.
• Communicates to all team members the participant's training priorities that include short and long term goals. 
• Ensures the participant's involvement in decision making process with team throughout evaluation and training
• Actively participates in HKNC Community of Practice (COP) groups in order to support learning of peers, contribute articles, experiences and challenges. 
• Evaluate participant's abilities and provide training on a broad range of assistive equipment including; screen enlargement software, braille displays, screen reading software, note-takers, and other devices designed for individuals who are deaf-blind.
• Recommends, plans, and provides training on an individual basis in the use of assistive technology.
• Records progress and submits individualized reports in a timely manner.
• Responsible for assessing the skills of each approved participant and working with the participant to determine the best fit of hardware and/or software to meet their telecommunication needs. The access technology equipment for a participant can include, but is not limited to: PC or MAC computing systems; 
• Smart phones; refreshable braille displays; note takers and/or screen magnification or speech software Additional supportive equipment may also include: noise canceling headphones, large print keyboards or other relevant hardware to ensure the participant has full access and use of their equipment. Train the participants on the access technology related to the NDBEP.
• Keeps abreast and researches new trends in technology and in the field of assistive technology for deaf-blind individuals and exchanges feedback/suggestions for improvements with designated manufacturers.
• Disseminates information regarding assistive technology for individuals who are deaf-blind. This includes presentations at conferences, HKNC publications, professional journals, and the HKNC website.
• Provides in-service training to participants and HKNC employees and at various workshop/conferences as needed.
• Has responsibility for demo equipment and general appearance of the area that includes troubleshooting and updating/upgrading firmware/software/hardware.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Master’s degree preferred in assistive technology, Rehabilitation Teaching, Special Education, Education of the Blind/Visually impaired, Rehabilitation of the Blind/Visually impaired, computer science or related degree.

Knowledge of assistive technology for blind and DeafBlind individuals. 

Knowledge of sign language and braille. Knowledge of computer braille preferred.

Fluency in American Sign Language is preferred or candidate must become proficient within two years of employment. 

Three years teaching or rehabilitation experience with individuals who are deaf, blind or deaf-blind preferred.  

Use of computer hardware and software programs (MS office, MS Teams, Adobe, Zoom) Use of Network Drive, and FMP, KLAS databases.

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. we offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance 
• 4 weeks paid vacation
• Paid Holidays Off 
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Ancillary benefits 
• 403b Program w/Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Advancement opportunities