Assistive Technology Specialist - Special Education

Primary Purpose:
Coordinate and manage district instructional programs to meet the needs of student’s served through special education with assistive technology needs. Serve as instructional leader in development and improvement of programs, supports and accommodations provided. Collaborate with district staff and outside personnel to formulate, develop, implement, and
evaluate research-based interventions in Special Education. Provide Assistive Technology services to eligible students and support education professionals to enable special education students to access their educational process as independently as possible.

Education / Certification:
1. Valid Special Education Certificate
2. Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
3. Valid Texas Principal or other appropriate Texas certificate and/or experience preferred.
4. Assistive Technology background and / or certificate preferred

Experience / Other Requirements
1. Three years of teaching experience or equivalent special education experience is
required.

Special Knowledge / Skills:
1. Knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
2. Knowledge of special education programs, regulations, and specific areas of disability.
3. Knowledge/familiarization of Assistive Technology devices, services, regulations and procedures relating to IDEA/Federal/State mandates.
4. Ability to interpret individual assessment data (FIE) with regards to program planning and implementation.
5. Ability to evaluate program effectiveness; program compliance.
6. Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data.
7. Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with CISD, other districts, state and federal agency personnel who are involved with the research, administration, and coordination of Special Education programs.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Management
1. Provides continuous and systematic procedures for professional growth for classroom teachers through workshops and demonstrations pertinent to methods and materials that will ensure success for students served in special education with assistive technology needs.
2. Consults frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to instruction.
3. Recommends adoption and use of varied instructional materials.
4. Assists building principals and other administrators and/or supervisors in implementing the instructional program.
5. Assists in the evaluation of ongoing programs and makes recommendations for changes.
6. Works as a resource person for teachers regarding assistive technology.
7. Helps teachers to diagnose student strengths and weaknesses and to match these skills with appropriate techniques, materials, and/or technology.
8. Works with school support staff and school administrators to facilitate the coordination of programs for students with assistive technology needs.
9. Coordinates and/or provides in-home training services as specified in a student’s IEP.
10. Attends appropriate professional meetings and workshops to maintain proficiency and acquire new ideas for instructional improvement. Informs administration of the effects of current and impending legislation.

Assistive Technology
1. Develop/implement Assistive Technology procedures and guidelines.
2. Develop process to implement and monitor Assistive Technology services/devices for eligible students.
3. Develop/maintain Assistive Technology Lending Library for district wide use.
4. Provide in-services/workshops and/or consultation to district personnel, students, families on Assistive Technology guidelines, programs, devices/modifications, evaluations, and data collection.
5. Develop/implement/monitor campus and district-based assistive technology teams
6. Conduct/Review Assistive Technology assessment as needed when requested by ARD committee.
7. Interface with manufacturer for obtaining/training of devices.
8. Coordinate with Special Education Director for funding of Assistive Technology.
9. Provide technical assistance/collaboration of devices to campus staff.
10. Consultation with parent(s) in use and applicability of Assistive Technology.
11. Collaboration with assessment personnel pertaining to Assistive Technology consideration as part of the ARD process.
12. Assist student/teachers/therapists to utilize Assistive Technology in the educational process.
13. Maintain and submit, as requested, student assessment files, reports, data collection materials.
14. Train students on operation and use of Assistive Technology devices.

Policy, Reports, and Law
1. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, Commissioner’s Rules, and local board policy.
2. Effectively communicate with the purposes and progress of the instructional program(s) with colleagues, students, and parents.
3. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
4. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance ad learning the records retention schedule for department records.
5. Orients beginning teachers, aides and school volunteer aides as to the philosophy, procedures and materials for the instructional program.
6. Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
7. Assists administration in the resolution of parent concerns and complaints with regards to
8. Special Education programming. Demonstrates awareness of district-community needs and initiates activities to meet needs.
9. Performs additional tasks and duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.

Equipment Used:
Personal computer, telephone equipment and all other standard office equipment

Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.