(1.0 Fte) Inclusion And Assistive Technology Specialist

                       Mission Statement
The mission of North Shore School District 112, a community partnership committed to a world-class education, is to nurture every child to become an inspired learner, a well-rounded individual and contributing member of a global community by striving for excellence within an environment that fosters innovation, respect, engagement and intellectual inquiry.

 

Primary Function:
 
The Inclusion and Assistive Technology Specialist provides leadership and support for all aspects associated with inclusion for students with disabilities, including student specific Assistive Technology to promote access to the general education curriculum and liaising with the True North Assistive Technology Team for AAC devices and supports for students with intense needs. The Inclusion and Assistive Technology Specialist also provides structured and sustained professional development to both general education and special education staff on the use of innovative instructional technologies to engage students in their learning. The Inclusion and Assistive Technology Specialist has many responsibilities including, but not limited to, the following:
 
Essential Functions:

 

• Leading and managing all aspects associated with student specific Assistive Technology including referrals, conducting and writing evaluations, organizing device and software trials, developing recommendations, ordering recommended devices and software, planning and delivering training for staff, students, and parents on purchased devices and software, and providing teams with on-going technical support as needed;
• Developing data-collection methods to assist in measuring student access and progress utilizing Assistive Technology devices during the evaluation and trial stages of the Assistive Technology process;
• Preparing for and directly participating in the development of student individualized education plans (IEPs) when Assistive Technology needs are being addressed;
• Utilizing the District's electronic IEP database when preparing for and updating individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with Assistive Technology needs;
• Participating in on-going professional development to continuously improve their ability to serve their students in the areas of successful Inclusion and Assistive Technology;
• Collaborating with school teams throughout the district and with students who are in out-of-district placements to constructively address student, staff, and parent concerns regarding Inclusion and Assistive Technology;
• Constructing and maintaining an on-line resource library for both assistive and instructional technology tools and resources;
• Providing coaching support to staff in the use of classroom and student specific assistive technologies;
• Providing coaching support to staff in the use of inclusion strategies, high tech and low tech accommodations to support student learning;
• Identifying staff training needs and providing staff development on the use of innovative technologies to engage students in their learning;
• Providing targeted staff development to self-contained special education classrooms on the effective use of both low and high tech Assistive Technology devices and software platforms;
• Traveling between and among all schools in the district and out-of-district placement sites;
• Collaborating with the Technology Department, including but not limited to, entering devices into their management system, attending staff meetings, managing student Chromebook accounts through Google Admin panel, managing Apple accounts, picking up and delivering equipment to schools;
• Assisting with the internal and external websites maintained by the Department of Student Services;
• Serving as liaison with the True North Assistive Technology Team;
• Maintaining an inventory of all Assistive Technology equipment owned by the district;
• Collaborating with District 113 staff when transitioning students with Assistive Technology needs from District 112 to District 113, including, but not limited to, communicating student needs, working with the Department of Student Services to determine disposition of student-specific equipment.  
• Other duties as assigned by an administrator.

 
The Assistive Technology position is autonomous and independent, applicant should be comfortable with:

• Maintaining internal records of open evaluations, consults, purchases, and budget.
• Independently scheduling daily appointments with students, staff, and parents.
• Scanning and organizing invoices, repair requests, and inventory.
• Responding promptly to emails.
• Seeking out expert advice for cases that fall outside the applicant's skill set.
• Coordinating with other central office departments, such as Teaching and Learning, Technology, Business, and Personnel.

 
Qualifications:

• PEL with an endorsement in either special education teaching (LBS1) or related services (e.g., speech pathologist, psychologist) is required. Minimum 4 years of successful teaching or related service experience required.
• Candidates should have a proven track record of both innovative practices and accomplishments in the areas of instructional and Assistive technologies within the public school setting.   
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to visually supervise students and assess situations for safety concerns.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decision regarding the safety and welfare of students.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and tasks with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to maintain effective public, family, student, and co-worker relationships.
• Ability to physically move about the school building and outdoor facilities (playground).
• Ability to speak, write, read and understand fluently English.

 
Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk, operate office and computer equipment; reach with hands and arms and will repeat actions with the same hand, arm or finger motion.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In addition, the ability to withstand long-term use of computer monitors is required.
• The employee may occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• The position requires working to meet unyielding deadlines, interacting with the public and staff, and working irregular or extended work hours including outside of traditional work week.
• The employee is responsible for safety, well-being, and work output of others.
• Frequent speaking and listening is required.
• Ability to travel between multiple school sites.

 
Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. However, on occasion, the noise level will be loud.
• Work is typically conducted indoors (on occasion outdoors).

Working Conditions: 
Salary: Per NSEA New Teacher Grid 2023-24, plus excellent benefits, TRS Retirement Pension Service Credit, paid sick, personal, and bereavement leave.
Application Procedure: 
Apply on line by completing the on line application and uploading support materials. PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS.
Selection Procedure:
The Assistant Superintendent for Student Services will review on line applications and supporting materials and will call individuals in for interviews. After initial interviews, candidates meet with the Deputy Superintendent who may recommend the individual for hire by the Board of Education.
The North Shore School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer