Assistive Technology Consultant - Occupational Therapist

Position Type:
Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists/Occupational Therapist
Date Posted:
3/5/2024
Location:
Highland Park, IL
Date Available:
2023-2024 School Year
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Position: Assistive Technology Consultant (40%), Occupational Therapist (60%)
Job Description
TrueNorth Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Integrated-Assistive Technology Consultants support the TrueNorth mission and are committed to the possibilities in every learner, every day. They strive to achieve the TrueNorth vision to be a national leader and highly valued partner with a courageous commitment to inclusive communities that equally value all people and inspire them to be active participants in our world.
The Occupational Therapist on the Integrated-Assistive Technology (I-AT) team works directly with students, team members and families/guardians in TrueNorth programs and member and partner districts to develop, implement, and monitor Assistive Technology (AT) services. The I-AT consultant provides evaluation, modeling, and training to students, staff, and families/guardians on the full continuum of technology supports. The I-AT consultant functions as a diagnostic team member and provides ongoing technical assistance to teams, students, and families/guardians. In addition, the I-AT consultant may create and provide professional learning sessions.
The Occupational Therapist (OT) supports the daily occupation of all students wherever those occupations occur within the school day and environments. TrueNorth OTs utilize an inclusion model and engage in best practices in both education and OT practice.
Core Competencies:

• Proficient communication skills
• Effective collaborative problem-solving ability
• Engages in continuous professional learning
• Possesses Job Specific Skills required to meet essential job functions

Integrated-Assistive Technology Consultant
Essential Job Functions: Integrated-Assistive Technology Consultant

• Understand the functional purpose and legal guidelines of AT in school settings
• Basic knowledge of AT devices and services
• Demonstrate knowledge of AT tools and the relationship to student needs and tasks in school environments
• Recognize the need for ongoing individual professional learning in AT
• Identify, in collaboration with team members, AT resources at the classroom, program, district, community, state and national level for funding, product resources, etc.
• Identify, develop and participate in staff development opportunities addressing skill/learning needs related to AT

AT for Reading, Writing, Math, Executive Functioning, Access, and Environmental Accessibility

• Demonstrate knowledge of the unique learning challenges of students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and physical disabilities and the tools available to help with identified need areas
• Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of Assistive Technology tools related to reading, writing, math, executive functioning and access for computer/Chromebook/iOS devices and AAC devices
• Demonstrate understanding of the continuum of AT tools from low to high tech to select appropriate tools based on needs, skills, features, age, etc.
• Demonstrate ability to complete handwriting assessments including the impact of motor skills on the writing process
• Demonstrate ability to complete Computer/AAC access evaluations for students with physical and/or cognitive impairments

Collaboration/Communication

• Understand skills required as a transdisciplinary team member providing services for AT and recognize the contribution of all disciplines
• Build partnerships with families/guardians and service providers
• Demonstrate effective individual and group collaborative problem solving skills
• Access resources within the AT community/team
• Demonstrate the ability to network with families/guardians, service providers, and general educators for AT information and problem solving
• Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication skills

Assessment, Planning, and Implementation

• Determine and prioritize AT needs based on a student's strengths, tasks, needs, and expectations in the educational environment (The SETT Framework)
• Use a team approach and appropriate data-gathering techniques to conduct an AT assessment of student needs in school environments
• Collaborate with team members to formulate assessment recommendations and next steps
• Develop an extended assessment plan that includes trial objectives, implementation strategies, data collection and evaluation measures, and modifications for further assessment if needed

Occupational Therapist
Essential Job Functions:

• Occupational Therapist(link to job description)

Requirements:

• Knowledge of or experience with students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health diagnoses
• Recent training and experience in AT
• Valid Illinois Occupational Therapy (OT) license
• School OT experience

Reports to:
Director of District Services