Program Consultant For Assistive Technology And Aac

POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Consultant for Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is responsible for county-wide consulting/coaching to assist IEP teams, students, and families in identifying, selecting, and implementing AT and AAC into the curricula. This position will be critical in advocating and developing user-friendly content, training, and guidance (e.g. AT/AAC SETT Considerations) for the advancement of AT & AAC within both local districts and Livingston ESA programs. Recognizing the importance of Autonomous Communication, this position plays a pivotal role in supporting students with complex communication needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Note: These duties and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person

• Enthusiasm and flexibility to work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Experience supporting students with complex communication needs, including familiarity with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports.
• Provides guidance and ongoing support to Individualized Education Programs (IEP) teams on the implementation of the AT and AAC decision-making framework to support students' educational goals and progress in the school curriculum.
• Supports IEP teams in the ongoing use of data to monitor the use of student performance and Assistive Technology tool effectiveness.
• Serves as a liaison to the local school district instructional technology department/personnel, collaborating to support and implement Assistive Technology tools, devices, and materials at the local and building level.
• Develops, presents, and facilitates effective professional learning for agency as well as local district staff.
• Collaborates with regional and statewide Assistive Technology committees.
• Advises school district personnel on consideration and inclusion of Assistive Technology (AT) on students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Trains and supports students, parents and school personal in general operation of Assistive Technology tools and workflows using non-technical language.
• Provides ongoing technical assistance regarding student Assistive Technology implementation plans.
• Implements Assistive Technology assessment procedures and device protocols and maintains an inventory of Assistive Technology lending library devices and loan agreements within Livingston County.
• Identifies, locates, and utilizes AT resources and information from a variety of local, state and national level sources.
• Maintain knowledge of best practice and current educational and legal issues related to consideration of AAC and AT within the educational environment.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other related tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in education or field of study related to special education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of documented experience with selecting, programming, and implementing AT and AAC strategies to support students with complex communication and alternative access needs.
• Demonstrates evidence of professional growth, including leadership and participation in a wide range of significant professional development activities.
• Strong knowledge of high-leverage practices and differentiated instruction.
• Experience and/or knowledge in best practices for identifying and implementing appropriate and individualized AT and AAC supports for students with complex communication and alternative access needs.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or REGISTRATIONS

• Possess a valid professional certificate/license in one of the following area(s): Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, or Teacher with a Special Education endorsement.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and analyze and interpret general business periodicals professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff and the general public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to use advanced mathematics to solve problems related to use of technology.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES
Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to area of professional responsibility; ability to plan and implement adaptive technology based on needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally push items of 50 lbs. such as equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsible for student safety and well-being.
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment.
The Livingston Educational Service Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services.