Assistive Technology Consultant

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Blind Services

Job Classification Title

Assistive Technologist (NS)

Position Number

60043196

Grade

NC09

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Assistive Technologist in this position is primarily responsible for completing Assistive Technology Assessments to those who are blind and visually impaired in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Orange, Vance, Wake and Warren Counties. This position is essential in order for consumers to continue to live independently, be successful in training programs, and/or return/retain employment.

Technologist may provide training on use of devices and technology to individuals and groups and adapt training techniques to ensure client success. The Technologist conducts follow-up to assess the extent of progress of the clients’ adaptations to devices and technology. Upon identification of design or equipment needs outside of the facility/division, position may recommend vendors and contractors. Positions may monitor the bid process, and approve/disapprove vendor submissions and contractor work or contract variations.

The assistive technologist must be able to provide and receive clinical information from occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologist, physicians, nurses, educators, rehabilitation professionals, as well as technical information from industrial engineers, electronics technicians and engineers, software engineers and information technology specialists. Position must be familiar with changing technology and its applications such as the use of tele-care (electronic sensors), technology transfer, robotics, computer applications/software/apps, and alternative and augmentative communication options. Also, position must be knowledgeable of the latest software and hardware related to various function areas (e.g., refreshable Braille displays, screen readers, communication boards). Positions may troubleshoot equipment and/or software problems associated with assistive technology. Position may schedule and present device demonstrations or conduct outreach and education at community events.

-Provide Support in all phases of job reengineering, machinery modifications, job restructuring, technology application, and the application of speech synthesis or Braille output/input to computerized devices
-Provide technical assistance and consultation to consumers, professionals, employers, and programs in specialized employment applications of assistive technology
-Work with the staff of the employer to assure that the assistive devices(s) will interface with the employer’s hardware and software
-Follow-up on the job site with the consumer and employer to troubleshoot any difficulties

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Range: $41,206 - $72,113

Recruitment Range: $41,206 - $56,149

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge Skills and Abilities/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred.

• Knowledge of disabling conditions and how technology can assist
• Knowledge of or experience working with people with disabilities -
• Knowledge of or experience working with a team of professionals to help a client meet a goal - Knowledge of assistive technology

This position is funded in part through federal funds. 

This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date.

The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment.

Compensation & Benefits:
The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.  Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).  Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.  In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.  

Visit website for State Benefits

Supplemental and Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

               

Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in any field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience working with assistive technology that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Edward Christopher Raube

Email:

talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov