Position: Instructional Specialist - Assistive Technology

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor, the Instructional Specialist - Assistive Technology is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of the county-wide Assistive Technology services and program.  The responsibilities of the position include collaboration with school and administrative personnel for program planning and design, recruitment and retention of staff, staffing assignments, observation of service providers and professional development.  The Instructional Specialist – Assistive Technology will ensure the Assistive Technology Program is in compliance with federal, state and local mandates.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides service delivery and compliance support for Assistive Technology (AT) staff;
• Collaborates with personnel in Human Resources regarding the recruitment and hiring of AT staff;
• Provides coordination and general oversight for AT services from AT staff, including assignment of caseloads;
• Provides professional development regarding specially designed instruction;
• Identifies and procures resources needed by AT staff;
• Assesses the needs of students receiving AT services to facilitate Individualized Education Program (IEP) development;
• Conducts formal and informal staff observations and makes recommendations, as needed;
• Identifies and promotes best practices relative to the provisions of AT services;
• Participates in the Maryland State Steering Committee for AT;
• Collaborates with schools in the development of 504 Plans; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of curriculum, including the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for K-12;
• Knowledge of the instructional needs and therapeutic interventions needed to meet the needs of students with disabilities;
• Knowledge of options for meeting the needs of students in the least restrictive environment;
• Demonstrated leadership abilities;
• Ability to collaborate effectively with IEP teams, other school staff, administration and providers from other service agencies;
• Knowledge of IDEA and COMAR regulations pertinent to Assistive Technology;
• Computer literacy including proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite;
• Excellent oral and communication skills; and
• Effective human relations and interpersonal skills.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, special education or a closely related field required.  A minimum of five (5) years of successful leadership experience in the delivery and/or monitoring of Assistive Technology services.

Certification:

Holds or is eligible for a valid professional license in Administrator I (historical) or Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, or Principal issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).  Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.