Why a career with Independence First?

When you join Independence First you will be part of a collaborative and passionate team. You will also enjoy lucrative benefits! Independence First was selected as one of Milwaukee Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2022 - 2025

Independence First is looking for awesome people to join our team!

You are just the person to join our growing team if you are...

*Passionate About Helping Others

Benefits include:

* 12 sick days, 13 vacation days and an additional 12 paid holidays a year

* Employer paid Dental, Life Insurance (twice annual salary), AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability

* Health Insurance Benefits (partially employer paid, depending on coverage)

* Low-cost Vision Insurance

* Employer-matched 403(b) Retirement Account

* Fitness Center On-site

* Annual Health Risk Assessment

* Annual Flu Shot

* Comprehensive Wellness Program

* Tuition Reimbursement Program

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: Assistive Technology Specialist

Status: Full Time - Hourly

Reports to: ILS Director

Position Summary:

Position coordinates the purchase of computers, computer software, tablets, phones and other assistive technology and adaptive equipment for individuals with disabilities. Position will also provide the timely dispatch of invoices and billing. Position will conduct training on computers, computer software, tablets, phones and other assistive technology or adaptive equipment to individuals with disabilities. Position will provide either free or fee-for-service computer training on a 1:1 or group basis to individuals with disabilities. Position provides assistive technology evaluations and services either at no cost or on a fee-for-service basis to individuals with disabilities.

Position Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Occasional evenings and weekends.

Independent Living Services Essential Functions:

1. Provide consumers with training on assistive technology, adaptive equipment and home modification evaluations on a fee-for-service basis.
2. Provide consumers with basic and disability specific computer and tablet training.
3. As time allows, will accept home modification and DVR assessments. Will continue to train to improve upon assessment skills.
4. Complete documentation required for these activities including, completing vendor reports, database documentation and billing requirements.
5. Upon request will conduct outreach for the purpose of consumer recruitment and building relationships with potential vendors.
6. Complete agency required documentation in agency database.

Disability Policy Change Essential Functions:

1. Participate in individual and systems advocacy activities at public hearings and educating public officials through appropriate means on issues relative to independent living.
2. Actively participant in agency advocacy team.
3. Present written or oral testimony on disability issues on pending legislation to legislative bodies on the local, state and federal levels.
4. Assist consumers with advocacy.
5. Participate in activities related to Disability Policy Change.

Work Environment

1. Work environment is generally performed in an office setting with minimal to moderate noise level.
2. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer:

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

As an Independent Living Center, it is required that 51% of Independence First's staff have a disability. Independence First is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people with disabilities to apply for this position.

Professional Qualifications

Must have a firm belief in consumer control, the independent living philosophy and our agency Vision Statement:

Independence First is for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of our community and Independence First commits itself toward this end.

'Empowerment is part psychological, part social, and part political. It is the process by which individuals define their own problems, find their own voice, develop their own plans, act on their own behalf, and claim their own power.'

'Empowerment means more than having responsibility, but also having the authority and ability to make one's own choices.'

1. Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, rehabilitation engineering, rehabilitation counseling, or related field or equivalent life experience may be substituted in lieu of, in full or part of academic requirements.
2. Must have extensive knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
3. Excellent computer skills including MS Word 2010 or above, EXCEL, and are familiar with Macintosh products.
4. Excellent verbal and written communications skills, excellent organizational skills.
5. Have strong critical thinking skills and be interested in meaningful problem solving.
6. Must be able to successfully interact with a variety of individuals.
7. Knowledge of federal, state and community services and funding resources related to technology.
8. Knowledge of disability rights legislation including the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, etc.
9. Transportationally mobile or able to arrange own transportation.
10. Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.
11. Must be willing to pursue related certifications and educational opportunities when requested.