Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Occupational Therapist

Lighthouse Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Occupational Therapist (OT)

The Lighthouse Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Occupational Therapist (OT) is a vital member of the Pathways to Success (PTS) team, who creates opportunities through the innovative use of technology for people with disabilities (PWD) to achieve their goals for employment. The ATP/OT is well versed in technology and has a passion for problem solving and a desire to drive programs to success, assisting people in achieving their dreams for starting new career paths or advancing in their current roles.

This position requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders. The ideal candidate embraces new assistive technologies and is eager to keep up with current trends to support program development.

The ATP is responsible for the following duties:

• Research and evaluate new and emerging technology solutions that support people with physical, sensory, and/or intellectual disabilities to improve their employability.
• Develop a technology program that aligns with the mission, goals, and timelines of the Pathways to Success Project.
• Conduct assessments to determine optimal technology that can assist PWD to overcome barriers to employment. Identify meaningful goals and collect pre/post data to measure progress.
• Develop reports that merge the results of the career assessment systems with those of the technology assessments to create holistic summaries of optimum potential for employment through the innovative use of technology for PTS participants.
• Support Lighthouse employees who have disabilities by ensuring they have the adaptive skills and technology tools for success in their current jobs and the abilities needed for career advancement. Collaborate with the Lighthouse team to develop an innovative Upward Mobility Program that uses technology to create pathways to success.
• Provide individualized and group training to PTS participants to ensure independent use of all technology recommended. Document participant engagement by procedure.
• Collaborate with the Workforce Development team and employers to assess, recommend, and integrate technology solutions into various work environments.
• After trial and observation make formal recommendations to Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) to purchase assistive technology for PTS participants.
• Manage a technology loaner program to ensure participants have access to appropriate devices and software to maintain their skills during the time gap between training and successful job closure.
• Conduct workshops and training sessions to equip clients and service professionals with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilize assistive technology to perform specific tasks.
• Stay current with trends and new developments in assistive technology related to employment for PWD.
• Maintain technology inventories and ensure all devices and software remain updated
• Maintain clean and clutter-free spaces for clients and guests.
• Advocate for inclusive employment practices by promoting awareness of assistive technology solutions among staff, employers, and community partners
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications & Requirements

1. Education: Licensed Occupational Therapist. Assistive technology certification (e.g., ATACP CSUN, or RESNA ATP certification) required. Completion of, current enrollment in, or willingness to obtain certification through a recognized assistive technology certification program, such as the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) offered by California State University, Northridge (CSUN), or the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification administered by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), is required. Support to obtain ATP credentials may be available with employment agreement.
2. Special Knowledge/Skills: Superior skill for developing adaptive strategies for PWD with expert knowledge of assistive hardware and software to enhance employability. Excellent computer skills including expert knowledge of all versions of Microsoft Windows and Office products. Expert knowledge of both Apple and Android products, related apps, and accessibility features. Strong troubleshooting skills. Effective teaching skills to assess and adjust training to optimize progress. Ability to design and deliver polished presentations for diverse audiences with excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills.
3. Experience: Experience instructing PWD on the use of various types of technology for independence to include hardware, software, and emerging technology. Experience completing assessments and drafting professional reports.
4. Supervisory Responsibilities: Occasional functional supervision of professional interns.
5. Physical: Must be energetic and able to function in a dynamic office setting. Must be able to tolerate travel across service regions for extended periods. Must be able to tolerate sitting at a computer for extended periods.
6. Personality Traits: Friendly, client-focused, and flexible. Creative problem-solver who is detail-oriented and works well with others. Collaborative spirit but able to work independently. Mission-minded teacher who motivates clients and teams to achieve successful outcomes. Openly offers and accepts constructive feedback.
7. Working Conditions: Classroom, client home/work, commercial, and industrial environments. Some travel required to serve Southeast Louisiana. Mileage reimbursement provided to service providers who travel to/from client appointments.
8. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. May require occasional overtime and some evening and weekend work under extraordinary circumstances.
9. Background Check, Drug Testing and Motor Vehicle Report Required: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results.
10. Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Must be able to drive long distances.

Lighthouse Louisiana (The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, Inc.)