ATP-Occupational Therapy Assitant

Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Occupational Therapy Assistant supports Pathways to Success (PTS) by assessing, recommending, and training participants on assistive technology that improves access to employment and career advancement for people with disabilities (PWD). This role combines occupational therapy expertise, technology knowledge, and creative problem-solving to help people with disabilities build skills, overcome barriers, and achieve meaningful work goals.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, analytical, and committed to staying current with assistive technology trends. Completion of or current enrollment in 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.

Job Responsibilities

The ATP Occupational Therapy Assistant is responsible for the following duties:

1. Research and evaluate new and emerging technology solutions that support people with physical, sensory, and/or intellectual disabilities to improve their employability.
2. Develop a technology program that aligns with the mission, goals, and timelines of the PTS Project.
3. Conduct assessments to determine optimal technology that would assist PWD with overcoming barriers to employment. Identify meaningful goals and collect pre/post data to measure progress.
4. Support Lighthouse employees 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.
5. Provide individualized and group training to PTS participants to ensure independent use of all technology recommended. Document participant engagement by procedure.
6. Collaborate with the Workforce Development team and employers to assess, recommend, and integrate technology solutions into various work environments.
7. 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.
8. Stay current with trends and new developments in assistive technology as related to employment for PWD.
9. Maintain technology inventories and ensure all devices and software remain updated.
10. Maintain clean and clutter-free spaces for clients and guests.
11. Advocate for inclusive employment practices by promoting awareness of assistive technology solutions among staff, employers, and community partners.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications & Requirements

1. Degree and certification to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant required. Assistive technology certification (e.g., ATACP CSUN, RESNA ATP, or comparable certification) required. Relevant experience with willingness to achieve certification will be considered.
2. 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 training for diverse audiences with excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills.
3. Minimum of 350 hours 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. Occasional professional interns.
5. 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. 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. 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. Transportation provided by Lighthouse to/from client appointments for service providers who are unable to drive due to vision impairment.
8. Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. May require occasional overtime and some evening and weekend work under extraordinary circumstances.
9. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results.