Rehabilitation Specialist III

Rehabilitation Technologist

This time-limited (14) position is within the Office of Assistive Technology division of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) and functions as a Rehabilitation Technologist. The incumbent will be responsible for providing assistive technology services to individuals with disabilities. The employee will be evaluating clients for assistive technology services, including but not limited to home and/or work site modifications; seating, positioning, and mobility; adaptive computer access; augmentative and alternative communication; low vision and blindness accommodations; and vehicle modifications.

Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Evaluates and provides accessibility recommendations to worksites, homes, vehicles, etc.
• Applies the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards to home and worksite modifications.
• Assesses clients who require assistive technology devices to perform activities related to education, employment, and independent living.
• Develops a plan to enable people with disabilities to overcome accessibility problems that have been identified.
• Takes measurements, surveys homes (inside and outside). Sketches or draws new designs or modifications to existing designs of tools, equipment, furnishings, adaptive technology, etc.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of all casework activities and ensures the confidentiality of all caseload information.
• Writes clear and concise evaluation reports on observations and conclusions on each client evaluated; presents results and provides recommendations.
• Assists in gathering and maintaining resources for technology-related issues.
• Makes recommendations regarding the purchase, repair, and replacement of assistive technology devices.
• Utilizes tools, including but not limited to, tape measure, sketchbook, level, digital camera, and computer.
• Develops and maintains a working relationship with clients, rehabilitation professionals, medical professionals, and other assistive technology vendors.
• Research specific products/devices (ADL's) or designs that would be beneficial to clients.
• Learns and applies new or advanced information in the field of adaptive technology. Provides technical assistance and trains clients on proper usage and/or operation.
• Prepares specifications and technical drawings.
• Assists with in-service training regarding adaptive technology issues to other departmental staff members, other state agencies, and/or the local community.
• Builds, modifies, and provides installation and configuration of adaptive technology. Customize devices for the client and evaluate effectiveness.
• Maintains effective communications with clients, counselors, and other agency departmental staff members.
• Discusses and implements appropriate assistive technology solutions for clients, in consultation with counselors and vendors.
• Coordinates service delivery and oversees the installation, configuration, and maintenance of approved access technology equipment and software.
• Frequent travel is required; hours may include nights depending on the needs of the department and agency.
• Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.

What you'll need to be successful:

• A thorough knowledge of agency's policies and procedures are required; must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written; must be able to prioritize, plan and provide timely services to individuals being served; must be able to multi-task, very detailed oriented and possess analytical skills; must be able to communicate relevant information on a timely basis with accuracy and completeness; must be a problem solver who works to find solutions to unexpected problems that arise within the resources available; must be able to travel frequently.
• Knowledgeable of ADA standards and guidelines, construction fundamentals, electrical, plumbing, drafting design, equipment availability, existing and emerging technologies. Knowledgeable of design and drawing, including computers and AutoCAD.

Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Master's Degree or a Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of experience.