Job Description:
   
  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:
  
  
   
 
   - Provide consumers with training on assistive technology, adaptive
 equipment and home modification evaluations on a fee-for-service basis.
- Provide consumers with basic and disability specific computer and
 tablet training.
- As time allows, will accept home modification and DVR assessments.
 Will continue to train to improve upon assessment skills.
- Complete documentation required for these activities including,
 completing vendor reports, database documentation and billing requirements.
- Upon request will conduct outreach for the purpose of consumer
 recruitment and building relationships with potential vendors.
- Complete agency required documentation in agency database.
 Disability Policy Change 
  Essential Functions:
  
  
   
 
   - Participate in individual and systems advocacy activities at
 public hearings and educating public officials through appropriate
 means on issues relative to independent living.
- Actively participant in agency advocacy team.
- Present written or oral testimony on disability issues on pending
 legislation to legislative bodies on the local, state and federal levels.
- Assist consumers with advocacy.
- Participate in activities related to
 Disability Policy Change.
Work Environment
  
  
   
 
   - Work environment is generally performed in an office setting with
 minimal to moderate noise level.
- 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.
 
Experience and Skills:
   
  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.'
  
  
   
 
   - 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.
- Must have extensive knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
- Excellent computer skills including MS Word 2010 or above, EXCEL,
 and are familiar with Macintosh products.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills, excellent
 organizational skills.
- Have strong critical thinking skills and be interested in
 meaningful problem solving.
- Must be able to successfully interact with a variety of individuals.
- Knowledge of federal, state and community services and funding
 resources related to technology.
- Knowledge of disability rights legislation including the ADA,
 Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, etc.
- Transportationally mobile or able to arrange own transportation.
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.
- Must be willing to pursue related certifications and educational
 opportunities when requested.