Specialist Assistive Technology

Job Summary

The Assistive Technology Specialist works with the Assistive Technology team to provide access to all students in the Anchorage School District. This specialist has knowledge of inclusive practices, assistive technology, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and is able to provide professional development and direct support to ASD special education school teams. The specialist collaborates with both special education and general education staff to advance the use of UDL principles, assistive technology, and high-leverage practices for inclusive classrooms across all educational settings in ASD. This position participates in student screening through various assessments, training, and interventions. The specialist provides training and guidance on accommodations and modifications to help students be successful in any educational setting. This position requires a valid Alaska teaching or type C special services certificate and has a retirement association with the Alaska Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS).

Job Requirements
The following are required:

• A master's degree.
• A valid Alaska teaching certificate or type C special services certificate.
• A minimum of three years of teaching or work experience in special education or related field.

The following are preferred:

• Knowledge of evidence-based research and teaching practices that support the inclusion of all students within core curriculum courses.
• Experience teaching and/or providing related services and supporting the inclusion of students with disabilities utilizing the core principles of UDL as documented by CAST.org or a similar evidence-based framework.
• Proven aptitude and experience with designing and providing professional development in person and via video conference presentation methods such as Zoom to support education teams.
• Proven aptitude and experience consulting and collaborating with building-level teams to support the inclusion of individual students or groups of students in grade-level curricular activities.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinates with Special Education administration and building-level teams to adopt and support assistive technology and inclusionary practices for students with disabilities.
• Serves as a consultant to administration, teachers, principals, and parents regarding implementing evidence-based inclusionary practices and various assistive technology tools for students eligible for special education services.
• Analyzes data and collaborates with stakeholders to improve instructional practices and implementation.
• Assists with professional development presentations on Universal Design for Learning, assistive technology, and/or other inclusive practices.
• Applies knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs.
• Provides training and guidance on accommodations and modifications to help students be successful in any educational setting.
• Participates with pre-referral and multidisciplinary teams for student screening, assessment, training, and intervention.
• Selects and administers standardized or non-standardized assessments and scores according to the procedural manual to determine eligibility for assistive technology in the educational setting.
• Functions as a team member and collaborates with regular education and special education staff in planning, supporting, and providing instruction in various school settings.
• Perform ongoing project coordination and systems development as necessary.

Physical /Mental Demands
The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment.

The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations according to applicable state and federal laws to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings.

While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.