Description
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Adaptive Equipment Designer. The Adaptive Equipment Designer will design assistive technology, and modify commercially available equipment, to best suit the needs of the individuals that DDS serves.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Work with individuals and clinical staff during scheduled clinics. Also work with clinicians and individuals at locations as necessary including: residences, work sites, day program, activity center and medical center.
- Initiate and monitor the production of equipment by tech staff by providing instruction on technical characteristics and operation of equipment, providing technical drawings of equipment, observing production. operations and inspecting work in progress and completed work in order to ensure that equipment is produced according to proper technical standards and within specified time frames.
- Provide information for the purchase of material by: outlining material needs and characteristics, researching availability of equipment to ensure that sufficient material and related products are purchased, and monitoring stock to ensure that material is maintained and meets design criteria.
- Keep abreast of new technical developments in the Assistive Technology field by attending conferences, seminars, trade shows, and equipment demonstrations and maintaining professional contacts.
- Train staff on use of specialized adaptive equipment as well as equipment maintenance.
- Make recommendations regarding production shop layout in such areas as location of production equipment and storage area for materials in order to ensure that shop is set up in the most safe and efficient manner to optimize production.
- Provide input at seating and positioning clinics as needed; provides preventative maintenance and repairs to residents’ wheelchairs and durable medical equipment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge and experience with seating and mobility systems. Familiar with the types and characteristics of materials (plastics, metals, wood, etc.) and tools (welder, milling machine, lathes, hand tools, etc.) used in assistive technology design products.
- Must be experienced with the principles of human anatomy and physiology related to the need for and use of assistive technology equipment.
- Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in rehabilitation therapy as it applies to the need of and us of assistive technology.
- Expertise in design software, including that used for 3D printing.
- Capable of understanding, reading and interpreting documents such as plans, specifications, blueprints and drawings.
- Supervisory experience including evaluating performance, assigning and planning work and provide training.
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal; ability to give oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner.
Please Note: This is Full-time, 40 hour position.
Shift: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Metro Region
About the Department of Developmental Services:
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: