TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICES SPECIALIST COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED DEFINITION:
Under the direction of the supervisory staff, develops and maintains a High Technology Resource Center for use by visually impaired persons; provides evaluation, training and technical assistance to clients, employers and staff; does other related duties.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Advises staff and employers of the technologies for use by visually impaired persons.
Approves the purchase of specific equipment.
May assess client need and job site modifications, accommodations relative to affirmative action; provides rehabilitation engineering modifications required for job placement of blind or visually impaired persons.
Provides document reproduction for blind and visually impaired staff in the form of Braille, large print or audiotape through the use of high technology equipment.
Reports activities and trends of Resource Center usage to the administration; provides in- service training to staff.
Develops, designs and maintains High Technology Resource Center for evaluation, training and use by blind and visually impaired clients of CBVI.
Schedules equipment assigned to the Resource Center.
Responds to requests from CBVI staff, employers and clients.
Provide on-site demonstrations of equipment, devices and other resources.
Remains current in the equipment, devices and other resources available to the blind and visually impaired.
Assists CBVI staff to assess client needs and job site modifications required for employment.
Provides instruction to staff assigned to the Resource Center and field offices.
Acts as liaison with other agencies interested in high tech programs and services.
Provides multi-modal document reproduction for use by CBVI staff.
Contacts community, businesses and educational institutions to evaluate potential work environments.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Seven (7) years of professional experience in the field of services to blind and/or visually impaired with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in utilization and development of technical equipment for blind and visually impaired persons or other handicapped persons.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in utilization and development of technical equipment for blind and visually impaired persons or other handicapped persons.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in psychology, rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation engineering, or related fields from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, both in utilization and development of technical equipment for blind and visually impaired persons or other handicapped persons.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the psychological, economic, vocational employment and other problems likely to be encountered by the blind or visually impaired.
Knowledge of high technology equipment currently available, its uses and limitations.
Knowledge of the particular vocational choices suitable for blind and visually impaired persons.
Knowledge of the specialized vocational opportunities and of the education, specialized training, aptitudes, capabilities and degree of physical strength and dexterity required for employment.
Knowledge of the laws of New Jersey and the standards, objectives, procedures, regulations and policies of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze data.
Ability to understand terms and nomenclature of the technical equipment field.
Ability to organize and maintain schedules for repair and general maintenance of technological equipment.
Ability to determine the needs of blind and visually impaired persons for services.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those involved with or providing support for Commissions services.
Ability to provide instruction and training to staff.
Ability to conduct studies, investigations and analyses.
Ability to maintain records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
CODES: 24/P24 - 62658 MCK 02/03/07
