Assistive Technology Specialist

The Office of Student with Disabilities (OSD) is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans towards greater student development and achievement. OSD uses a data-driven approach to best support the needs of each individual student and does so in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education, including the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973., Reporting to the Assistive Technology Resource Center Manager, the Assistive Technology Specialist is responsible for assistive technology and augmentative communication (AT/AC) device setup, repair, delivery and technical support. All devices are required for students with disabilities to access their curriculum which cannot be provided in the student’s CPS school. This position will ensure that students with disabilities are provided the tools that they need to access their curriculum or communicate.

The Assistive Technology Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Preparing and customizing equipment for students based on Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC), ensuring AT/AC staff equipment requests are processed and that allocated AT/AC equipment is in working order, and has all peripheral materials required.
• Configure, troubleshoot, audit, and repair assistive technology hardware and software purchased and allocated by ATRC both onsite (at any CPS affiliated school site) and at the warehouse.
• Assist ATRC staff with AT/AC technical setup and installation.
• Provide support to cluster site resource programs including equipment setup, technical assistance and training.
• Assist with inventory management and coordination of all ATRC devices at the warehouse.
• Collaboratively develop installation procedures and common troubleshooting guidelines for ATRC provided computer systems, tablets, software and portable devices. (i.e. Troubleshooting outline and setup cheat sheets)
• Assist with database management requirements (i.e. Update and maintain electronic inventory of equipment assignments, repairs and shipping status.)
• Participate in/support professional development activities: (i.e. Webinar recordings, training installation and setup, team and/or group training, FileMaker Pro, etc.)
• Throughout the year track new and/or returned inventory, technical support, repairs, and shipping in order to provide end of year program statistics and reports.
• Research and report on AT/AC equipment industry changes, upgrades, compatibility issues, and trends.
• Collaborate and/or participate in assistive technology projects (i.e. TechCo events, ODLSS events, computer refresh or ITS upgrade activities) as requested.
• Design, print, and ship new 3D objects
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, required

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience providing technical assistance and/or technology custom solutions within a large, complex organization, required.
• Experience supporting assistive technology is highly preferred.
• Experience with 3D print design is highly preferred

Other Requirements:

• Access reliable transportation and travel to multiple sites in a day, required.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50lbs, required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to quickly gain and maintain expertise in assistive technology as well as CPS policies, practices, and technologies.
• Ability to customize and support assistive technology in alignment with student and staff requirements.
• Ability to design, implement, and support 3D print projects
• Excellent computer skills (both WIN and MAC operating systems), Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.; Ability to quickly learn and leverage CPS systems
• Experience/ability to work with a variety of software and hardware products for students with disability.
• Ability to intuitively and quickly learn new technology solutions.
• Ability to meet deadlines, and respond to work requests based upon priority and complexity.
• Ability to multi-task between projects with excellent organizational skills, including ability to manage calendars, ‘to do’ lists, and incoming requests from multiple staff.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and share information and data.
• Ability to collaborate and be a team player
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, vendors, ITS, students, and/or parents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You’ll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.