Job Description:

Position Title: Assistive Technology Coach

Location: Leidal Education Center

Department: Special Education

Reports To: Director of Special Education

Term: 188-day renewing contract beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year

Schedule: Mon-Fri Full-time

SUMMARY: The Assistive Technology (AT) Coach works directly with learners in West Fargo Public Schools to develop, implement, and monitor Assistive Technology Services. The AT Coach provides evaluation, modeling and training to staff and parent on the full continuum of communication and technology supports. The AT Coach functions as a diagnostic team member and provides ongoing technical assistance to learners, staff, and parents.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

Collaboration:

Collaborates with colleagues and guardians to share information and expertise to plan and implement effective learner programs for the purpose of developing and implementing assistive technology services.

Develops positive, effective working relationships with learners and staff.

Participates, as needed, as a member of a multidisciplinary team for the purpose of developing an evaluating and making recommendations based on individual learner needs.

Participate, as needed, in Individualized Education Plans for learners who qualify for AT supports for the purpose of developing an appropriate IEP.

Provides professional development and consultation to staff and guardians on augmentative communication and literacy development for learners (reading & writing supports, communication skills for the non-verbal and minimally verbal learners) for the purpose of facilitating learner use of augmentative communication devices across settings.

Communication:

Fosters the development of augmentative, language-rich environments through the use of low to high technology systems for the purpose of fostering communication across settings.

Proficiently uses technology to communicate, compile reports, and collect data for the purpose of providing accurate records and communicating with team members, parents, administration, and district staff.

Connects and shares ideas through appropriate/applicable formats to express thoughts and ideas with integrity.

Compassion:

Understands the complexities of cultural and global issues and how they relate to employee and learners’ experiences.

Partners with others to resolve potential controversy and conflict through respectful discussion.

Proactively seeks to understand the ideas, opinions, and skills of others.

Creativity:

Connects with team members and shares ideas in an effort to improve the overall learner and employee experience.

Critical Thinking:

Selects, adapts, and conducts appropriate evaluations to assess communication across all domains for the purpose of making recommendations to augment learner communication needs.

Interprets, integrates, and synthesizes evaluative information to make recommendations for Assistive Technology interventions and services for the purpose of providing access for learners.

Maintains accurate records (learner performance data, clerical responsibilities, Medicare billing, etc.) for the purpose of documenting accurate learner information, reports, and Medicare reimbursement.

Reasons, interprets, and analyzes information to generate new knowledge and understanding.

Reflection:

Participates in professional growth activities on a yearly basis including recertification for Safety Care, workshops, in-services, professional reading materials, and/or other available offerings for the purpose of increasing professional knowledge.

Maintains communication with supervisor and director regarding general feedback, career advancement opportunities, and areas of growth opportunities.

Resilience:

Maintains composure while dealing with stressful situations.

Proactively seeks out resolutions and takes initiative to resolve knowledge gaps. 

Responsibility:

Participates in building or program activities and meetings as appropriate for the purpose of collaboration and adherence to building and district policies and procedures.

Provides diagnostic services for learners referred through a systematic referral process for the purpose of assessing assistive technology needs.

Utilizes and makes recommendations for technology and assistive technologies for the purpose of identifying appropriate tools for learners to access the curriculum or environment.

Implements professional skills for the evaluation, development, implementation, and monitoring of communication programming and assistive technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this role, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms.

The employee will need to use hands and arms for fine manipulation and use of technological equipment.

While performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this role, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, talk, and hear.

The specific vision abilities required for this role include close and peripheral vision.

The employee may be required to lift up to ~30 pounds.

The employee must work with the public and various WFPS staff while simultaneously managing several competing demands.

The work environment combines a standard school setting along with a standard office setting.

The employee may come in contact with bloodborne pathogens or other bodily fluids on rare occasions.

The employee will work in an environment that has a quiet to loud noise level.

Education and/or Experience:

Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field such as Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, or Instructional Technology.

North Dakota Teaching License with appropriate accreditation to teach Special Education.

Minimum of five years of education experience in one or more areas of Special Education.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions and short correspondences in the English language.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally, expressively, and reactively.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Exercise confidentiality, discretion, and good judgement.

Adhere to the assigned work schedule by maintaining regular and punctual attendance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

Salary: Position follows the  Teacher Salary Schedule 2023-2025: https://www.west-fargo.k12.nd.us/cms/lib/ND02203445/Centricity/domain/103/salary/Teacher%20Salary%20Schedule%202023-2025.pdf