ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

8319F1

Pay Grade: 17

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is technical work in the assessment of need for assistive devices in order to solve accessibility, mobility, and participatory problems created by disabilities. Ensures proper design, optimum fit, and function. Designs and fabricates advanced assistive technology systems including but not limited to wheel chair positioning systems, augmentative communication systems, and electronic aids to daily living. Work involves the use of a wide variety of tools, materials, and equipment to design, construct, and/or modify assistive devices.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial.

Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.

Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority.

Distinguishing Features

Operates an assortment of tools and equipment to design, fabricate, modify, and/or repair wheelchairs and associated rehabilitative support equipment in accordance with prescribed specifications.

Directs, trains, and provides technical instruction to staff in the fabrication, modification, and/or repair of assistive devices and/or their components.

Performs maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment and ensures optimum operating conditions.

Monitors and ensures adequate inventory of laboratory tools, equipment, and supplies; maintains the work area in a clean and orderly fashion.

Determines appropriate assistive device.

Evaluates assessment and initial design.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Knowledge of functional limitations of severe physical disabilities.

Knowledge of the design, fabrication and structure of all areas of assistive technology. 

*Knowledge of the operation of power tools.

Knowledge of the precautions necessary to work safely with power tools.

Abilities

*Ability to fabricate assistive technology devices and to repair them. 

*Ability to understand and carry out instructions.

*Ability to perform precision work in wood, metal, fiberglass, and plastic.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Certification as an Assistive Technology Practitioner or Assistive Technology Supplier and six months experience in orthotics/prosthetics fabrication.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

Some positions require an approved drug test unless the incumbent is moving from one safety-sensitive position to another safety-sensitive position within the same agency performing substantially similar duties.