Technology Access Center - Technology Access Center: Adapting for Success

Employment

Position Announcement

Full-Time AmeriCorps VISTA Member - Technology Access Center

Please note, this is not a Technology Access Center staff position. This position is through AmeriCorps/VISTA. For more information about AmeriCorps/VISTA, visit their website.

This is a full-time position, and requires a one year commitment starting in August 2013.

Responsibilities and Requirements:

The Technology Access Center is seeking a resourceful self-motivated individual to play an active role in building the Community Outreach Program. The VISTA member will promote the Center and develop long-term collaborative relationships with agencies and individuals in the community with an emphasis on veterans, military families and other community agencies who serve them.

Mission- The mission of the Technology Access Center is to promote the independence and participation of individuals of all ages with disabilities in school, work, play and everyday activities through their use of assistive technology (AT).

The Technology Access Center (TAC) is a non-profit organization that has served people with disabilities since 1989. The Center connects children and adults who have disabilities with assistive technology resources. The aim of TAC’s services is to redefine human potential by making technology a regular part of an individual’s life to improve and enhance their capabilities and eliminate barriers to full participation in education, employment, and home and community life.

Position Description- The successful candidate will work with the staff at TAC to promote and build the Center’s programs through public awareness activities, networking and research and development of relationships with veterans and military families. The successful candidate will also play a major role in building the Center’s Reutilization Program. The goal of this program is to reutilize computers, communication devices, and other AT and to match this equipment to veterans and military families who may not be able to afford the devices otherwise.

Member Responsibilities:

• Become versed in TAC’s mission and services currently offered, with concentrated focus on the Device Reutilization program and other services that may benefit veterans and military families.
• Increase community awareness of AT services and benefits that are available to individuals with disabilities, with increased focus on veterans and military families, including the statewide device reutilization program.
• Ensure that the infrastructure is in place to effectively and efficiently track outcomes, assess needs and qualifications, and enroll veterans and military families in various available services and to refer them to other programs available to them in their communities.
• Develop community relationships with service providers who can inform and refer individuals with disabilities and veterans to access services at TAC.
• Establish the means to recruit veterans to serve as volunteers for direct service provision for TAC. These volunteers will provide various services to TAC including assistance with device reutilization, training, and public awareness activities.
• Explore new partnerships with agencies that work directly with individuals with disabilities, veterans, military family members, and veterans serving Organizations. New partners will include agencies that have AT devices, durable medical equipment, and aids for daily living available for loan and reutilization.

Minimum Qualifications: 

•  At least 18 yrs of age and U.S. Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
• Ability to commit to 12 months beginning in August 2013
• Computer literate: Comfortable using the internet and Microsoft Office and social networking sites
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and respect for all co-workers

Desired Attributes:

•  Leadership and collaborative skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team player when warranted to plan and carryout job responsibilities
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Effective networking, relationship building, and public speaking skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi task and prioritize
• Familiarity with current computer operating systems and how common computer peripherals work i.e. printers, speakers, mice etc.
• Enthusiasm, and a passion for helping individuals with disabilities

 Benefits for AmeriCorps *VISTA Members

• Annual Living Allowance of $11,106 – paid bi-weekly via direct deposit. You will receive 26 paychecks for the year in the amount of $427.14 before taxes.
• Health coverage – visit http://americorps.sevencorners.com/ for more information
• Income Exclusion (persons receiving assistance or services under any federal, state or local governmental program before entering VISTA service cannot lose those benefits or have those benefits reduced as a result of their Living Allowance payments. Examples include Food Stamps, WIC, SSI, public housing, etc.)
• 1 of 2 possible post-service award options (requires completion of service):

A. $1,500 Cash Stipend

B. $5,550 Education Award

•  Loan Forbearance if selecting the education award post-service
• Loan Interest Payment if selecting the education award post-service
• Initial Pre-Service Orientation and Training (all training expenses are covered)
• Child Care up to $400/month per eligible child (There is an income eligibility criteria to qualify.) Visit http://www.americorpschildcare.com/ for more information.
• Life Insurance Option: Member pays $2.07 biweekly for policy
• Relocation Travel Allowance: This allowance is based on the direct mileage between your site and Home of Record. This allowance includes:

1. A relocation mileage rate set by the VISTA program (23 cents per mile)
2. A shipping rate for shipment of personal belongings (10 cents per mile)

•  Settling-In Allowance: This one-time payment of up to $550 is intended to help cover initial relocation costs, such as utility deposits, rental application fees, etc. Your state office determines the allowance amount, which is automatically included in your first living allowance payment. (Please note that federal taxes are deducted from your settling-in allowance but state and local taxes are not. You must pay state and local taxes on this allowance come tax time.)
• Up to 10 service days for medical leave
• Up to 10 service days for personal leave
• After completion of one year of service, VISTAs are eligible for Non-Competitive Status for Federal jobs. 

 *VISTA Members are sworn in at the start of service and commit to serve for one year.

Interested individuals should send resumes to Evan Espey via mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or fax. – 615-259-2536 

                    Or

Evan Espey

Technology Access Center

475 Metroplex Drive

Suite 301, Nashville, TN 37211

Rehabilitation Engineer / Assistive Technology Practitioner

The Rehabilitation Engineer / Assistive Technology Practitioner position is a full time position with salary and health benefits.

Job duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct technology assessments to assist people with disabilities, teachers, employers, and family members to select and acquire appropriate assistive technology (AT) devices
• Teach school personnel, family members, caregivers, employers, and individuals with disabilities to use AT devices
• Conduct set-up, installation, training, and evaluations on-site in the middle Tennessee area, i.e in community schools, in the workplace, or in the home -- wherever the technology will be used
• Modify existing AT devices or custom design devices to meet individual needs
• Work with computer and computer related AT devices, environmental control devices and systems, and adapted toys including selection based on individual needs and component compatibility, installation/set-up, and training consumers to use devices
• Develop and submit assessment reports and billing information in timely manner
• Participate in individual education or employment planning meetings for those who receive AT assessment as requested
• Document all contacts with consumers, keeping accurate and thorough records
• Organize, maintain, and disseminate AT information resources and demonstrate equipment
• Provide presentations and trainings about AT
• Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Rehabilitation Engineering, Special Education, Occupational Therapy or related field -- RESNA ATP credential preferred but not required
• Experience working with adaptive computer access and other assistive technology for individuals with disabilities
• Knowledge of information resources pertaining to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Other: Reliable transportation for self throughout middle Tennessee (with mileage reimbursement) is required

Qualifications include the following:

Contact:        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Director of Services

                        Technology Access Center

                        475 Metroplex Dr., Ste. 301

                        Nashville, TN 37211

                        (615) 248-6733

Unpaid internship opportunities are available for students in social services, special education, physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation engineering, and information technology.