SY24-25 SEZP Assistive Technology Specialist

Springfield, MA, United States

Grade Level: 6-12

Start Date: August 2024 (Specific Date TBD)

The Assistive Technology Specialist is responsible for evaluating, implementing, and supporting assistive technology needs of students within the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, The AT Specialist will work closely with students, their families and their TEAM to assess needs and identify appropriate assistive technology supports or services, as needed.

Key responsibilities of an Assistive Technology Specialist may include:

Conducting assessments: Assessing the needs and abilities of identified students to determine the need for assistive technology solutions.

Recommending assistive technology: Identifying and recommending appropriate assistive technology devices, software, or modifications based on individual needs and goals.

Implementing solutions: Collaborating with other professionals to implement and integrate assistive technology solutions to access the academic environment.

Training and support: Providing training and ongoing support to identified students, their families, and other stakeholders on how to effectively use assistive technology tools.

Research and evaluation: Staying up-to-date with the latest assistive technology advancements, conducting research, and evaluating new products or solutions to enhance the quality of support provided.

Collaboration: Collaborating with educators, related service providers, families, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to assistive technology implementation and support.

Documentation and reporting: Maintaining accurate records, documenting assessments, recommendations, and progress, and generating reports as required.

Qualifications: Bachelor's/or Master's Degree in a related field (i.e. special education or assistive technology)

Licensure in Special Education-Moderate or Severe Needs or as a Speech Language Pathologist strongly preferred with SEI Endorsement on License preferred

Three years related experience and/or combination of experience and education.

Knowledge of various types of assistive technology devices, software, and accessibility features across different platforms (e.g., computer, mobile devices)

Knowledge of disability laws and regulations related to assistive technology.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with students, families, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Knowledge of accommodations and modifications for students with special needs to gain access to the general curriculum

If you meet some of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply or to reach out for more information. We know that historically marginalized groups - including people of color, women, people from working class backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ - are less likely to apply unless and until they meet every requirement for a job. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

We encourage you to reach out to [email protected] if you have questions about the role or your qualifications. We are happy to help you feel ready to apply!

Benefits

SEZP offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience. ATs in SEZP qualify for benefits (sick days, retirement, health insurance, etc.) offered to other staff in the Springfield Public Schools.

Positions will be filled on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership

While Massachusetts is consistently ranked as one of the top states for education results in the country, we have one of the highest and most persistent opportunity gaps. The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) - established in 2015 as a collaboration between Springfield Public Schools (SPS), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Springfield Education Association (SEA) - seeks to improve the longitudinal life outcomes of the nearly 5,000 students in our seventeen middle and high schools.

As a "zone" of schools within the city of Springfield, SEZP's approach draws on a deep and embedded partnership with the school district and local teachers' union, while harnessing the flexibility and innovation found in autonomous school models. As a result, each school within SEZP is accorded significant school-based autonomies - in curriculum, talent, calendar, schedule, and budget - while being held accountable for realizing achievement gains for historically marginalized students. In all of our work, SEZP is in pursuit of equity and anti-racism - acknowledging the systemic oppression our students and families encounter daily and working to disrupt these provision gaps urgently and courageously.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, disability or military service or marital status. The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in admission to, access or treatment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. Springfield Public Schools is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discrimination on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. The Senior Administrator of Human Resources, Kathleen O'Sullivan, Springfield Public Schools, 1550 Main St. Springfield MA, 011103, 413-787-7100, ext. 55428, has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating Springfield Public Schools efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to Springfield Public Schools may be referred to Kathleen O'Sullivan or to U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202-1100, telephone 800-421-3481.