Assistive Technologist

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Summary

Responsibilities include liaison work with campus partners, document accessibility conversion, advising and orienting students/staff/faculty to apps and other assistive technologies, assistive technology consultation for all ARC stakeholders, assessment and development of assistive technology offerings, development and documentation of workflow, supervision of student staff. Interact directly with Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) staff, students, and other campus stakeholders to coordinate accessibility of materials. Responsible for performing work with knowledge of ADA/504 compliance-related requirements. In their work with the director, the technologist should strive to create a student experience framed by the core values of the student affairs division which include inclusion, access, growth, and engagement.

The division of student affairs, strives to create a support system framed by the learning aims of exploring, engaging and belonging and team members will take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

• Converts class, course, research, and other related documents into accessible formats as requested by students, staff, and faculty so that student accommodation and accessibility needs are met.
• Serves as ARC liaison with Libraries teams such as eReserves document conversion Team, Teaching Team, etc.
• Serves as ARC liaison with ITS teams, such as Class, Event, and Media Support Team (CEMS) and Moodle Service Team.
• Maintains regular meetings and communications with ARC, ITS, Libraries, other campus partners, and all-campus committees as needed. Participates in Five College meetings and committees as appropriate.
• Assesses individual need and advises students and the faculty and staff supporting students as to appropriate and available assistive technology supports.
• Orients and trains students, staff, and faculty in use of assistive technology. This may include but is not limited to apps such as Kurzweil/Firefly and other screen-reading software, dictation and note-taking products, organization and project management tools, mind mapping tools, assistive hearing devices, visual enhancements, and more.
• Researches products and explores trials/demos to benefit Smith students, staff, and faculty; coordinates with IT and other campus stakeholders to make recommendations.
• Provides trouble-shooting support and ongoing consultation to assistive technology users experiencing challenges.
• Coordinates ARC equipment loans as applicable.
• Maintains accurate notes and record-keeping of meetings with students, and tracks other data as needed.
• Participates in assistive-technology-related student programming as appropriate, and supports peer collaboration between students.
• Commits to ongoing professional developement and training to update knowledge and implementation of augmentative communication devices and assistive technologies to meet the changing needs of the populations served.
• Supervises student staff as requested by the director.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Accessibility Resource Center, within the division of student affairs, strives to create a support system framed by the learning aims of exploring, engaging and belonging, and will take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent and three years of experience in assistive technology, document conversion, and/or similar.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a disability-related setting.
• Prior experience working in a university or community college setting.
• General working knowledge of applicable university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of FERPA, ADA/504, and general compliance requirements.
• Masters degree in a related field, ie Assistive or Adaptive Technology, Special Education, etc.

Skills

• Specific skills related to proficient use of assistive technology systems, computers, and electronic communication devices.
• The ability to develop, implement, and monitor programming and supports for individuals and groups.
• Proficiency in Google suite.
• Strong communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of privacy guidelines and familiarity with utilizing electronic filing systems.
• Ability to perform arithmetic functions of a transactional nature, including tracking and comparing data.
• Ability to learn, interpret independently, apply, and identify deviations from a variety of complex policies and procedures.
• Ability to apply independent judgment, discretion, and initiative to address problems and develop practical, thorough and, at times, creative solutions.
• Ability to work on the front line, with a variety of campus and community individuals requiring active problem solving and effective interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated competence in understanding, interpreting, and communicating procedures, policies, information, ideas, and instructions.
• Proven experience working with diverse constituencies.
• A commitment to the core values of the college, student affairs division, and ARC.
• Ability to foster equitable and inclusive care to campus constituents as evidenced by demonstrated practice of cultural humility.
• Empathy and positivity in work engagement with students and colleagues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a team and a willingness to contribute to the overall wellness of the college community.

Review of applications will begin

Compensation Grade:

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.