Job Description

The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking someone who is passionate about technology, loves to learn, has excellent problem-solving skills and enjoys helping people get the technology they need to be successful in employment. We have an excellent team of smart and supportive professionals and want to add another talented geek to our squad.

Strong candidates will be adept problem-solvers who love to learn new technology, have a \xe2\x80\x9ccan do\xe2\x80\x9d attitude, and can communicate clearly with employers about challenges and potential solutions. IDB is happy to provide training in the required blindness skill areas and blindness specific access technology to candidates who demonstrate the technical aptitude and communications skills required.

Duties and responsibilities to include the following:
Complete worksite assessments and provide workplace support to clients, including transition-age youth during work-based learning experiences, to support the clients in successful employment.
Assist employers in determining the accessibility of their technology systems for blind employees.
Gather data about a work site and the technology that will be used on the job and determine what is needed to integrate access technology with technologies used at the work site.
Research possible solutions to problems involved with integrating nonvisual access technology into the work site.
Test and implement scripts to improve the use of screen access technology with workplace and educational apps and systems.
Install, test, and configure hardware and software to facilitate operation with speech, refreshable braille, and/or screen enlargement systems.
Provide on-site and remote assistance to employers and clients regarding access technology used at the work site.
Troubleshoot technical problems involving the integration of nonvisual access technology with other programs, determine what configuration changes, repairs, and/or upgrades may be necessary, and facilitate efforts to implement needed hardware/software acquisitions or configuration changes.
Produce written reports and case notes to document the work performed.
Set up new hardware and software including computers with screen access software, braille displays, and CCTVs to make them ready for client use.
Install updates and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Work with manufacturers as needed to troubleshoot more complex problems and arrange for the repair of devices.
Collaborate with schools across the state to provide appropriate access technology to students. Assist schools in ensuring students have the access technology they need to access educational resources. Recommend and assist with the provision of accommodations as appropriate.
Arrange for the loan of technology to students as needed.

Essential functions of this position:
Communicate effectively in person, on the phone, and in writing with clients, counselors, and the public.
Write clear and thorough reports on technology evaluated for employers, counselors, educators, and other professionals.
Communicate technical information in a manner understandable to nontechnical individuals.
Travel regularly to clients\' worksites and schools .

Research and teach oneself to use new and updated technology, locating training resources as appropriate.

Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of non-visual access technologies-including screen access software, screen enlargement technology, refreshable braille displays, braille embossers, tablets, smart phones, and video magnifiers-and make sound recommendations about which technologies should be used for specific situations and under what circumstances.

Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems with the use of all available resources as appropriate.

It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment.

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department for the Blind. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil, industrial, mechanical, architectural, electrical or rehabilitation engineering and experience equal to one year of full-time work in the design, development and fabrication of mechanical or electrical components or assemblies for products such as industrial equipment, machinery, power equipment, service systems, machine tools and measuring instruments;

OR an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of professional work experience as indicated above for one year (thirty semester or equivalent hours) of the required education to a maximum of four years.

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Whether it\'s caring for those in need, making highways safer, or improving agriculture production, the work that we do matters to the people of Iowa.

We take our responsibilities and the public trust very seriously. We are committed to delivering the services that matter most to the people of Iowa. If you have the skills, the commitment and the desire to make a difference, then we invite you to explore the career opportunities available with the State of Iowa.

Career Choices
State government is one of the largest employers in Iowa, and also one of the most diverse. From state trooper to nurse to engineer, the state offers a wide variety of career opportunities.

Benefits
The state offers paid vacation, sick time and holidays, a defined benefit retirement plan, health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance along with flexible spending accounts. For more information, please visit the executive branch employee benefits .

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