Assistive Technology Advisor

(Competition# PDSB24-205)

Do you have a passion for assistive/learning technology? Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can have a province-wide impact on assisting and training students with learning disabilities to use this technology? If so, the Ministry of Education, Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch is looking for an Assistive Technology Advisor to provide clerical, administrative and training services to support students with learning disabilities in the use of assistive/learning technology hardware and software programs.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Design, develop and deliver assistive/learning technology courses and demonstrate various assistive/learning technology hardware, software programs and social media networks to students, staff, families and educational stakeholders;
  
• Assist with developing and implementing individualized assistive/learning technology plans and programs for students by reviewing and assessing individual student needs and then working collaboratively with teachers and other support staff to identify the most beneficial supports available;
  
• Perform clerical and administrative services in support of the assistive/learning technology programs such as compiling and maintaining inventory and vendor listings, collecting data, preparing statistical reports, graphs and charts, conducting research and performing other duties as assigned;
  
• Assist information technology staff with providing on-site trouble-shooting, maintenance and repair of equipment;
  
• Provide leadership and expertise with respect to the newest available assistive/learning technologies and programs, and provide support to special initiatives;
  
• Coordinate and produce documents in a variety of formats using various assistive/learning technology software and programs.

How do I qualify?

Knowledge and Skills in Training and Information Technology:

• You have experience and/or formal training in working with students with learning disabilities in an educational/student lodging school setting;
  
• You have in-depth knowledge and understanding of assistive/learning technology software and hardware applications and learning software;
  
• You can design, develop and deliver training sessions and workshops, in person and online;
  
• You know various computer software programs, internet, intranet and social media tools to produce various documents and conduct research to gather information;
  
• You have good working knowledge of programs and software to prepare documents in different formats (i.e. Google Suite, Microsoft Office, IOS etc.);
  
• You know administrative and office procedures and guidelines related to purchasing and inventory control.

Analytical, Organizational, Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• You use sound analytical, reasoning and problem solving techniques to determine appropriate assistive/learning technology resources required and adjust or respond to situations encountered;
  
• You are flexible and sensitive to the individual learning needs and problems encountered by students;
  
• You are organized and can gather information in a timely manner;
  
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate with staff and students;
  
• You have well-developed interpersonal skills including tact and discretion to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals including students, staff, internal and external stakeholders and vendors;
  
• You can effectively manage and deal with multiple priorities and conflicting deadlines;
  
• You can work independently with minimal supervision and can be an effective and collaborative member of a multi-disciplinary team.