Assistive Technology Program Lead

Lighthouse Guild is the leading not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss.  Our mission is to provide exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals.  With Lighthouse Guild, people who are at risk for, or affected by, vision loss have access to all the resources necessary to lead full, independent, and productive lives. We provide services, research and education, and advocate helping people with low vision and blindness. Our vision is a world in which no person is limited by their visual capacity. 

The Lighthouse Guild Technology Center provides information, access to and training on life-changing technology for the visually impaired community, allowing clients to experience and learn about the equipment, devices and applications available to assist them as they work to meet their personal goals.

Location: 250 West 64th Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10023

 Opportunity Summary:

This position is ideal for a candidate interested in coordinating services and providing assistive technological support for people who are blind or visually impaired. Working with colleagues offering various technology services and programs, the candidate will coordinate all aspects of technology training initiatives and services. Additionally, they will provide technological support by scheduling workshops, coordinating, and offering online content and training, and in-person, one-on-one assistance to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The individual will also familiarize themselves with the organization’s vision, rehabilitation, health and technology programs to assist clients in navigating and accessing additional resources.   

Principal duties and responsibilities:

1. Return phone calls and emails to technology queries, providing resources, guidance, and appropriate follow-up, while documenting outcomes.  
2. Assist with client registration for appointments/workshops/webinars using online applications including setting up peer-to-peer meetings. Schedule clients. Assist registered clients with check-in and direct them to their designated sessions.
3. Update files and databases, overseeing inventory, technology resources and investigating user experiences.
4. Provide demonstrations, training, and troubleshooting support for assistive and mainstream technologies including accessibility options and apps used on mainstream smartphone devices, tablets, smart televisions, and computers; then guiding clients to appropriate services and programs.
5. Develop and maintain content, lesson plans, and resources on assistive and mainstream technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired to be used in demos, workshops and webinars.
6. Assist in the analysis of assistive technology trends and user experiences.
7. Provide administrative support for the technology center, outreach, vision rehabilitation and special events.
8. Work on special projects to increase the reach and impact of the department and provide other general assistance as needed.  

Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of Outlook, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel are required.
2. Strong written and oral communication skills, including clear diction are required.
3. An ability to manage time efficiently, adapt and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment, ability to work independently and effectively by managing and executing projects with minimal supervision, showcasing strong self-direction and time management skills.
4. Exceptional people skills with a pleasant demeanor and customer service orientation
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with new people and small groups.
6. Proficient in using smart phones and tablets, assistive technological applications, software and accessibility features
7. Be comfortable speaking in front of small to medium sized groups and presenting.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential, ability to exercise discretion/judgment
9. Bilingual Spanish speaking is preferred but not required. Other language skills are a plus.
10. Sighted / Human Guide training required (will be provided if necessary.)
11. Able to stand, move, and physically assist clients as needed.
12. Flexible and willing to take on various responsibilities.
13. Must be comfortable in a computer environment and be able to access and complete online applications without assistance.
14. Flexibility to support other departments as needed.

Education

Baccalaureate Degree or higher in the field of human services or assistive technology or related field.

At least 3 years of related experience required.

Attire: Business/Business casual, no jeans, no sneakers.