Rehabilitation Technology Specialist

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

At the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB), our mission is to empower Iowans who are blind or have low vision to live independently and succeed in competitive employment.

As a Rehabilitation Technology Specialist, you’ll play a hands-on role in making that possible by helping individuals build the skills and confidence to use technology in school, work, and daily life.

This role focuses on teaching, problem-solving, and creating access where it matters most.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll work directly with clients, employers, and partners to make technology accessible and usable in real-world environments:

• Provide 1:1 training to clients in their homes or communities by helping them use assistive technology to reach employment and independence goals
• Lead small group trainings (in-person and virtual) on assistive technology tools and best practices
• Conduct worksite assessments and support workplace technology integration for clients and transition-age youth
• Research, test, and recommend assistive technology solutions for education and employment settings
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot tools such as screen readers, magnifiers, braille displays, and other adaptive technology
• Partner with employers to improve accessibility and support inclusive hiring and retention
• Collaborate with schools and partners to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed
• Create and maintain clear documentation, reports, and training materials
• Evaluate and improve accessibility of digital content (PDFs, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Contribute to and enhance IDB’s technology training curriculum

What Success Looks Like

• Clients gain confidence using technology independently
• Assistive technology works seamlessly in real-world environments
• Employers feel supported in building accessible workplaces
• Training is clear, practical, and tailored to individual needs
• You’re seen as a trusted resource and problem-solver across clients and partners

What We’re Looking For (Skills & Experience)

This role is centered on assistive technology, nonvisual access, and Braille literacy. We’re looking for candidates who bring a combination of technical skill, teaching ability, and a passion for accessibility.

Core Capabilities (Required)

• Ability to teach and support the use of assistive technology, including screen readers, magnifiers, braille displays, smartphones, tablets, and computers
• Ability to use and teach technology nonvisually (without reliance on sight), modeling effective techniques for individuals who are blind or have low vision
• Proficiency in contracted Braille, including the ability to read, write, and teach Braille in practical applications (e.g., braille notetakers, displays, and related technology)
• Experience teaching, training, or coaching others, with the ability to adapt instruction based on different learning styles
• Strong ability to translate technical concepts into clear, understandable language for nontechnical audiences
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving complex technology issues, using available tools and resources
• Ability to evaluate and recommend technology solutions based on individual needs and real-world environments
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, thorough reports and documentation
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly statewide, including overnight stays

Highly Valued Experience

• Direct experience working with assistive or accessibility technology used by individuals who are blind or have low vision
• Experience teaching blindness skills, including Braille and nonvisual technology use
• Experience supporting individuals in education, vocational rehabilitation, or workplace settings
• Familiarity with digital accessibility (documents, workplace systems, etc.)

Important Note: We recognize that candidates may have developed these skills through hands-on experience, training roles, rehabilitation services, IT support, education, or lived experience. A traditional engineering or technical degree is not required.

Work Environment & Travel

• Full-time, Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with flexibility based on travel)
• Based in Des Moines with regular statewide travel
• Overnight travel expected (approximately 1-4 days per week depending on needs)

Why Join IDB & the State of Iowa?

• Work That Matters – Help Iowans gain independence and meaningful employment
• Purpose-Driven Career – Be part of a mission-focused, people-centered team
• Professional Growth – Expand your expertise in accessibility and emerging technology
• State Benefits – Competitive benefits including IPERS retirement, health insurance, paid leave, and more

Additional Information

• Background checks will be conducted on final candidates
• This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department for the Blind
• Applicants must follow instructions in the “To Apply” section

If you enjoy teaching, technology, and solving real-world challenges, and want to make a direct impact on people’s lives, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t follow a traditional path.

E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Qualifications

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;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.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.