Definition
Provides technical services that adapt, improve and/or enhance educational, vocational, independent living, or recreational opportunities using scientific and engineering principles for severely disabled persons who are clients of the agency; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Works with other rehabilitation professionals as a team member in assessing client capabilities, conducting job analysis, providing assistance in the use of special adaptive devices or components and acquiring selective placement opportunities for clients.
Interacts directly with those persons with disabilities referred for consideration for assistive devices, to assist in determining the need for and utility of specific devices and components.
Devises, fabricates, and/or assembles new or modified mechanical or electrical components or products that enhance the ability of persons with disabilities to participate in the rehabilitation process or to successfully perform tasks related to education, employment, independent living or recreation.
Recommends commercially available adaptive equipment that meets the needs of individual clients.
Sets up and conducts tests of special adaptive devices or components with a person with disabilities, under operational conditions, to determine the device's/component's reliability and efficiency and acceptability by the client.
Serves as an agency consultant on the modification of vehicles or other modes of transportation which aid eligible clients to obtain or maintain competitive employment.
Provides consultation to local resources on home and/or job site modifications; assists directly in modifications when local resources cannot be found.
Keeps records and provides routine and special reports as requested by management.
Performs other work dealing with engineering and fabrication, as assigned.
Competencies Required
Knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation laws, rules and regulations, as well as standards of performance in providing engineering and technologic services.
Knowledge of the principles of mechanical and electrical engineering design.
Knowledge of building laws, ordinances, codes, and standards that apply to construction, renovation, or remodeling.
Knowledge of the implications of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Knowledge of materials and their proper use.
Knowledge of disability and human engineering factors and relationships.
Ability to read blueprints and schematics.
Ability to interact with professional staff, severely disabled persons, other technical persons, and the general public.
Ability to apply ergonomic concepts to the custom design of aids and devices for person with disabilities.
Ability to use all materials and equipment necessary for the creation/fabrication of quality adaptive products.
Ability to adapt behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
Ability to maintain one's emotions and respond appropriately.
Ability to work under stressful conditions.
Ability to be creative in solving functional problems most economically, still regarding aesthetics and consumer acceptance.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.
- Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
- Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
Education, Experience, and Special 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.
Notes
Both merit-covered and merit-exempt employees are in this class. Merit-covered positions are hired by submitting an application to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.
Positions in the following agency are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Apply directly to the employing agency:
Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, Iowa