High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Title:  Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist

40 hrs/week, 8.0 hrs/day, 189 Days - for the 26/27 school year

Salary Range: The current salary range listed is for the 25/26 school year. This position's salary will be based on the bargaining agreement for the 26/27 salary schedule/ and depending on experience and education.

Location: Twin Knolls

Position Start Date: 08/24/2026

Salary Range: The current salary range listed is for the 25/26 school year. This position's salary will be based on the bargaining agreement for the 26/27 salary schedule/ and depending on experience and education. Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary:  

The Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication Specialist provides consultation and assistance in identifying, evaluating and providing services to students who require assistive technology and augmentative communication.  The specialist works collaboratively with District and ESD personnel, to determine the appropriate assistive technology tools for students. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Ability to evaluate students to determine their need for Assistive Technology or Augmentative Communication
• Collaborate with district speech and language pathologists to assess the communication skills of the students 
• Assist teachers, parents and speech language pathologists in planning programs and developing Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives related to augmentative communication.
• Collaborate with district teams to make decisions regarding specific assistive technology or augmentative communication tools that will ensure student participation in the educational environment.
• Provide training to District and ESD programs on the use of assistive technology and augmentative communication
• Assist in implementation of augmentative communication programs and assistive technology tools to meet IFSP/IEP goals
• Provide training/coaching and technical assistance to students, staff and families as needed (via face to face, webinars, website resources)
• Keep abreast of new technology and strategies
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Work cooperatively and communicate appropriately with teaching and support staff
• Attend program team meetings and serve on committees as directed
• Complete required reports, IFSP/IEP’s and other forms promptly and in an acceptable manner
• Understand and apply computer technology, to include literacy tools, and communication tools
• Support and maintain school district policies and procedures
• Understand and apply current concepts, methods and procedures in speech language development and augmentative communication devices
• Demonstrate knowledge of laws, rules, policies, and trends regarding special education, assistive technology and augmentative communication
• Communicate clearly and appropriately in speech and in writing in accordance with educational standards
• May be required to bill for Medicaid reimbursement dependent upon licensure and specific services provided within the scope of the position
• May be required to lift and/or move materials or equipment
• Respect and maintain confidential information in all situations
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Requires either a MA/MS in a special education-related field or a valid Oregon Special Education Teaching License through Teacher’s Standard and Practices Commission (TSPC).   
• MA/MS in Speech/Language Pathology is preferred.
• Prefer at least two years experience in a school setting working with teachers, parents, and staff providing evaluation, direct service, training and consultation.  
• Prefer knowledge/experience with use of Assistive Technology devices.  
• Must have access to reliable transportation, and a willingness to travel to serve schools/students in different counties.
• Consistent attendance required. 
• Ability to perform significant reaching, bending, stooping, crouching and lifting 50 pounds is expected. 
• Applicants must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and lift up to 50 pounds. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:  talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.  Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times.  Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.  

Terms of Employment    A contract renewable annually by the Board of Directors, under the terms and conditions of the statutes and administrative rules of the State of Oregon, conditioned upon successful evaluations and the employee's maintenance of a current, valid teaching credential.  Salary and benefits are established by policy and collective bargaining agreement.