Adaptive Equip Designer (C)

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Adaptive Equipment Designer. The Adaptive Equipment Designer will design assistive technology, and modify commercially available equipment, to best suit the needs of the individuals that DDS serves.  

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Work with individuals and clinical staff during scheduled clinics.  Also work with clinicians and individuals at locations as necessary including: residences, work sites, day program, activity center and medical center.
• Initiate and monitor the production of equipment by tech staff by providing instruction on technical characteristics and operation of equipment, providing technical drawings of equipment, observing production. operations and inspecting work in progress and completed work in order to ensure that equipment is produced according to proper technical standards and within specified time frames.
• Provide information for the purchase of material by: outlining material needs and characteristics, researching availability of equipment to ensure that sufficient material and related products are purchased, and monitoring stock to ensure that material is maintained and meets design criteria.
• Keep abreast of new technical developments in the Assistive Technology field by attending conferences, seminars, trade shows, and equipment demonstrations and maintaining professional contacts.
• Train staff on use of specialized adaptive equipment as well as equipment maintenance.
• Make recommendations regarding production shop layout in such areas as location of production equipment and storage area for materials in order to ensure that shop is set up in the most safe and efficient manner to optimize production.
• Provide input at seating and positioning clinics as needed; provides preventative maintenance and repairs to residents’ wheelchairs and durable medical equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge and experience with seating and mobility systems.  Familiar with the types and characteristics of materials (plastics, metals, wood, etc.) and tools (welder, milling machine, lathes, hand tools, etc.) used in assistive technology design products.
• Must be experienced with the principles of human anatomy and physiology related to the need for and use of assistive technology equipment. 
• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in rehabilitation therapy as it applies to the need of and us of assistive technology.
• Expertise in design software, including that used for 3D printing.
• Capable of understanding, reading and interpreting documents such as plans, specifications, blueprints and drawings.
• Supervisory experience including evaluating performance, assigning and planning work and provide training.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal; ability to give oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner. 

Please Note: This is Full-time, 40 hour position. 

                       Shift: 8:30am - 5:00pm 

                       Days Off: Saturday and Sunday 

                       Flexibility required to meet the needs of the Metro Region

About the Department of Developmental Services: 

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds 

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

·       Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

·       Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

·       Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

·       National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

​​​​​​​ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the design, fabrication, alteration, and repair of adaptive equipment or ambulatory devices. 

SUBSTITUTIONS:  - An Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology, biomedical engineering, general engineering, industrial engineering technology, industrial or product design, engineering design, engineering mechanics, materials engineering, or polymer/plastics engineering may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.   

- One year of education equals 30 semester hours.  Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.