Special Education Autism Specialist

POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Autism Specialist supports the educational programs of the District by coordinating the development and implementation of behavioral programs for students for whom have an IEP with Autism. The Autism specialist would be working mostly with students Prek-8; however, consultation with teams for high school students as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Coordinate and oversee behavioral programming for students in a variety of settings such as the CARES, Intensive Needs Students, Extended Learning Center, regular and special education classes, social skills groups and classes, etc.
• Collaborate with Individualized Educational Program (IEP) teams in the development of educational and behavioral goals and objectives based on assessment data, observation and parent input as well as development of transition plans to meet the individual needs of students.
• Supervise the maintenance of a variety of records and files and coordinate data collection to monitor student progress.
• Analyze data and modify curriculum and instructional strategies on a weekly basis.
• Under the supervision of assistant directors and collaboration with special educators, train and monitor the assignment and scheduling of support staff for each student to ensure student success.
• Provide guidance and training to staff with the presentation of learning materials and implementation of instructional exercises.
• Plan and conduct Student Progress Meetings with data and information from staff.
• Provide ongoing training to support staff and teachers in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and various methodologies.
• Educate special education and general education teachers and paraprofessionals regarding the unique needs of students with autism.
• Provide parents with information regarding the nature of Autism and strategies for skill generalization into the home and community.
• Present an ongoing series of training regarding Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders on a district-wide basis.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel.
• Participate in personnel management systems, including the recruitment, selection, retention and separation of personnel.
• Keep up-to-date with trends and developments in Autism Spectrum and related disorders and communicate findings with management, support staff and parents.
• Attend professional learning and conference opportunities regarding District business and other topics relevant to this position, and other professional meetings.
• Assists in the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for students.
• Provides technical assistance in behavior crisis situations and develops/monitors appropriate behavioral intervention plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Autism Specialist may have supervisory duties over support staff, working with students implementing plans developed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of professional experience working with school aged children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including experience in applying principles of ABA.
• Experience may include but is not limited to: designing, monitoring, and revising individual programs for students; training parents, teachers, tutors in applied behavior analysis; monitoring curriculum, student behaviors and progress; observing program implementation; conducting training workshops with families and/or schools; participating in clinic/student progress meetings; communicating with supervisory staff.
• License/Certificated: Board Certified Behavioral Analysis Certificate preferred; Current CPR/First Aid certificate; Valid Driver’s License.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree in Special Education or Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.
• Must have or be eligible to obtain a Vermont approved certification in special education or related field and/or have a BCBA certification.

RECOMMENDED:

• Board Certified Behavioral Analysis Certificate (BCBA).
• Training in a variety of methodologies related to working with students with Autism.
• 3 years of successful, verifiable experience improving student academic achievement or behavioral skills by providing instruction and interventions in a PreK-12 special education environment.

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