School-Based AAC Specialist / Assistive Technology Specialist

Job Characteristics

The AAC Specialist is a licensed SLP who provides specialized, regional, or district-wide support for students birth-21 with complex communication needs. This role focuses on the evaluation, selection, customization, and implementation of high- and low-tech communication systems. Rather than operating in a silo, the specialist works within a transdisciplinary team to "engineer" inclusive school environments, ensuring communication systems seamlessly integrate into the student's daily academic and social routines.

Essential Functions

• Comprehensive Evaluations: Conduct independent AAC and Assistive Technology (AT) evaluations utilizing evidence-based practices, to assess student strengths, environments, and academic tasks.
• Team Collaboration: Guide Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams or 504 teams in developing measurable communication goals and identifying necessary accommodations, modifications, and universal designs for learning (UDL).
• System Customization & Deployment: Program, customize, and collaborate with LEA's to maintain high-tech speech-generating devices (e.g., eye-gaze systems, switches, iPad-based communication apps) and design robust low-tech/light-tech visual communication systems.
• Coaching & Consultation: Provide direct, ongoing coaching and professional development to classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents using adult-learning principles to ensure successful adoption and prevent device abandonment.
• Funding & Procurement: Collaborate with LEA to navigate both educational procurement and medical funding pathways (including Oregon Medicaid / OHP and private insurance) to secure dedicated communication devices for students.
• Inventory Management: Manage a district or ESD equipment loan library, tracking inventory, software licenses, and device deployment.
• Regular travel between school buildings, community sites, or family homes across the district or ESD service boundary.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and of ESD staff and complies with state and federal regulations regarding privacy.
• Maintain regular attendance in order to preserve the continuity of service delivery for the program.
• Meet standards for competent and ethical performance as outlined in OAR 584-20-005-035.
• Perform duties in a manner reasonably expected and generally recognized by the profession.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor, Director of Special Education, and Superintendent.
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience specializing in AAC/AT evaluations and implementation, preferably within a K-12 public school setting.
• Deep knowledge of motor access methodologies (e.g., eye gaze, head tracking, switch scanning) and language representation systems (e.g., core vocabulary, robust pragmatic organization dynamic displays).
• Proven capability to write clear, concise, and legally defensible evaluation reports for IEP eligibility and medical funding.
• Ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR card and a valid Oregon Driver's License for travel between school sites.
  
  

Education/Certification

• Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology / Communication Disorders.
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) preferred (Clinical Fellows with strong AAC backgrounds may be considered).
• Oregon State License issued by the Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board (SPAB).
• Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) licensure or eligibility for an Oregon special education/clinical services credential.
  
  

Working Conditions

The employee may work beyond an eight-hour day or a five-day work week attending meetings, conferences, and school activities. The employee needs to be competent in conflict resolution. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in confrontational and emotional situations involving staff, students, parents and patrons. Confidentiality is a top priority for the persons in this position.

The employee at times works under varied workloads and inflexible deadlines. Problems may arise which require immediate attention setting up conflicting priorities. Sound judgment is required to effectively prioritize these demands.

The employee must be able to lift materials, boxes or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. The employee may need to participate with others in lifting /moving equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

The employee may come into contact with biohazards such as human waste, saliva, or blood, and should take appropriate protective precautions.

Terms Of Employment

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability or disabilities.

Location: Coos and Curry Counties

FTE .8 FTE (153 days)

Salary $51,498.40 to $84,238.40 (based on FTE)

A fingerprint-based criminal history investigation will be required.

South Coast ESD is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal and state statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap or marital status.

Union: South Coast ESD Education Association

Bargaining unit members shall have first consideration for vacancies in bargaining unit positions, if qualified by license and experience. First consideration means bargaining unit members will be interviewed during the posting period and notified whether they will be offered the job prior to the interviews of, and/or the job being offered to, someone outside the bargaining unit.