Under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor of Special Education Programs, the Instructional Specialist - Special Education Autism will be responsible for coordinating the instructional program services for students with autism spectrum disorder.  The incumbent will assist local school teams in effective instructional and behavioral planning for students with autism and serves as a resource to school personnel and parents of students with autism.

Coordinates the instructional programs and services for students with autism spectrum disorders;

Collaborates with members of school teams regarding all facets of planning and programming for students with autism;

Participates as a member on local IEP teams that involve special education and related service decisions for students with autism;

Provides instructional support and technical assistance to classroom teachers, as well as monitoring to ensure compliance with federal and state mandates;

Responds effectively to parent and school concerns, as appropriate;

Articulates current trends and data on program needs to the Supervisor;

Develops and conducts professional learning activities related to autism spectrum disorders;

Serves as a resource to local IEP teams in the identification of strategies that support instructional planning, effective behavior management and appropriate social skill development when working with students on the autism spectrum;

Conducts on-site student observations; 

Provides coaching and mentoring for both general and special education teachers; and 

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Broad knowledge of curriculum, current educational principles, best practices, staff trainings, instruction and assessing program needs for  students with autism;

Thorough understanding of special education regulations, policies and procedures;

Effective organization and human relations skills; and

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 

Master’s degree or equivalent in Special Education, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Psychology or School Psychology; Three (3) years’ experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder required; Elementary and Secondary Special Education experience required.

 

 Eligible for or holds an Advance Professional Certificate with any Special Education endorsement; and Administrator I Certification required.

 

No direct supervisory responsibilities.



The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.




The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.




None.