Autism & Behavior Support Specialist

About the role

The Autism & Behavior Support Specialist provides highly advanced behavior services in a K-12 environment for learners with autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional and other developmental disabilities across the school division. This position reports to the Director of Special Programs and Related Services in the Office of Specialized Instruction. This is a 10-month, Licensed position.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education or related discipline is required. A valid Virginia Department of Education, Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement in Special Education is also required. Board certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) is preferred, but not required. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge and skills in behavioral strategies and evidence-based interventions for learners with autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and other developmental disabilities
• Extensive knowledge and skills in applying evidence-based strategies to enhance academic performance, social skill development, and emotion regulation within the school setting
• Minimum of 5 years experience programming for or working directly with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or other developmental disabilities
• Experience working in a public/private school setting and administering all aspects of behavioral and academic services to learners with autism and intellectual disabilities with a concentration in emotional or behavioral support is preferred
• Ability to effectively communicate and maintain collaborative relationships with all team members involved with the learner’s instructional program
• Knowledge and skills in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), devising data collection systems to track IEP goal progress, and experience ensuring compliance with state regulations
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills

Essential Functions

• Provide oversight to the instructional program for learners in assigned city-wide self-contained Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Multiple Disabilities programs
• Provide consultative support to the instructional program for learners with various disabilities in the general education setting
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to school personnel, parents, and others concerning the planning, developing, and providing of academic, social, adaptive, and inclusive programming for students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
• Provide in-classroom coaching and modeling of instructional methods and behavior intervention procedures for school-based staff
• Evaluate data and recommend specialized instructional changes based on the interpretation of data
• Analyze academic, personal, social, and environmental conditions to better understand the variables that may impact the behavior of the learner with disabilities
• Analyze academic demands and provide specific recommendations that will increase school staff capacity for implementing specialized instruction that will impact student success
• Monitor the implementation of evidence-based strategies designed for learners with emotion regulation challenges or emotional disabilities
• Participate as a key team member in comprehensive functional behavior assessments
• Assist and support building and division staff and parents in the development, implementation, and monitoring of student behavior intervention plans
• Participate, coordinate, or conduct various meetings, professional learning opportunities, committees, and training
• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels
• Work as a team member to develop a model instructional program in alignment with the division-wide special education plans

Clearances

Candidates must have a Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance and a Tuberculosis Skin Test. Public Health Compliance requires following safety and health protocols.