Autism Coaching Specialist - Northern Illinois

About the role

The Autism Coach provides expertise in autism through coordination and implementation of services for identified school teams in the A+ Project. This position works collaboratively with project staff, educators, families, and community partners to deliver professional learning, coaching, technical assistance, and resource development aligned with evidence-based practices for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The Autism Coach supports schools and educational teams in building sustainable systems and practices to improve outcomes for students with ASD through coaching, systems support, and collaborative planning. The role partners with educators, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams to strengthen educational systems that enhance outcomes for autistic students and those with complex learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Coaching, Technical Assistance, and Systems Implementation
  • Establish collaborative partnerships with assigned school entities and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Conduct APERS and ALCOT assessments to identify strengths, implementation needs, and priorities for improvement.
  • Facilitate Behavior Change Teams in reviewing assessment data, establishing goals, and developing action plans.
  • Provide job-embedded coaching through classroom observations, instruction, modeling, rehearsal, performance feedback, collaborative problem solving, reflection, and gradual release.
  • Monitor implementation fidelity and support schools in sustaining evidence-based practices.
  • Assist school teams in developing educational programming based on assessment findings, including supports for communication, academics, functional skills, social-emotional learning, interfering behavior, and function-based behavior support.
  • Train multidisciplinary teams to conduct functional behavior assessments and develop prevention-focused behavior intervention plans that promote student engagement, independence, communication, and participation.
  • Customize coaching and technical assistance based on Action Plan priorities and implementation data.
• Professional Learning Development and Delivery
  • Design, develop, revise, and deliver professional learning through:
    • In-person workshops and synchronous virtual trainings.
    • Self-paced online learning modules.
    • Monthly office hours.
    • Virtual Communities of Practice.
    • Registered Behavior Technician training.
    • Illinois Experiential Practicum for Autism.
    • Conference presentations.
  • Utilize evidence-based adult learning principles and Behavior Skills Training throughout professional learning activities.
• Resource Development
  • Develop, revise, and disseminate implementation guides, instructional materials, classroom tools, visual supports, communication supports, coaching resources, and professional learning materials.
  • Contribute resources to the A+ Project website and online learning platform.
• Collaboration and Statewide Initiatives
  • Collaborate with statewide partners and technical assistance projects.
  • Participate in statewide conferences, exhibits, and dissemination activities.
  • Assist with planning and implementation of the annual Autism Conference.
  • Participate in IEPA planning and facilitation.
• Data, Documentation, and Grant Activities
  • Maintain coaching documentation and project records.
  • Monitor progress toward Action Plan goals.
  • Contribute to grant reporting and evaluation activities.
  • Complete additional project responsibilities necessary to achieve grant objectives.

Qualifications

We are looking for a person who is:

• Passionate about improving educational outcomes for autistic learners through evidence-based practices and systems-level change.
• Committed to building collaborative partnerships with educators, administrators, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Skilled at coaching adults using supportive, strengths-based, and data-informed practices.
• Comfortable facilitating professional learning in classrooms, conference settings, and virtual environments.
• Reflective, organized, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.

Skills

We are looking for a person who can:

• Build collaborative partnerships with educators, administrators, families, and multidisciplinary school teams.