Autism & Behavior Support Specialist

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education or related discipline required.
**Board certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) preferred, but not required. **

Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education license in Special Education.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge and skills in behavioral strategies and evidence-based interventions for learners with autism, intellectual disabilities & 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 withautism, intellectual disabilities &/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.

• 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.

• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

• Candidates holding or working towards their Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

• Provide oversight to the instructional program for learners in assigned city-wide self- contained Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, & 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 & 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.