Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Consultant

• This position will remain open until filled with initial screening to begin Monday, Apirl 15, 2024
• Location: District Office
• FTE: 1.0
• Start date: August 26, 2024
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Job Title: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) CONSULTANT 

Department:               STUDENT SERVICES

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Consultant is responsible for evaluating students for special education services under the Autism Spectrum Disorder eligibility category and assisting in determining eligibility for ASD.  In addition, the ASD Consultant provides training and consultation to district staff to appropriately address the needs of students receiving ASD services.  Training may involve coaching and large group presentations. Consultation may involve program, curriculum and materials development designed to provide supports to a variety of students in a variety of educational settings. The ASD Consultant reports to the Director of Student Services or designee and does not supervise any employees.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and write programs and schedules for special education students with ASD   
• Support regular classroom and special education staff in the development of the student’s Individualized Education Plan 
• Conduct eligibility evaluations for students suspected of having ASD   
• Provide leadership to the eligibility team, including legal, procedural, and technical expertise
• Consult with the support classroom teacher and assistant in carrying out and modifying programs and data collection systems  
• Provide necessary training to staff in the instruction and management of special education students with ASD
• Work with other Consultants (SLP, motor team, Behavior Consultant) to develop appropriate services for students with ASD and help classroom staff implement these services
• Complete environmental inventories to ensure special education students with ASD have necessary conditions in the  neighborhood school to meet their special education needs, including equipment and room arrangement
• Create materials/visual schedules for students with ASD
• Develop inservice programs on issues in ASD for classroom teachers and district-wide presentations
• Train assistants, in cooperation with special education teachers, in programs and teaching strategies for special education students with ASD
• Develop behavior management programs in cooperation with special education and regular education staff
• Provide positive model of behavioral interventions to staff and support services, including transportation staff

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Maintain consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the position
• Participate in various meetings for the purpose of receiving information or sharing information and expertise with students, colleagues and parents/guardians
• Confer regularly with immediate supervisor
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Special Education or equivalent training
• Oregon Teaching License with Special Education Endorsement (formerly Handicapped Learner Endorsement)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialization, preferred
• Training, experience, and expertise in educational issues for students with ASD, including identification, instruction, behavior management, collaborative problem solving and staff development
• Ability to provide leadership to staff in area of specialization
• Good interpersonal skills to consult with and advise teachers in a variety of classroom situations
• A valid Oregon Driver's license and reliable transportation for on-the-job travel
• The ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents, ad school personnel from diverse cultures and/or backgrounds
• Proficient oral and written communication skills in English
• At least 5 years of experience as an ASD Consultant, preferred

Skills

• Computer Skills: General MS Windows, Google and word-processing skills

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge and ability to fulfill IDEA requirements
• Knowledge of and experience working with students with developmental disabilities
• Knowledge and training in Special Education law and best practice
• Knowledge and experience developing behavior intervention plans and implementing positive behavior supports
• Knowledge and experience in conducting evaluations to determine eligibility for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADOS, CARS, GARS)
• Knowledge and training in Social Thinking, Discrete Trial, Pivotal Response Training, Social Stories, and Picture Exchange Communication System
• Understanding of Oregon High School Diploma requirements

Abilities

• Ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job
• Maintain integrity of confidential information relating to students, staff or district patrons; ability to maintain accurate and complete records 
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals having educational, behavioral, and mental health needs, their families, service providers, and program personnel
• Ability to relate to students with mutual respect while carrying out a positive and effective program; ability to work affably with others
• Work as a team member, communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Follow all district policies, work procedures, and reasonable requests by proper authority
• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean, and appropriate professional manner for the assignment and work setting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. In an eight-hour day employee may: 

• Stand/Walk [  ] None [  ] 1-4 hrs [  ] 4-6 hrs [X] 6-8 hrs 
• Sit [  ] None [  ] 1-3 hrs [  ] 3-5 hrs [X] 5-8 hrs 
• Drive [  ] None [X] 1-3 hrs [  ] 3-5 hrs [   ] 5-8 hrs 

1. Employee may use hands for repetitive: 

• [X] Single Grasping [X] Pushing and Pulling [X] Fine Manipulation 

1. Employee may use feet for repetitive movement as in operating foot controls: 

• [  ] Yes [X] No 

1. Employee may need to: 

• Bend [X] Frequently [  ] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 
• Squat [X] Frequently [  ] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 
• Climb Stairs [  ] Frequently [X] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 
• Lift [  ] Frequently [X] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 

1. Lifting: 

• [  ]  Sedentary Work: Lifting 10 pounds occasionally with frequent sitting and occasional standing/walking. 
• [  ]  Light Work: Lifting 20 pounds occasionally with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.
• [X] Medium Work: Lifting 50 occasionally, 25 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.
• [  ]  Medium Heavy Work: Lifting 75 pounds occasionally, 35 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.
• [  ]  Heavy Work: Lifting 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to physically interact with students who are aggressive, emotional and/or unpredictable in their reactions. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally may be very loud. The work environment may be fast paced and emotionally demanding. 

The Forest Grove School District is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to the public on an equal opportunity basis and does not discriminate in employment or the provision of public services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status.

Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Director of Human Resources at the Forest Grove School District, 503-359-2414.