Autism Specialist

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Student Support Services, the Autism Specialist provides support to self-contained Autism programs in Spotsylvania County Public Schools. The Autism Specialist is responsible for building capacity of staff who work within Autism programs in order for them to provide high quality programming and professional practices for our most intensive populations. Provide knowledge, guidance, and support to special education staff and classroom staff for students with special learning and behavioral challenges in the area of professional development, programming, and service delivery to increase student achievement. Provide assistance and support to Autism programs in the development, implementation and evaluation of department and district goals.

Essential Job Functions:

• Oversees the implementation of Autism programs.
• Responsible for evaluation support of Autism teachers and paraeducators.
• Assists with caseload compliance.
• Develops and implements professional development programs as assigned.
• Provides support to the schools in all aspects of administration and implementation of special education.
• Leadership and coordination of Autism programs across the division.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Student Support Services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, parents, teachers, administrators and the community.      
• Thorough knowledge of the principals, practices, and procedures of student instruction.
• Thorough knowledge of curriculum development and implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues and administration.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret testing and survey results.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, parents, agencies, teachers or members of the school community.
• Ability to effectively present information to administration, staff, public groups, and/or Board of Education.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in written or oral communication.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of district requirements and Board of Education policies.

Experience (number of years required):

Candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of recent and successful school experience as an Autism teacher or equivalent experience.

Education:

Possess or qualify for the Virginia Postgraduate Professional certificate with an endorsement in Special Education.