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Autism Consultant

Reports to: Regional Administrator
Date: October 2018

Classification: Contracted

Job Summary
Partners with educators, families and communities to provide effective learning environments for all students. Helps ensure success for all learners. Provides assistance in designing and developing educational programs that increase the probability students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) progress toward their potential. Works with others to enhance the communication, behavior and socialization skills of ASD children through staff development and consultation.

Qualifications

  1. Master’s degree in special education, speech-language pathology, school psychology, school social work or other related area of education.
  2. Iowa instructional or support license, or Dept of Public Health license with Dept of Education Statement of Professional Recognition, in an area that requires preparation for severe behaviors. Accepted license or endorsement areas include behavior disorders, Instructional Strategist II, speech-language pathology, school psychology, school social work or, for early education assignments, early childhood special education.
  3. Three years of professional experience in early childhood or K-12 education, including educational program planning in the area of autism.
  4. Advanced training and knowledge in autism educational strategies, which may include but not be limited to TEACCH, ABA, Picture Exchange Communication Systems, functional communication, visual strategies, functional behavioral analysis, etc.

Essential Functions

  1. Supports total school/community efforts to create a positive learning environment for students/children.
  2. Serves as liaison among AEA, district building(s), families and community and collaborates with various teams to assure positive outcomes for all learners.
  3. Models, implements and assesses strategies related to learning, social, emotional and behavioral needs to enhance educational programming for all learners.
  4. Provides ongoing support to educational staff related to applicable rules and laws.
  5. Integrates research into the design of best practices.
  6. Consults with teachers and administrators regarding best practices for classroom and building educational programs.
  7. Follows policies, procedures, standards and rules in accordance with national and state laws, the Iowa Dept of Education and GWAEA, which includes, but is not limited to, developing and maintaining proper and adequate records and documentation.
  8. Provides training and assistance in autism instructional practices, strategies and content, including support in planning, development and implementation at school and home.
  9. Provides guidance in the identification, examination, development and evaluation of educational goals and programs.
  10. Collaborates with various teams to determine appropriate outcomes, goals, objectives and activities.
  11. Confers with parents and appropriate school personnel regarding autism issues.
  12. Provides educational leadership across the AEA 10 regions in the area of autism.
  13. Researches and disseminates information on best practices for students with autism.

Additional Responsibilities

  1. Participates in projects, committees or activities to support the Agency's mission, goals and priorities.
  2. Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative to produce high-quality, organized and dependable results.
  3. Conveys a positive and professional image to staff and public.
  4. Handles information in a confidential manner in accordance with established policies and legal requirements (FERPA, HIPAA, etc).
  5. Pursues professional growth opportunities and relationships to keep current with and influence educational directions.
  6. Serves as liaison to statewide autism resources and facilitates Agency use of those resources.
  7. Participates on Autism Resource Team.
  8. Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  1. Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships.
  2. Ability to function effectively as a team member and work collaboratively with others and independently as appropriate.
  3. Ability and willingness to be flexible and respond to the changing needs of clients and the Agency.
  4. Ability to integrate educational theory, research and expertise into appropriate practices for local contexts, in a service style that facilitates positive change and continuous improvement.
  5. Effective presentation and group facilitation skills.
  6. Ability to use data to make educationally sound decisions.
  7. Knowledge of best practices in curriculum, instruction and assessment.
  8. Knowledge of applicable rules and laws that govern educational decisions.
  9. Ability to read and interpret documents, write reports and correspondence, and apply appropriate mathematical concepts.
  10. Ability to use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work which includes, but is not limited to, efficient operation of telephone and voice mail systems and application of basic computer skills to effectively use e-mail, internet and word processing.

Physical Requirements

  1. Ability to travel between schools/sites served.
  2. Normal, routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above-average levels of activity at times that can’t always be anticipated.

EOE/M-F-H-V