Autism Specialist; BCBA - Specialized Academic Center

Position: Autism Specialist (BCBA) - Specialized Academic Center - 2025-26 School Year Only

Autism Specialist (BCBA) – Specialized Academic Center – 2025-26 School Year Only

Albemarle County Public Schools
, Trailhead Learning Community. The position requires a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and a Virginia Department of Health Professions license (BCaBA license will be considered).

The Autism Specialist will provide intensive behavioral interventions for students served by the Specialized Academic Center. The role involves overseeing interventions, collaborating to develop supports for individual student needs, and supervising and training staff supporting this specialized team.

We are committed to equity and inclusion. Our school division implements an Anti‑Racism policy, fosters culturally responsive teaching, and works to close achievement gaps. We value innovative, collaborative, and culturally responsive educators who are dedicated to transforming learning communities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Innovative, self‑reflective, collaborative, and knowledgeable in their content area and instructional practices.
• Passionate about closing equity and achievement gaps.
• Prepared to engage with our Culturally Responsive Teaching model and Equity Mission Statement.

Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Provides technical assistance and consultation to school personnel, parents, and others concerning planning and delivery of academic, social, adaptive, and inclusive programming for students with ASD.
• Develops, manages, and provides a professional development program for school staff that meets state requirements and addresses identified needs. Conducts in‑service training on instructional strategies, best practices, and instructional topics.
• Assists eligibility teams with administration and analysis of evaluations and assessments of children suspected of having ASD.
• Provides consultative services for leading school division efforts in the formulation, monitoring, and implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students with ASD.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, parents, school division personnel, community based agencies, and other professionals working in the field of Autism.
• Manages and drafts referrals, coordinates services, and ensures compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
• Assists in curriculum development, implementation, and revision; analyzes and interprets achievement data; supports VOAA protocol and participates in parent/teacher conferences.
• Manages the autism program budget and coordinates services for summer school and extended school year.
• Represents the school division in educational projects and initiatives at local, regional, state, and national levels.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices and performs any other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The candidate must demonstrate advanced knowledge of autism curriculum, instructional best practices, learning theory, applied behavior analysis, and discrete trial training. They should possess effective instructional delivery techniques, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to establish collaborative relationships with teachers, parents, administrators, and agency personnel.

Education and Experience

Board‑Certified Behavior Analyst certification and licensure from the Virginia Department of Health Professions are required. A master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution and a minimum of five years’ experience working with children with disabilities in a public or private school setting are required. At least three of those years must involve work with children with autism and their families.

Preferred experience includes: positive behavior interventions, functional analysis procedures, discrete trial methodology, staff development training, and professional endorsements in special education, school psychology, or school social work.

Physical Conditions and Nature of Work

Work is performed in school settings, including classrooms, gym, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. Employees will work indoors and outdoors, travel between sites, and interact with staff, students, and the public. Required physical activities include sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, grasping, lifting up to 25 pounds, and using standard office equipment.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated based on the effectiveness in carrying out the responsibilities listed above.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other

Industry

Education Management

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