Special Services Program Specialist; Resource

Special Services Program Specialist (Autism/Behavior)

Exempt

According to district approved calendar

Special Services

Special Services Supervisor

None

Bachelor's Degree or higher from accredited college or university, Master's Degree (preferred, but not required)

• Valid teaching certificate, Special Education certified and/or license

2-5 years successful teaching experience as a Special Education teacher; or, 2-5 years practicing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst; or, experience working in a behavior support classroom through an alternative program (required)

• Experience working with students who have Autism (preferred, but not required)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Trustees may find appropriate

The Special Education Program Specialist (Autism/Behavior) will serve as an on-site professional development leader who collaborates with teachers to use proven practices in providing instructional support to students that receive special education services. The Special Education Program Specialist (Autism/Behavior) will conduct on-site teacher training and coaching, providing a variety of instructional approaches and interventions to teachers in response to teacher needs and analysis of student achievement.

The Special Education Program Specialist (Autism/Behavior) will coordinate, lead, and provide programmatic and technical assistance around evidence-based programs/processes. The specialist will provide recommendations of services and interventions for students with Autism to special education staff when necessary. The specialists will provide support for strategies and evidence-based practices to building principals, special education teachers and support personnel (diagnosticians, LSSPS, OT/PTs, SLPs), general education teachers and counselors for students with Autism.

Finally, the specialist will provide In-home and other training for families, to assist them with understanding the needs of the child with Autism.

Knowledge of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of the development and implementation of structured learning programs.

Ability to work harmoniously with educational staff, parents, students, community, and administrators.

Knowledge of data collection and tracking

Knowledge of the use of instructional accommodations and social skills programs for students with disabilities.

Knowledge of research of best practices in inclusionary practices for students with Autism.

Knowledge of the application of safe and therapeutic Crisis Intervention.

Interpersonal communication skills (oral and written) to build relationships with teachers, students, and school personnel

Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills

Strong organizational and planning skills

Understanding of how to work with students who exhibit behaviors due to their eligibility of services/disability

Knowledge of Special Education federal, state, and local regulations

Demonstrated knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) PLAAFP, goal setting process

Demonstrated ability to maintain comprehensive documentation and records.

Willingness to train in de-escalation strategies associated with NCI, CPI, or other de-escalation programs implemented within the department.

Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Google platform

Skyward

Computer

N2Y/Unique Learning

Additional programs required and purchased by the department or district

Medicaid Service Billing when applicable

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities. Additionally, the minimum level of education noted as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

Revision Date:

- 06/20/2024

All MISD employees are expected to maintain an extreme degree of confidentiality by following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for student information and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) for employee and student information. Midland Independent School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.