Autism Coaching Specialist

Autism Coaching Specialist - Southern Illinois

Title: Autism Coaching Specialist - Southern Illinois
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Special Education
Campus Location: Off Campus / Outside Central IL

Job Summary

The Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports (A+) Project at Illinois State University assists the Illinois State Board of Education in addressing the significant behavior needs of children and youth with Autism Spectrum (ASD) and related behavior and communication disorders. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing professional learning, technical assistance, coaching, and collaboration, A+ has worked closely with school teams to enhance their capacity to effectively support students with ASD. A+ partners with school entities to:
• Provide tiered- level of supports to address the specific needs of each school entity. This approach ensures that schools receive the appropriate level of support to improve services and outcomes for students with autism.
• Promote proactive approaches while working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to reduce the use of time out and restraint in Illinois schools.
• Build local capacity to increase program quality and enhance the fidelity of implementation of evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD.
• Increase the percentage of students (that qualify for services under the eligibility of autism) who are educated in the general education classroom.
• Increase meaningful involvement of families in their children’s education.
The autism coach position aims to fulfill the commitments of the Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports project to participating school teams. The Autism Coaching Specialist will deliver professional learning, workshops and consultation to educators and staff serving students with autism in Illinois schools. These services will include workshops, the creation of resources and visual supports, and side-by-side coaching of classroom staff. Professional learning includes in person and virtual training to expand the expectations, knowledge, and skills of those who live with, educate, and support individuals with ASD. It supports the sustainable implementation of research-based practices by providing instructional activities and resources to anyone who wants to learn more about ASD and to leaders who guide professional development initiatives in the school and community settings. Technical assistance includes facilitating, implementing, and evaluating systems-change initiatives customized to the unique needs of school teams and educational environments. The autism coach supports the sustainable implementation of research-based practices by providing team facilitation and strategic planning to build the capacity of those who support individuals with ASD. The autism coach specialist utilizes a behavior skills training model involving instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback; gradual release models to grow the skills staff need and ensure competency and consistency in implementation.

Additional Information

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. Illinois State University does not authorize out-of-state work.

This is a non-continuous, grant funded position. The initial appointment will end on June 30, 2024, the end of the current grant year. Appointment renewal for the following grant year will be based upon available grant funding and performance.

This position is located in and works primarily in Southern Illinois.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package

Required Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in special education, psychology, behavior analysis, or a closely related field.
2. Minimum 5 years of experience teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
3. Extensive knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and advanced level training in ASD and evidence-based practices for learners with ASD.
4. Experience with a variety of assessment tools, including but not limited to VB-MAPP, EFL, Vineland, PEAK, ABLLS, AFLS.
5. Experience providing professional learning and coaching to school teams targeting behavior and academics for learners with ASD.
6. Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and patience for learners with ASD and their families
7. Excellent interpersonal, presentation, teamwork, written, and oral communication skills
8. Effective observation, consultation, and data collection skills
9. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel (mostly day and some overnight).
10. Demonstrated experience working with a diverse staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at Illinois State University.

Preferred Qualifications

1. BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) certification, and if active, in good standing with the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Bord).
2. Prior experience in teaching or administration in public school systems.
3. Prior experience providing systematic instruction to students with ASD.

Work Hours

Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with occasional weekend and evening hours as business needs dictate

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

Negotiable, but anticipating spring 2024