Autism Specialist (BCBA) - Special Education - 2026-27 School Year Only

Albemarle County Public Schools•Charlottesville, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Autism Specialist provides support services to identify needs and assist with program development for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The specialist consults with school personnel and facilitates classroom teachers’ implementation and evaluation of interventions and instruction. This position supports the Specialized Academic Center team at the Trailhead Learning Community, serving students who require intensive support, and oversees intensive behavioral interventions, helps develop supports for individual student needs, and supervises and trains staff supporting the team. The role requires knowledge of ASD principles, practices, trends, treatment, assessment, interventions, and diagnostic methods. The Autism Specialist works with teachers, teaching assistants, related-service staff, transportation staff, families, administrators, community agencies, and other professionals. The position also advances staff knowledge of effective teaching and intervention methods, supports special education compliance and programming, and performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Hold or be eligible for a Virginia teaching certificate with an endorsement in School Counseling, as stated in the posting’s qualifications section.
Certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and licensure as a Behavior Analyst with the Virginia Department of Health Professions; BCaBA licensure will also be considered.
A master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
At least five years of experience working with children with disabilities in a public or private school setting, including at least three years working with children with autism and their families.
Demonstrated involvement in school activities and committees involving leadership responsibilities beyond those required in the classroom.
In-depth knowledge of autism curriculum, instructional best practices, and learning theory.
Effective instructional delivery skills and ability to guide and train teachers in effective techniques and strategies.
Excellent verbal and written organizational and communication skills with students, staff, parents, and agency personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, parents, administrators, advocates, students, and others.
Knowledge of current applied behavior analysis methods and techniques, including discrete trial training.
Ability to analyze student performance, design individual behavior programs, monitor student progress, coordinate instructional assistants and support personnel, and work effectively as a team member.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of positive behavior interventions, functional analysis procedures, and currently accepted educational methodology for students with autism.
Experience designing, implementing, and monitoring individual educational programs for students with autism using discrete trial methodology.
Experience providing staff development training to classroom personnel.
Endorsement as a special education teacher, school psychologist, or school social worker.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance and consultation to school personnel, parents, and others on academic, social, adaptive, and inclusive programming for students with ASD.
Develop, manage, and deliver professional development for school staff that meets state requirements and identified program needs.
Conduct in-service training for instructional staff on strategies, best practices, and specific instructional topics.
Assist eligibility teams with administration and analysis of evaluations and assessments for children suspected of having ASD.
Provide consultation and leadership in formulating, monitoring, and implementing IEPs for students with ASD.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, families, school personnel, community agencies, and other professionals.
Address instructional needs, concerns, and problems with parents, students, staff, and educational professionals.
Assist with curriculum development, implementation, and revision.
Ensure adequate materials, equipment, and supplies for the division’s autism instructional program.
Analyze and interpret achievement data and collaborate with lead teachers and administrators to design activities that raise student achievement.
Facilitate the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program (VAAP).
Conduct student observations to help determine program eligibility and placement.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences as needed.
Regularly observe classrooms to ensure consistency of instruction.
Prepare referrals for students who require services outside the public school system.
Coordinate services for summer school and Extended School Year across all three levels.
Manage and maintain the Autism program budget.
Interpret state and federal special education regulations and ensure compliance in assigned areas.
Assist Human Resources with interviewing and recommending qualified candidates for special education instructional positions.
Represent the school division in educational projects and initiatives at local, regional, state, and national levels.
Model nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
Oversee required intensive behavioral interventions, develop supports for individual student needs, and supervise and train staff supporting the specialized team.
Perform other related duties as assigned.