Professional Development Specialist (PDS) #4365

Christina School District•Wilmington, DE

About The Position

This position falls under the Statewide Programs for Services for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to provide training and technical assistance across the State. The Christina School District has been designated as the school district to administer the Statewide Program for students with an educational classification of ASD; therefore, a candidate who is offered this position would be an employee of the District. However, this position and the related job responsibilities were identified and approved through the actions of the General Assembly and can be found in Delaware Code, Title 14, Section 1332. Funding for this position has been specifically earmarked in Delaware Code. PRIMARY FUNCTION : Provides instruction to teams on areas critical to the education of students with autism using a variety of instructional techniques. The PD specialist develops, organizes and / or offers training sessions using lectures, group discussions, team exercises, hands-on examples, and other training formats. Some training is in the form of a video, Web-based program, or self-guided instructional manual. Training also may be collaborative, which allows employees to connect informally with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through the use of technology.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, or Speech and Language Pathology
3-5 years’ experience in the provision of professional development activities to school staff
Knowledge of current evidence-based practices
Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis
Professional level of verbal and written fluency in English is required

Nice To Haves

Data Analysis, demonstrated experience with teaching and implementing evidence-based practices, program evaluation experience, and strong presentation skills
Successful classroom teaching experience
Research skills including data collection and summarization, graphic production, and presentation
Current knowledge of computers, presentation applications, and accompanying equipment
Excellent communication and diplomatic skills

Responsibilities

Works under limited supervision of Statewide Director, Delaware Autism Program
Provides professional development and performance management strategies to staff in programs serving students with ASD and I / DD throughout Delaware.
Works collaboratively with LEA staff to develop a plan of professional development based upon results of pre-assessments.
Works individually or with other Office of Statewide Director (OSD) PDS’s or with external contractors to ensure professional development is implemented effectively and efficiently.
Prepares lesson plans and learning modules to guide instruction to staff.
Develops and / or identifies assessment and evaluation tools for use with all aspects of training
Position requires travel.
Position requires working in a variety of homes, classrooms, and community environments
Work environments will vary depending upon the training that will be provided.
Interactions with students, teachers, therapists, and parents may occur.
Temperature and other ambient conditions in those settings may vary.
Provides performance management strategies to ensure critical concepts are learned and implemented successfully.
Develops training materials; assembles all materials into training manual (TBD).
Interacts with state and district personnel.
Provides information when requested.
Performs assessments and aspects of the OSD evaluation plan.
Works collaboratively with external consultants.
Performs administrative tasks such as monitoring costs, scheduling PD events, setting up systems and equipment, and coordinating enrollment.
Shares outcomes of PD with stakeholders when needed / requested.
Collect data and assess program’s monitoring and evaluation activities
Contextual understanding of the Delaware public school system
Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status