Montana Autism Education Project (00178)

State of Montana•Helena, MT

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to increase public schools’ awareness of and improve services provided to students with autism spectrum disorder and/or significant behavioral challenges as well as provide educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to educate these students while following the requirements of the IDEA, the Administrative Rules of Montana and current best professional practice most effectively. This position provides assistance and training/knowledge to school districts and other public agencies providing special education and related services to students with autism or significant behavioral challenges. The position provides consultative services to school districts to improve district services to students with autism and behavioral challenges or to individual students with autism or challenging behaviors. The Statewide Coordinator works with other agencies/organizations (Developmental Disabilities Program, Easter Seals, Part C Service Providers, Head Start, Montana Counseling Association, et al) to increase interagency cooperation and knowledge. This position is part of the Student Support Services Unit at OPI and is involved in Tier 2 and Tier 3 MTSS activities. This position oversees a budget of approximately $200,000 annually to carry out this work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, School Psychology, Speech and Language Pathology, or related field.
Three years job related work experience.
Must reside in Montana.
Knowledge of autism spectrum and behavioral disorders, special education and autism and behavioral programs, teaching methodologies; principles of planning and organization.
Knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of applied behavior analysis and educating students with autism spectrum disorders and behavioral difficulties.
Knowledge of the philosophy, policy, rules, and regulations governing schools.
Knowledge of maintaining a web blog.
Skills in effective leadership and teamwork, establishing and maintaining working relationships with co-workers, technical personnel, diverse groups of professionals, and the public.
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policy, and procedures, and apply them to the collection, analysis and evaluation of school improvement activities and the determination of program effectiveness.
Ability to maintain a high level of technical and educational skills, providing leadership for policy.
Ability to communicate effectively with others using verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to plan and direct an educational service program, to coordinate the work of others, to prioritize work and ensure completion of work plans.
Ability to apply federal and state laws and regulations and OPI policy.
Ability to present the overall goals and objectives of the Superintendent and the OPI.
Ability to effectively establish and maintain professional interactions and communications with OPI staff and with educators and others in the field.
Ability to understand and apply adult learning principles in training.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or Board-Certified Associate Behavior Analyst.

Responsibilities

Increase public schools’ awareness of and improve services provided to students with autism spectrum disorder and/or significant behavioral challenges.
Provide educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to educate these students while following the requirements of the IDEA, the Administrative Rules of Montana and current best professional practice most effectively.
Provide assistance and training/knowledge to school districts and other public agencies providing special education and related services to students with autism or significant behavioral challenges.
Provide consultative services to school districts to improve district services to students with autism and behavioral challenges or to individual students with autism or challenging behaviors.
Work with other agencies/organizations (Developmental Disabilities Program, Easter Seals, Part C Service Providers, Head Start, Montana Counseling Association, et al) to increase interagency cooperation and knowledge.
Participate in Tier 2 and Tier 3 MTSS activities.
Oversee a budget of approximately $200,000 annually to carry out this work.