POSITION: Autism Specialist Administrator
CATEGORY: Administration
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education
BENEFITS: All full time staff are eligible to receive the following benefits:

• Low deductible medical and vision insurance through the State of Idaho
• Dental
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid sick and personal leave
• PERSI Retirement

SUMMARY: To provide students with a daily and ongoing instructional program that will provide for them the best possible knowledge and skills. To help pupils develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge for a good foundation for continued education according to the guidelines outlined in each student’s Individual Education Plan.
Establish a clear and strong focus on the quality of the program by articulating a shared vision for student learning, clearly defining grade-level or discipline-based and school-wide goals for student learning, and continuously monitoring student achievement. Takes into account the instructional practices and organizational conditions of the program required to support student achievement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and maintains confidential, collegial relationship with teachers utilizing guiding partnership principles
• Provides encouragement and emotional support to teachers
• Works with teachers in the development of daily, weekly, and unit lesson plans specific to individual student needs, as needed
• Works with teachers to review problem areas in curriculum, materials, instruction and assessment and in finding and implementing appropriate solutions
• Introduces teachers to new methods, materials, and instructional strategies that, through research, have proven to increase student engagement and achievement for students with Autism related needs
• Provides organized, individual and/or group learning opportunities for teachers, as needed
• Models best instructional practices through actual classroom demonstrations
• Makes formal and informal classroom observations for the purpose of program improvement
• Provides support in analyzing and interpreting student assessment and functional data and assists teachers with developing appropriate instruction to meet the needs identified
• Assists teachers in incorporating the use of technology into the instructional program
• Assists teachers in developing sound procedures for assessing student progress and for reporting that progress to all stake holders in a timely manner
• Works collaboratively and communicates effectively with administrators, teachers, and other school staff to strengthen the instructional program
• Attends workshops/conferences to learn about new innovative instructional strategies
• Mentors FASE teachers and paraprofessionals within the district. This will include weekly/monthly meetings and maintaining logs of those meetings.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Keeps Special Education Director informed of activities and any issues that may arise
• Cooperates with program staff in planning instructional goals, curriculum, objectives, and methods
• Provides needed and requested information on a timely and effective basis
• Participates in the development and implementation of the District's plan for special education
• Assists in the evaluation of students referred for special education services
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records in accordance with applicable federal and state law, (including IDEA, ADA, and 504), administrative rules, and Board policy
• Inputs data in a timely fashion
• Attends and participate in faculty meetings
• Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules and program expectations
• Assumes responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications
• Adheres to The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession adopted by the Professional Standards Commission and the State Board of Education
• Involves teachers in the design and implementation of important decisions and policies.
• Monitors the effectiveness of school practices and their impact on student learning.
• Is an advocate and spokesperson for the program to all stakeholders.
• Seeks assistance should emergencies arise
• Represents the school district in a positive manner
• Knows and follow school district policy and chain of command
• Performs other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: FASE classroom staff (certified and classified)

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE :

• Valid Idaho administrative license or the ability to obtain certificate prior to employment start date
• Highly Qualified Teacher per the standard set forth by the Nampa School District
• Three to five years of successful Special Education classroom experience required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong background in teaching methods, developmentally appropriate classroom activities, and effective classroom management related to students with Autism needs
• Strong background in behavior management, curriculum, and writing and implementing Individualized Education Plans
• Strong background in federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy pertaining to special education
• Knowledge of the diverse needs of children with Autism Characteristics and appropriate special education classroom practices, methods, and supports
• Displays command of the methodologies and practices to support students with Autism related needs.
• Possesses an understanding of when to contact administrators and Special Education Director regarding issues of safety/ethics involving students in classroom observed
• Understands that job responsibilities may vary related to each building's needs
• The ability to work with students with emotional, physical, and mental disabilities
• Ability to instruct students one-on-one and small group situations
• Demonstrated knowledge of subject matter and effective teaching methods
• Strong background in the integration of technology with instruction
• Ability to maintain a positive learning environment
• Works well with students, staff, and the public
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality of staff and students
• Excellent adult education presentation skills and experience in teaching adults.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS :
Ability to read, analyze and interpret education periodicals, assessment reports, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators and staff.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS :
Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.

PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY SKILLS :
Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frame.

REASONING ABILITY :
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheets (Excel), database (Access), presentation software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual’s disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; occasionally walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds and push and pull up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision; very good depth perception; and the ability to communicate through speech. May be required to block or redirect students during negative behavior. May be required to engage in physical restraint of student in crisis situations.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 210 day calendar

Nampa School District #131 is an equal opportunity employer/educator with an alcohol, drug and tobacco free environment, and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. The information contained in this job posting is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.