Autism Early Intervention Communications Specialist (SSRCE)

The South Shore Regional Centre for Education (SSRCE) practices the culturally responsive pedagogy approach in providing an inclusive, diverse, equitable, safe and healthy education that supports learning and success both personally and academically to the 59,000 residents of Lunenburg and Queens Counties, an area of 5,250 square kilometres and a total of 23 schools.

Regional Centres for Education have Employment Equity Policies and/or processes and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly people of African Nova Scotian, African Canadian and African ancestry and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous ancestry. Please ensure you complete the self-identification portion on the position application.

Position Title: Autism Early Intervention Communications Specialist Teacher

Reports to: Coordinator of Student Services

Scope of Responsibilities:

The Autism Early Intervention Communication Specialist supports students in primary to grade 1 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have communication, language, and social skill challenges. The role involves collaborating with teachers, school teams, and families to develop and implement individualized communication programs and teaching strategies within the Inclusive Education Policy and MTSS framework. Working with educational professionals, the specialist helps maximize student learning. 

Qualifications

• A valid Nova Scotia Teachers Specialist Certificate;
• A Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology or Human Communication Disorders or equivalent Masters Degree;
• Eligibility for full membership with the NS College of Audiologists and Speech-Language pathologists;
• Minimum of five years working in school settings with children diagnosed with ASD.
• Recent training and experience in evidence based approaches in programming and intervention for students with ASD
• Proven ability to work as a contributing member of school program planning and multidisciplinary teams,
• Excellent communication (written and oral and electronic), problem solving and interpersonal skills

Competencies Required

• Expertise in supporting primary to grade 1 students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through individualized social, language, and communication programming
• Strong knowledge of ASD, program planning, assessment practices, and inclusive education
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies and interventions
• Skilled in assessing student communication and language development using formal and informal methods
• Experience collaborating with Teaching Support Teams, Student Planning Teams, families, specialists and school staff
• Understanding of culturally responsive instruction, diversity, human rights, and cross-cultural practices
• Ability to provide professional learning and support to educational teams
• Proficiency with current technologies related to special education and communication supports
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and ongoing professional development

Specific Job Components

• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, and families to support students with ASD
• Develop, model, and evaluate communication and social skills interventions
• Provide assessment, progress monitoring, and student programming support
• Deliver services through individual, group, consultation, and school-based approaches
• Coach and support school teams in implementing ASD strategies and interventions
• Maintain student data and prepare progress reports
• Participate in student planning and teaching support meetings
• Provide staff training and professional development opportunities
• Apply evidence-based and ABA-informed practices
• Engage in ongoing professional learning and other assigned duties
• Possess knowledge of provincial and Regional Education Centre or CSAP policies, guidelines and procedures and the rights and responsibilities of parents, students, teachers and schools as they relate to individuals with diverse learning needs.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

SECURITY CHECKS:

The South Shore Regional Centre for Education requires that all newly hired employees provide a satisfactory Child Abuse Register Check and Criminal Record / Vulnerable Sector Checks. If you have current checks that are less than 3 months old you can attach these checks to your application / resume.

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a current resume, along with 3 professional references. (Please note: Failure to include references may cause delay in processing your application.)

We thank you for your interest in the posted vacancy.