Autism Specialist Teacher

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 Specialist Teacher  

Reports to: Coordinator of Student Services

Scope of Responsibilities:

The Autism Specialist is responsible for providing support to students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the provincial Regional Centres of Education and CSAP. The Autism Specialist will work within the Inclusion Policy framework by participating in individualized program planning with school staff and families to maximize learning experiences for students with ASD.

Qualifications:

• Valid Nova Scotia teaching license;
• Master’s degree in Curriculum (UDL or SLDNE), Special Education, or Inclusive Education;
• BCBA certification in good standing considered an asset;
• A minimum of 5 years experience working in school settings with children and youth diagnosed with ASD
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Learning Support Teacher and classroom teacher supporting students with diverse needs across grade levels;
• Training and/or experience in functional behaviour assessment, evidence-based interventions, and programming for students with complex needs;
• Training in ASD and behavioural interventions, positive behaviour support, and trauma-informed frameworks such as ARC considered an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within Student Planning Teams and Teaching Support Teams;
• Bilingualism considered an asset;
• Strong trauma-informed practice, communication, organization, problem-solving, interpersonal, and technology skills.

Competencies Required

• Current knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the impact on learning, communication and social engagement throughout the lifespan
• Assess, analyze, and support student behaviour in school settings;
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate behaviour programming and intervention strategies for students with ASD;
• Knowledge of Program Planning Process, classroom management strategies, and inclusive education practices;
• Ability to mentor, coach, and provide professional learning to school-based staff;
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience/training in: 
  • Applied Behavioural Analysis,
  • ASD and Behavioural Interventions: An Introduction for School Personnel
  • STAR program (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research),
  • PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System),
  • TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) program, 
  • TTAP (TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile) tool and FACTER (Functional Assessment and Curriculum for Teaching Everyday Routines),
  • PEERS (program for the Evaluation and enrichment of Relational Skills),
• Ability to support culturally responsive, equitable, and trauma-informed practices;
• Knowledge of provincial and regional policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements;
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams;
• NVCI certification/training considered an asset;
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and development.

Specific Job Components

• Develop and support Individual Program Plans, Tier 2 interventions, Behaviour Intervention Support Plans (BISPs A & B), and instructional strategies tailored to student needs;
• Model instructional strategies and collaborate with teachers, LSTs, BSTs, CYCPs, and TAs;
• Support classroom, Learning Centre, and Connect Centre systems and structures;
• Promote Universal Design for Learning (UDL) within an MTSS framework;
• Collaborate on assessment, reporting, and implementation of evidence-based Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions;
• Work collaboratively with the Student Services Team, Program Planning Specialist Teachers, and school-based teams;
• Comply with Occupational Health & Safety legislation and regional/provincial policies and procedures;
• Perform related duties as required.

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.