Autism Consultant (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:  Student Services Consultant (Autism, Complex Cases, Learning Centres)

Reports to: Coordinator of Student Services

Employee Group:  NSTU

Qualifications:

• Valid Nova Scotia Teachers’ Certificate
• Masters in Inclusive Education, Special Education or Curriculum (UDL & SLDNE)

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years classroom experience (P-12) including programming for students with diverse and complex needs.
• Minimum 5 years Learning Support Teacher experience working within a Learning Centre and/or Connect Centre with children and youth diagnosed with ASD, preferably at all grade levels.
• Recent training and experience in evidence based programming and intervention for students with ASD and complex needs.
• Certified training in the following: Program for Aspiring Learning Support Teachers (PANLST), TEACCH, STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research), STAR Links, Social Narratives, TRAACE (Transition Readiness & Autism Community Employment), PEERS (Program for the Evaluation and Enrichment of Relational Skills), TTAP (TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile), Social Thinking, Interoception, and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), APSEA AIE ASD Online Course: ASD and Behavioral Interventions: An Introduction for School Personnel, and ARC (Attachment, Regulation, Competency Framework).
• Proven ability to lead and be a contributing member of Student Planning Teams and Teaching Support Teams.
• Excellent communication (written, oral, and electronic), problem solving, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated evidence of implementation of the Program Planning Process.
• Coaching/mentor experience required.
• Bilingualism is an asset.

Characteristics:

• Demonstrated ability to provide program direction and assist in the development of appropriate outcomes for students with ASD and complex needs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and provide Professional Development to Learning Support Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and Child & Youth Care Practitioners to build capacity within our region.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with students, parents, community members, and outside agencies.

Task Dimensions:

• Participate in Student Planning Team (SPT) and/or Teaching Support Team (TST) to assist in problem solving and program planning for students with ASD and/or complex needs;
• Apply training and experience to develop and support Individual Program Plans, Behaviour Intervention Support Plans (BISPs A and B), Tier 2 intervention and teaching strategies based on the individual needs of students;
• Caseload lead for students with intensive needs that require intensive, specialized programming and support.
• Support implementation of evidence-based programming, strategies, and interventions for students with autism at Tier 1, 2, and 3;
• Oversee, in consultation with the Coordinator of Student Services, the implementation of provincial initiatives including STAR, PEERS, and other evidence based programs;
• Model teaching strategies and support school staff, as needed;
• Collaborate and lead the SSRCE’s Autism Team, in consultation with the Coordinator of Student Services;
• Plan and develop training and professional learning opportunities related to ASD;
• Work collaboratively with the Student Services Team and Regional Education Team;
• Engage in continuing education and professional development in MTSS, Inclusive Education, and ASD;
• Comply with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations;
• 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 needs;
• Perform other 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.