Autism Consultant

Position Type: Teaching / Special Education Date Posted: 6/24/2026 Date Available: 2026-2027 School Year Position Description: Autism Consultant The Autism Consultant is responsible for assisting special education teachers in the identification, evaluation, program planning and coordination of services for students born-21 years of age with Autism and other communicative disorders within the least restrictive environment. These duties include ongoing staff training, consultation and collaboration with member district staff, administrators, general education teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals and parents. Qualification Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Curriculum and Instruction Provide input on curriculum and instruction development, selection, and implementation as requested Assist in the development and procurement of accessible instructional materials as needed Collaboration and Consultation Provide leadership and training in instructional programs, social skills, and interaction strategies for students with ASD, their peers and adults across various settings. Guide staff in creating special education evaluation plans that equip teams to identify infants, toddlers, and students who have ASD and their educational needs. Develop, implement, and train staff in record keeping and data collection systems to measure student progress and attainment levels. Train and consult with teachers and paraprofessionals on effective strategies, communication systems, environment adaptations and their possible relationship to managing behaviors of students with ASD. Support staff in the development of IFSPs and IEPs that are designed to meet the unique communicative and behavioral needs of students with ASD. Consult with special education staff regarding students who are not responding to academic, behavioral, or functional skill interventions. Promote collaboration between general education and special education staff regarding accommodations and modifications that may help students reach their IEP goals and access the general curriculum. Provide expertise as part of IFSP and IEP teams for students with significant and unique ASD-related needs. Ensure processes are being followed that support district placement decisions for students transitioning to and from Federal Setting III and IV programs to ensure that students remain in their least restrictive environment. Assist in developing/coordinating student reintegration plans, including Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), to increase the likelihood that transitioning students will function effectively in the mainstream school setting. Assist staff with designing learning environments with physical modifications/accommodations to address individual needs of students with ASD. Collaborate and provide consultation services regarding assistive technology, accessibility, and secondary transition. Communicate with outside individuals and agency staff. Professional Learning Engage in professional learning opportunities aligned with RRSEC goals and district-specific needs to inform RRSEC professional learning opportunities related to ASD programming. Facilitate professional learning using effective adult learning strategies on a variety of ASD-related topics, including assessment, instruction, inclusion, accessibility, assistive technology, secondary transition, and program evaluation. Provide on-site coaching and support to enhance implementation of best practices in ASD. Other Duties Perform other duties as assigned. Education and Experience Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Education or Related Field. Preferred: Master's, Education Specialist or Doctorate in Special Education or Related Field. Preferred: Three or more years working in a related position. Licensure/Certification Minimum: MN Teaching Licensure in Special Education or ability to obtain licensure. Preferred: Licensure in Autism Spectrum Disorder, School Psychology, or Speech Language Pathology. Personal Skills Ability to work collaboratively on a team. Organizational skills to manage multiple projects. A passion and willingness to learn. Strong oral and written communication skills. Adaptability based on changing needs. Solutions-focused problem solving skills. Adept in learning and using new technology. Physical Requirements Travel within and occasionally outside of the RRSEC member districts. Frequent computer use including long periods without movement. Ability to lift 50 pounds to carry materials between districts on occasion. The use of physical restraint with students demonstrating behaviors that constitute an emergency. Terms/Conditions of Employment Full-time position; Standard Teaching Contract per negotiated RRSEC Master Agreement. Days based on School Calendar - 183 days. #J-18808-Ljbffr