• This position will remain open until filled, screening to begin on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 
• This position is temporary for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year
• Location: To be determined
• Hours:  7.5 work hours per day plus a half hour unpaid lunch
• FGSD requires all of it's employees to be fully vaccinated for the Corona Virus or qualify for a religious or medical exception
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Job Classification: Program Specialists

Job Title: Program Specialist - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

POSITION SUMMARY

The job of Program Specialist – Autism Spectrum Disorder is done for the purpose of providing support to classroom teachers and instructional assistants working with special education students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), under the direction of the Autism Consultant.  Employees in this classification do not supervise others. This position reports to the Director of Student Services or designee. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in developing programs and schedules for special education students with ASD.
•  Supports regular classroom and special education staff in the implementation of the student’s Individualized Education Plan.   
• Consults with the classroom teacher and instructional assistant in carrying out and modifying programs and data collection systems.   
• Provides necessary support to staff in the instruction and support of special education students with ASD.
• Works with other specialists (SLP, motor team and special education teachers) to develop appropriate services for students with ASD.  Helps classroom staff implement these services.
• Creates materials/visual schedules for students with ASD.
• Supports instructional assistants, in cooperation with special education teachers and autism consultants, in programs and teaching strategies for special education students with ASD.
• Assists in the development of behavior management programs in cooperation with special education and regular education staff.   
• Provides a positive model of behavioral interventions to staff and support services, including transportation staff.
• Attends team meetings and staffings on assigned students, as needed.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the position.
• Participates in professional development activities as required by the district
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or equivalent; 72 quarter hours of accredited college or equivalent education or passing score on Workkeys Test. Bachelor's Degree in social service, early childhood or related field of study preferred.

Experience: Prior job related experience paid or volunteer with school age children, families and community organizations. Training and at least five years of experience and expertise in educational issues for students with ASD including: instruction, behavior management, collaborative problem solving, discrete trial training, pivotal response training, Positive Behavioral and Instructional Supports and familiarity with software used to make visual supports.

Skills: Operate a computer, office machines, telephone and other technology equipment. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent organizational skills. Skills to communicate with parents, students, staff and community using English and Spanish in verbal and written form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Excellent computer skills, including use of Office Programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google programs.

Knowledge: Knowledge of principles of child development, autism spectrum disorder and behavior interventions.

Abilities: Work harmoniously with others. Work and communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job. Work independently without supervision, and with minimum oral/written instructions. Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain confidentiality of student records, meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules, regulations and  policies. Ability to perform clerical functions. Ability to problem solve. Significant physical abilities include lifting/reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity, moving to various locations within the classroom and school.

Continuing Education/Training Clearances: Pre-employment criminal justice fingerprint clearance and criminal background check. Valid Oregon Driver’s License. Safety Care certification or the ability to obtain.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

1. In an eight-hour day employee may: 

• Stand/Walk [   ] None [   ] 1-3 hrs [   ] 3-5 hrs [X] 5-8 hrs 
• Sit [   ] None [   ] 1-3 hrs [   ] 3-5 hrs [X] 5-8 hrs 
• Drive [   ] None [   ] 1-3 hrs [X] 3-5 hrs [   ] 5-8 hrs 

2. Employee may use hands for repetitive: 

• [X] Single Grasping [X] Pushing and Pulling       [X] Fine Manipulation 

3. Employee may use feet for repetitive movement as in operating foot controls: 

• [   ] Yes [X] No 

4. Employee may need to: 

• Bend [X] Frequently   [   ] Occasionally [   ] Not at all 
• Squat [X] Frequently   [   ] Occasionally [   ] Not at all 
• Climb Stairs [   ] Frequently     [X] Occasionally [   ] Not at all 
• Lift [   ] Frequently     [X] Occasionally [   ] Not at all 

5. Lifting: 

• [   ]  Sedentary Work: Lifting 10 pounds occasionally with frequent sitting and occasional standing/walking. 
• [   ]  Light Work: Lifting 20 pounds occasionally with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking. 
• [ X ]  Medium Work: Lifting 50 occasionally, 25 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking. 
• [    ]  Medium Heavy Work: Lifting 75 pounds occasionally, 35 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking. 
• [  ]  Heavy Work: Lifting 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.

The Forest Grove School District is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to the public on an equal opportunity basis and does not discriminate in employment or the provision of public services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status.

Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Director of Human Resources at the Forest Grove School District, 503-359-2414.