POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: Functional Communication Coach

Classification: Professional

Reports to and

Evaluated By: Supervisor of Specialized Programming and Instructional Supports

Terms of

Employment: 200 Days

Positions

Supervised: None

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is responsible for providing educational leadership and expertise in the field of functional communication and AAC through coaching, consultation, technical assistance, and professional development to local and regional programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with staff, students, parents, local educational agencies, public school academies, and community to build a shared vision of learning for students with high communication support needs.
• Works with staff, students, families, and community agencies to support students and programs which align to county, district, and building goals.
• Assist local districts primarily through coaching, in addition to consultation in supporting effective instruction around communication and use of AAC with the implementation of appropriate evidence-based practices
• Uses the working knowledge of effective instruction in establishing school processes and routines that engage teachers/staff in regular monitoring of student progress and evaluation, adaptation, and improvement of instructional strategies which meet the individualized needs of students with communication support needs.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement coaching models and cycles of support for local/regional/center programs, including the development of coaching plans with clear coaching goals, modeling, observation, and feedback.
• Consult with LEA’s and/or Center Programs regarding MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) model implementation relative to intensifying interventions for students with communication support needs.
• Works with staff to deepen student and school data analysis to support increased student growth and achievement around behavior, communication, and language.
• Provide county, district, and building professional development and coaching.
• Learns and uses emerging technologies and collaborates with Special Education Instructional Services Department to support professional learning and implementation of ACC.
• Attend IEP’s as determined for the purpose of facilitating process.
• Assist local districts’ special education staff with Least Restrictive Environment decision-making matrices.
• Coordinate with staff pursuant to referrals, requests for service, and other identified needs.
• Attend Kent ISD Board meetings, Parent Advisory Committee, Coaching Collaborative, and/or other county-wide meetings as assigned.
• Represent Kent ISD at State/Regional meetings as assigned.
• Works with local districts to establish building and district systems, processes, trainings, and shared leadership to ensure full compliance with the IDEA, Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, and the Kent Intermediate School District Special Education Plan.
• Ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), Kent ISD Board of Education and Organizational Policies, and other applicable rules and regulations.
• Performs other duties as directed by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Valid Michigan professional certification in an area related to Special Education required; Autism endorsement preferred.
• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or related field and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification preferred.
• Three years’ successful experience in education related field; experience with autism and behavior support required.
• Experience developing training and support programs.
• Must possess exceptional organizational, verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with superiors, peers, subordinates, local/state/national education representatives and regulatory/funding agencies, constituent districts and the public-at large.
• Knowledge of special education laws, rules, regulations, and compliance responsibilities.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, social justice, and inclusion in all practices and position responsibilities.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.