Autism Specialist

Description
OCALI is recognized as a global leader in creating and connecting resources and relationships to ensure that people with disabilities live their best lives for their whole lives. OCALI is a trusted source of high-quality information, facilitation, coaching, professional development, and technical assistance to ensure families, educators, and service providers are equipped to effectively care for, support, educate, employ, or work with individuals with disabilities.
 
We are seeking to hire a Regional Autism Specialist with expertise in creating, organizing, and providing professional development, coaching, and consultation for those who educate or instruct someone with autism, developmental disabilities, trauma, and complex behavior challenges, implementing evidence-based practices and promising practices related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
 
Minimum Qualifications

• Self-directed professional with proven experience and strong ability to work independently and as part of a team to coordinate and manage multiple projects, adhere to timeliness, meet deadlines, and complete activities as planned.
• Ability to communicate effectively, collaborate internally and externally, and manage many projects with a variety of people and organizations, both public and private.
• Polished and well-spoken facilitator, with the ability to conduct trainings and professional development opportunities for educators supporting preschool, school-age, and transition-age youth.
• Ability to work remotely and with flexibility of schedule to travel primarily across Ohio to conduct consultations, deliver professional development, and attend meetings/conferences.
• Thorough working knowledge of ASD and experience supporting individuals with ASD, developmental disabilities, trauma, and complex behavioral challenges across ages.
• Extensive understanding of evidence-based practices and promising practices for ASD or related developmental disabilities.
• A mindset to approach situations and challenges with flexibility while maintaining a positive outlook and focus on the organization’s mission.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrates ability to communicate professionally and effectively with internal teams, external partners, and/or customers.
• Experience organizing, conducting, and participating in virtual meetings.
• Experience and proficiency with technology applications (including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom/Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, etc.) and online environments. Knowledgeable of accessibility features.

 
Preferred Qualifications

• An Ohio Teaching License in Special Education with master’s degree, minimum 5 years experience.
• Knowledge of contextually inappropriate behaviors, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), functional behavior assessment (FBA), and behavior intervention plans (BIP).
• Familiar with Ohio State Support Team network, Educational Service Centers, and state agencies.
• Ability to conduct student/program consultation and/or coach educational teams, both in-person and virtually.
• Ability to create resources and disseminate information (in-person and online).
• Ability to plan projects, incorporating timelines and long-term solutions.
• Familiar with accessibility guidelines for online resources and professional development.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions 

• Create, organize, and provide professional development in-person and online for the Autism Center, including researching the topic, writing content, designing and/or developing supporting materials, making content accessible, and disseminating information.
• Conduct trainings, coaching, and professional development opportunities for educational teams supporting preschool, school-age, and transition-age youth with ASD, developmental disabilities, trauma, and complex behavioral challenges.
• Balance time across multiple projects.
• Scope, plan, and manage assigned professional development projects across a full life cycle; track, document, and communicate proactively on status of projects with Director; collect and submit data; identify and surface potential issues; and creatively problem-solve as needed.
• Review program evaluations and participant feedback on training effectiveness to make recommendations for program improvement.
• Collaborate and promote Autism Center resources through a variety of platforms and partnerships.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving evidence-based practices and promising practices for children and young adults with autism and related developmental disabilities.
• Collaborate with state partners and stakeholders to ensure a connected network for planning and delivering resources in a coordinated and meaningful way with a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrate accuracy, responsiveness, and excellent communication when participating in meetings and trainings, as well as responding to emails and other written correspondence from stakeholders.
• Support organizational commitment to develop accessible materials and provide an accessible environment and experiences for our staff and partners.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Autism Center Program Director.

What’s in it for You:

OCALI offers excellent benefits and retirement packages, including eligibility in STRS, as well as access to:

• Being part of a creative, mission-driven, growing team
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and generous holiday schedule
• Flexible work environment
• Professional learning opportunities

Salary:
Commensurate with experience and in accordance with specified salary schedule.

Reports to:
Autism Center Program Director

Application Procedure:
Complete the employee application procedure through escco.org.

Job ID 21709

February 2025