Easterseals Illinois Autism Partnership (IAP) team is expanding! We are looking for a well-rounded individual with experience supporting students with autism and related disorders to join our innovative team. Our work primarily focuses on coaching, consulting, and training educators in public school districts and residential facilities. This will be a full-time, 12-month position. Great opportunity for experienced educators who are looking for a fun new challenge, a flexible schedule, and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students with autism!

For more information about our organization, please visit us online at www.eastersealschicago.org.

The Autism Specialist will be responsible for providing support through coaching, training, and consulting to local school districts, therapeutic day schools, and residential facilities with the goal of increasing student engagement, improving student achievement, managing difficult student behavior, and building teacher/staff capacity to work with students with autism and related disabilities. This individual will regularly observe and provide feedback regarding teacher instruction, behavior management strategies, and evidence-based instructional techniques to enhance student success across environments.

 $3,000 Sign On Bonus 

This position is located at the Easterseals Illinois Autism Partnership at 1939 W. 13th Street, Chicago IL 60608. Only in the office once a month. 

Preferably seeking candidates who live in or are willing to relocate to the Chicagoland area, ideally in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate. 

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Collaborate with an innovative team of Autism Specialists to design new tools and programming to support students with autism and related disabilities
• Provide consultative services for students, teachers, or classrooms identified by districts and schools in order to build their capacity in serving students with autism
• Meet with district and school administration to determine the level of support needed throughout buildings and classrooms based on the skills of the staff and the needs of the students
• Train and coach district and school teams to implement the identified strategies and supports
• Evaluate educational programs and services using formal and informal tools
• Provide consultation of the development, adaptation, and modification of curriculum to districts and schools.
• Deliver a range of training and professional development sessions to local schools and districts
• Submit presentation proposals to local, regional, and national conferences
• Use technology and other tools to maintain appropriate records of all services provided to assigned districts

Education/Certification Required:

• Master’s degree in education, education administration, special education, or related field
• Current ISBE Certification as Learning Behavior Specialist 1

Experience Required:

• A minimum of three years of experience as a teacher or related service provider in a self-contained or autism-specific classroom setting
• A minimum of one year of experience training and leading teachers to use effective strategies and evidence-based supports with students with autism spectrum disorders
• Extensive knowledge of current evidence-based practices for supporting individuals with autism

Vehicle/Transportation Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• Auto insurance
• Reliable vehicle

Skills/Abilities:

• Must be willing to drive across Chicagoland (with current contracts located in McHenry, Lake, Cook, and Will Counties) – all mileage is reimbursed at federal standard rate
• Knowledge and effective use of technology, including experience using Boardmaker, LessonPix, Canva, or similar software to develop adapted instructional materials and visual supports for students with disabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of evidence-based practices related to autism and related disabilities
• Extensive knowledge of evidence-based practices regarding behavior and classroom managementMust be a self-starter who has time management skills and the ability to collaborate with the team remotely
• Highly proficient analytical, verbal, written communication, and presentation skills
• Knowledge and ability to anticipate, identify, and define problems; seek root causes; and develop timely and practical solutions
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple and diverse projects.
• Familiarity with general education standards and public-school districts
• Knowledge of state and federal laws that govern special education and disability service

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to treat clients, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.