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Title: Autism Coaching Specialist - Southern Illinois
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Special Education
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports (A+) Project at Illinois State University assists the Illinois State Board of Education in addressing the significant behavior needs of children and youth with Autism Spectrum (ASD) and related behavior and communication disorders. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing professional learning, technical assistance, coaching, and collaboration, A+ has worked closely with school teams to enhance their capacity to effectively support students with ASD. A+ partners with school entities to:
• Provide tiered- level of supports to address the specific needs of each school entity. This approach ensures that schools receive the appropriate level of support to improve services and outcomes for students with autism.
• Promote proactive approaches while working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to reduce the use of time out and restraint in Illinois schools.
• Build local capacity to increase program quality and enhance the fidelity of implementation of evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD.
• Increase the percentage of students (that qualify for services under the eligibility of autism) who are educated in the general education classroom.
• Increase meaningful involvement of families in their children’s education.
The autism coach position aims to fulfill the commitments of the Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports project to participating school teams. The Autism Coaching Specialist will deliver professional learning, workshops and consultation to educators and staff serving students with autism in Illinois schools. These services will include workshops, the creation of resources and visual supports, and side-by-side coaching of classroom staff. Professional learning includes in person and virtual training to expand the expectations, knowledge, and skills of those who live with, educate, and support individuals with ASD. It supports the sustainable implementation of research-based practices by providing instructional activities and resources to anyone who wants to learn more about ASD and to leaders who guide professional development initiatives in the school and community settings. Technical assistance includes facilitating, implementing, and evaluating systems-change initiatives customized to the unique needs of school teams and educational environments. The autism coach supports the sustainable implementation of research-based practices by providing team facilitation and strategic planning to build the capacity of those who support individuals with ASD. The autism coach specialist utilizes a behavior skills training model involving instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback; gradual release models to grow the skills staff need and ensure competency and consistency in implementation.

Additional Information

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. Illinois State University does not authorize out-of-state work.   

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

This is a non-continuous, grant funded position. The initial appointment will end on June 30, 2025, the end of the current grant year. Appointment renewal for the following grant year will be based upon available grant funding and performance.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$5833 - $6600 monthly commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package

Required Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in special education, psychology, behavior analysis, or a closely related field.
2. Minimum 5 years of experience teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
3. Extensive knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and advanced level training in ASD and evidence-based practices for learners with ASD.
4. Experience with a variety of assessment tools, including but not limited to VB-MAPP, EFL, Vineland, PEAK, ABLLS, AFLS.
5. Experience providing professional learning and coaching to school teams targeting behavior and academics for learners with ASD.
6. Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and patience for learners with ASD and their families
7. Excellent interpersonal, presentation, teamwork, written, and oral communication skills
8. Effective observation, consultation, and data collection skills
9. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel (mostly day and some overnight).
10. Demonstrated experience working with a diverse staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at Illinois State University.

Preferred Qualifications

1. BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) certification, and if active, in good standing with the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Bord).
2. Prior experience in teaching or administration in public school systems.
3. Prior experience providing systematic instruction to students with ASD.

Work Hours

Generally Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with occasional weekend and evening hours as business needs dictate

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

Negotiable, but anticipating a fall or spring hire

Required Applicant Documents

Resume / C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference List - (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references)

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Initial application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

All application materials must be submitted online. Application materials submitted via fax, email, or mail will not be accepted.

Please prepare in advance separate documents representing a cover letter, reference list (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references), and resume/C.V. to attach to this application.

Contact Information for Applicants

Tracy Berner
taberne@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.