Special Education Teaching Assistant – Autism Support Specialist for Mountain View Elementary – 2023‑24 Academic Year (Remote & On‑Site)

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About Albemarle County Public Schools – A Community of Innovators and Change‑Makers

Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) is a forward‑thinking school division that serves a vibrant, diverse population in the heart of Virginia. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create an educational ecosystem where every student—regardless of race, socioeconomic background, gender, or ability—thrives as a lifelong learner, critical thinker, and responsible citizen. We have pioneered a district‑wide equity framework that actively dismantles systemic barriers, champions cultural humility, and cultivates inclusive practices that honor each child’s unique gifts.

Our schools are celebrated for rigorous academics, innovative instructional strategies, and a deep commitment to social‑emotional learning. As a member of the ACPS family, you will join a collaborative network of teachers, specialists, administrators, and community partners who share a common vision: to nurture curiosity, spark creativity, and empower students to become agents of positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

Position Overview – Why This Role Matters

The Special Education Teaching Assistant – Autism Base position at Mountain View Elementary School is a critical component of our inclusive education model. In the 2023‑24 school year, you will work side‑by‑side with certified special‑education teachers and Autism Specialists to deliver evidence‑based instruction, behavior support, and individualized interventions for students on the autism spectrum. This role is both hands‑on and strategic, providing direct classroom assistance while also contributing to data‑driven decision‑making that informs each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Key Job Details

• Employer: Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS)
• Location: Primarily on‑site at Mountain View Elementary (with remote coordination as needed)
• Start Date: Immediate – openings available for the 2023‑24 academic year
• Employment Type: Full‑time, hourly
• Salary Range: $16.85 – $20.20 per hour, commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity
• Reporting To: Classroom Teacher and Autism Specialist

Core Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day

As an Autism Assistant, you will be the bridge between classroom instruction and individualized support. Your daily duties will encompass a broad spectrum of activities designed to foster a safe, nurturing, and academically rich environment for students with autism.

• Classroom Environment Management: Set up, organize, and maintain instructional materials; design visual supports such as bulletin boards and sensory stations; assist with classroom clean‑up after activities.
• Instructional Support: Provide one‑to‑one, small‑group, or whole‑class assistance aligned with the teacher’s lesson plans and each student’s IEP goals.
• Behavior Intervention Implementation: Model and reinforce evidence‑based behavior strategies (e.g., Positive Behavior Supports, ABA techniques) under the guidance of the Autism Specialist.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Record observational data, track progress on behavior and academic targets, and contribute to weekly logs that inform instructional adjustments.
• Individualized Schedule Development: Help create and maintain visual schedules, sensory breaks, and motor activity plans that promote self‑regulation.
• Sensory Program Delivery: Assist in preparing and executing sensory activities (e.g., tactile bins, weighted vests, calming music) that support sensory integration.
• Motor Skills Facilitation: Support the implementation of motor group activities and fine‑motor drills designed to enhance coordination and functional independence.
• Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Participate in DTT sessions, delivering prompts, reinforcement, and data capture as directed by the specialist.
• Behavior Plan Collaboration: Contribute to the development, documentation, and fidelity monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Family & Community Coordination: Communicate regularly with families, outside agencies, and school staff to align home‑school supports and celebrate student milestones.
• Supervision During Non‑Instructional Periods: Oversee students during lunch, recess, and other transition times, ensuring safety and positive peer interactions.
• Record Keeping & Administrative Tasks: Maintain organized logs, incident reports, and IEP documentation; perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and copying as needed.
• Professional Modeling: Introduce and model latest research‑based interventions to classroom teachers, ensuring knowledge transfer and sustainability.
• Transition Planning: Assist students moving between educational settings (e.g., from preschool to elementary) by creating clear, step‑by‑step transition plans.
• Crisis & Safety Planning: Work with Autism Specialists to develop and rehearse emergency response protocols tailored to each student’s needs.

Essential Qualifications – What You Must Have

• Education: High school diploma or GED; additional coursework or certification in special education, autism support, or related fields is highly valued.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience working with children on the autism spectrum in a school, therapeutic, or community setting.
• Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate observations, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and engage families with empathy and clarity.
• Physical Ability: Capability to lift up to 40‑50 lbs, assist students with mobility devices, and sustain periods of standing, walking, and kneeling.
• Professional Disposition: Patience, flexibility, self‑motivation, and resilience in high‑stimulus environments.

Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or related disciplines.
• Certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or progress toward Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) credential.
• Training in evidence‑based autism interventions such as PECS, TEACCH, or Structured Teaching.
• Experience with data‑driven instructional practices, including familiarity with digital tracking tools (e.g., Google Sheets, ABC Data).
• Proficiency in assistive technology (e.g., augmentative communication devices, sensory equipment).
• Multilingual abilities, particularly Spanish, to enhance communication with diverse families.

Key Skills & Competencies – The DNA of Success

• Empathetic Instructional Support: Ability to understand and respond to the unique social, emotional, and learning needs of students with autism.
• Behavioral Observation: Skilled at identifying antecedents, behaviors, and consequences to inform proactive strategies.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Comfortable working within interdisciplinary teams, sharing insights, and co‑creating solutions.
• Organization & Time Management: Efficiently juggle multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
• Adaptability: Quick to adjust instructional approaches based on real‑time data and evolving student needs.
• Technology Literacy: Comfortable using educational software, virtual platforms, and data collection apps.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to de‑escalate challenging situations calmly and safely.

Work Environment & Culture – Join a Community That Cares

Mountain View Elementary is a modern, inclusive learning environment that embraces diversity, creativity, and innovation. Our staff members are united by a shared commitment to equity, lifelong learning, and student‑centered instruction. As an Autism Assistant, you will experience:

• A supportive mentorship model, with regular coaching from experienced special‑education teachers and board‑certified Autism Specialists.
• Opportunities for collaborative planning during common planning periods and professional learning communities (PLCs).
• A safe, well‑equipped campus featuring sensory rooms, adaptive playground equipment, and technology‑rich classrooms.
• Flexibility to balance on‑site presence with remote communication tools for documentation and family outreach.
• A culture that celebrates successes—big and small—through staff recognition programs, student showcases, and community events.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks – Investing in You

At Albemarle County Public Schools, we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. In addition to a competitive hourly wage ranging from $16.85 to $20.20, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial stability, and professional growth.

• Health & Dental Coverage: Fully insured medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contributions.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick days, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, certification assistance (e.g., RBT, CPR), and on‑site workshops.
• Wellness Programs: On‑site wellness challenges, mental‑health resources, and discounted gym memberships.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for health and dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or professional challenges.
• Transportation & Parking: Subsidized transit passes and preferred parking for staff.
• Community Engagement: Volunteer opportunities, school events, and partnerships with local organizations.

Career Growth & Professional Development – Your Pathway Forward

We are committed to your long‑term success. Within ACPS, you will find clear pathways to advance your career, whether your goal is to become a certified special‑education teacher, a behavior analyst, or an instructional coach. As you gain experience, you can pursue:

• Advanced certifications (e.g., BCaBA, BCBA, Special Education Endorsements).
• Leadership roles such as Lead Autism Assistant, Instructional Support Coordinator, or Inclusion Specialist.
• Participation in district‑wide research projects and pilot programs focused on innovative autism interventions.
• Mentorship opportunities to guide new aides and share best practices across schools.
• Scholarship programs for undergraduate or graduate coursework in special education.

Application Process – How to Take the Next Step

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with autism and eager to join a vibrant, equity‑focused district, we encourage you to apply today.

1. Prepare an up‑to‑date resume highlighting relevant experience, certifications, and any autism‑specific training.
2. Write a brief cover letter that outlines your motivation, instructional philosophy, and how you align with ACPS’s equity mission.
3. Submit your application through the online portal linked below. Ensure all required documents are attached before the deadline.
4. Qualified candidates will be contacted for a virtual or on‑site interview, followed by a reference check and background screening.

Your Future Starts Here

Don’t miss the chance to become part of a transformative team that values every child’s potential. We look forward to learning more about you and exploring how your talents can help shape the future of inclusive education at Mountain View Elementary.

Apply Now

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