POSITION:
Livonia Public Schools is seeking an Autism Spectrum Disorder Coach. The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Coach’s major responsibility within Western Wayne County is to work directly with students, parents, teachers, and other resource personnel to screen, assess and intervene to assist school teams in determining appropriate options for students with or suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder.
DISTRICT OVERVIEW: Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,900 staff members, serving approximately 13,300 students pre-K – post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center, and 1 vocational and transition center in the school district. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $175 million, with a state funding of $9,608 per pupil.
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.
As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. Beyond the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping thousands of students grow and learn, you will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:
- Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage:
- The district’s contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law.
- Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week.
- Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week.
- Optional “cash in lieu” of medical insurance for those who qualify.
- Dental, vision, and life insurance:
- The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees.
- Long-term disability coverage:
- The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
- Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members.
- Completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee.
- Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days.
- Longevity pay.
- Paid “act of God” days, such as snow days.
- Opportunity for career advancement.
Additionally, the children of employees living outside the district’s attendance boundaries are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The ASD Coach is directly responsible to the Director of Student Services program for supervision and program implementation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following is a list of minimum qualifications for this position, any one of which may be waived by the Administration in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.
- Five (5) years work experience working with students with ASD including, but not limited to: School Social Workers, School Psychologists, Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists
- Must meet Administrative Rules Governing the Certification of MI Teachers or certification in SSW, School Psychologist, Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training is preferred
- A passionate commitment to improving learning for all students
- Demonstrated positive interpersonal relationships
- Evidence of ability to establish positive working relationships with all stakeholders
- Superior verbal and written communication skills
- Expert knowledge of techniques needed to successfully complete effective Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), function –based interventions, and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
- Extensive experience working with children with complex behavioral needs, including but not limited to, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Impairments, and Intensive Needs due to other factors including mental health and trauma
- Expert knowledge in research based instructional strategies and ability to implement them effectively
- Experience in training/collaborating with staff on behavioral interventions, functional behavioral thinking and trauma informed care
MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITES: The following responsibilities are intended to be illustrative of the major functions of this position and are not comprehensive:
- Plans for students and assists teacher to implement accommodations via school team meetings and IEPTS which develop supportive and collaborative interventions for students with ASD characteristics, including Transition Plans
- Consults with school teams regarding the need for special education evaluation for students suspected of having ASD
- Is highly resourceful to staff in the knowledge of the functions of effective behavioral/instructional strategies for meeting needs of students with ASD characteristics
- Provides PD to increase staff effectiveness
- Provides, facilitates, and coordinates assistance to students, parents and teachers
- Is knowledgeable about and utilizes school, community and county resources in planning appropriate outcomes for students
- Works closely with assigned district(s) with a goal of building capacity and supporting LRE by implementing evidence-based practices across the entire LRE continuum
- Supports staff working with students in K-12 in general education classrooms with/without Intervention plans, special education, non-ACT-18 classrooms and special education ASD 18 center classrooms
- Consults with school teams, participates in and provides staff training, and develops data systems to support students who require independence paraprofessionals (IP)
- As needed provides guidance and consultation with:
- Evaluations referrals, strategies and interventions
- Referral process/entry criteria to Center Programs
- Guidance and implementation strategies for utilizing IP support
- Appropriate use of visual supports and environmental accommodations or modifications to meet education needs
- Support implementation of essential components for ASD Students to include: predictability, structure, functional analysis of behaviors, developments of behavior intervention plans, systematic data monitoring
- Executes other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the Livonia Education Association. The deadline for applications is minimally February 11, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
This position will remain open until the position is filled. APPLICATIONS: All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage. All applicants must also upload a cover letter, professional resume, copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates), and three current letters of recommendation to their online application.
It is the policy of the Board of Education that Livonia Public Schools School District will not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or transgender status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances for: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, and marital status - Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2566. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances for: handicap or disability - Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2524.