You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

The WISD's Mission is to educate, serve, and advocate with students, families, schools and the community. We disrupt racial inequities, build just educational systems, and expand access for all learners. We value human potential while striving to support current and future generations of Washtenaw County to enrich as many lives as we possibly can. 

The WISD’s Vision is to be a leader in empowering, facilitating, and delivering high-quality, boundary-spanning, educational system that educates all children through an equitable, inclusive, and holistic approach.

SUMMARY:

The AAC Specialist is responsible for providing Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) professional development for staff and families, consultant services, implementation strategies, and technology support to Special Education professionals working in the local school districts of Washtenaw County. Our goal is for all students to become competent communicators, increase student achievement, close the achievement gap, and increase equity among students requiring AAC.

We are seeking an adaptable and collaborative team member with exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills to provide consultation and professional learning to local districts on AAC. Candidates should have expertise and knowledge of language and its application to AAC implementation; access methods for those with physical, vision or multiple needs; adult learning methodologies to create/facilitate professional learning and online content. Implementation of science and capacity building approaches will be key in our efforts to increase student achievement and close the achievement gap for students requiring AAC. The ACC Specialist will collaborate with local school administrators and education teams on matters related to AAC and will serve as a resource liaison to internal work groups and external agencies and professional organizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                                     

  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, social justice, and inclusion in all practices and position responsibilities.
  • Demonstrates the ability to examine how his/her/their position (directly or indirectly) impacts educational inequities in student achievement outcomes.
  • Engages in reflection and ongoing learning and development on critical concepts and terms identified in the Washtenaw ISD Educational Equity Policy including concepts such as cultural proficiency, racial equity, and systemic and structural inequities.
  • Supports WISD vision and mission to enhance achievement for all students.
  • Assists with coordination of Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) needs in the constituent districts.
  • Provides training to the constituent districts staff to develop capacity for AAC decision-making for students.
  • Delivers coaching/modeling to support implementation of AAC systems across environments (e.g., academic, vocational, and community settings).
  • Supports data collection and progress monitoring related to AAC use and communication outcomes.
  • Offers guidance to speech and language pathologists during individual student evaluations and re-evaluations, offering expertise in communication supports.
  • Facilitates/assists staff in AAC consideration and using the Assistive Technology Decision-Making Process to determine appropriate assistive technology (AT) and AAC for students, as required by law.
  • Represents the WISD at local, regional, and state meetings and training sessions, and communicates with other state/regional AAC staff, trainers, and consultants/coordinators.
  • Acts as a liaison between the WISD, locals, agencies, and other AT/AAC groups.
  • Collaborates with special/general education and curriculum departments to ensure that all students with disabilities have access to educational opportunities.
  • Works in collaboration to develop opportunities for school-based speech and language pathologists to obtain ASHA CEUs through WISD’s SPEAK program.
  • Coordinates, utilizes, and facilitates the use of technology within the curriculum.
  • Supports integration of AAC systems with instructional technology through consultation (e.g., interactive whiteboards, tablets, and communication apps).
  • Collaborates with the assistive technology team to maintain a lending library and database of AT/AAC material/equipment to meet student needs in the county.
  • Prepares and presents training and in-service opportunities in AAC for the constituent districts and families of AAC users.
  • Facilitates transitions of AAC users between WISD and constituent districts.
  • Provides technical assistance in AAC to constituent districts.
  • Maintains knowledge of best practices and current educational and legal issues related to AAC through professional development, print/electronic resources, and professional networking.
  • Assists with processes for purchasing of AAC equipment.
  • Maintains regular predictable attendance.
  • PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the Board of Education may be considered. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Speech/Language Pathology or Education (or related field).
  • Demonstrated ability, experience and knowledge of Augmentative & Alternative Communication, techniques, and materials.
  • Experience working with students who have complex communication needs and use AAC.
  • Knowledge of developmental language and literacy and its application to AAC.
  • Experience implementing language based AAC systems and identifying appropriate AAC for students.
  • Direct experience providing support to students and educational teams around Augmentative & Alternative Communication.
  • Knowledge of current research-based strategies for AAC implementation. 
  • Experience consulting collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

PREFERRED:

  • Master's Degree or Certificate in Assistive Technology
  • Experience creating high quality virtual and in-person professional learning for adult learners

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

  • Current valid driver’s license with proof of insurance REQUIRED.
  • Certificate in Assistive Technology PREFERRED.

 LANGUAGE SKILLS:

  • Demonstrates ability to explain and demonstrate appropriate teaching techniques.
  • Demonstrates ability to read, analyze and interpret periodicals and professional journals.
  • Demonstrates ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of educators, students, and the general public.
  • Demonstrates ability to write lesson plans, business correspondence, and other related correspondence.
  • Demonstrates ability to express self clearly, both orally and in writing

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

  • Demonstrates ability to use a personal computer (PC) or MAC in a networked environment to utilize the Internet and other electronic communications mechanisms such as email, conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and bulletin boards.
  • Demonstrates technical knowledge of both Macintosh, PC Windows and Chrome book hardware, software, apps, and extensions.
  • Exhibits proficiency with iPads and/or other personal tablet devices; experience with iPad/Apple management tools.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of productivity applications such as Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation software) is required.
  • Demonstrates ability to integrate technology into the everyday workflow.
  • Demonstrates ability to utilize District technology and work to maintain proficiency, as required skill sets change with technology and/or the needs of the District.
  • Demonstrates ability to properly utilize tools and equipment necessary to conduct professional learning.
  • Possesses knowledge of New World preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

  • Demonstrates ability to apply math concepts of based math, algebra, and geometry consistent with the duties of this position.

REASONING ABILITY:

  • Exhibits a high proficiency in areas of reasoning, problem solving, organizational dynamics, and emotional intelligence.
  • Demonstrates ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Exhibits a high level of professionalism with the ability to handle confidential information, use good judgment, plan, and handle complex projects, and maintain a flexible attitude.
  • Demonstrates ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Demonstrates ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

  • Demonstrates ability to build rapport with others and to serve diverse publics.
  • Demonstrates ability to take initiative, work well with others as a collaborative team member, and exhibit good communication skills.
  • Demonstrates ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments, agencies, and individuals.
  • Demonstrates ability to work creatively and skillfully with students.
  • Demonstrates ability to demonstrate initiative and understanding in working with students, staff, and parents/guardians

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds such as books and teaching material or when assisting in student interventions.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to travel to other buildings is required. The position requires the individual to sometimes work irregular or extended work hours and meet multiple demands from several people.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day. The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff.  The employee is directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students.  The employee is exposed to infections at a greater risk than the average person. Occasionally the employee may be required to be outdoors for a short period of time, and therefore subject to varying weather conditions, for purposes of accomplishing the essential functions of this job.

FUNCTIONS OF POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position description has been prepared to define the general duties of the position, provide examples of work and to detail the required knowledge, skills, and ability as well as the acceptable experience and training for the position.  The description is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the duties of employees under supervision.  The WISD retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any portion of this description in its sole judgment.

This position description is not a contract for employment.

The WISD is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

TERMS:

This position is subject to terms, conditions, and calendars of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the District and Unit II AFT Local 3760. Starting salary ranging (dependent upon experience) from $52,016 - $104,872.

Washtenaw Intermediate School District is a drug-free workplace.

It is the policy and commitment of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any legally protected characteristic, in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies in accordance with Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, executive order 11246 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all other pertinent state and Federal regulations.