Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist

Arlington Public Schools (MA); Arlington (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Arlington Public Schools as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist, focusing on promoting effective communication for students utilizing AAC devices. This role emphasizes collaboration with educators and families to enhance educational outcomes in an inclusive environment. Candidates are expected to hold a Bachelor's Degree, with a preference for a Master's in related areas, and have specific skills in utilizing AAC technologies.

Benefits

Well-established new teacher induction program

Mentoring throughout the school year

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required, Master's preferred in related fields.
• Certification as Speech Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist preferred.
• Experience with AAC to improve educational outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to students with AAC needs.
• Work with the IEP team to develop goals.
• Conduct assessments and document AAC strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of AAC systems

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree in Special Education or related field

Tools

Augmentative and alternative communication devices

Standardized assessment tools

Job description

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist

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Job Description

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society and willing to try new approaches to address these issues. We are looking for candidates who are eager to collaborate with staff and families to contribute to the overall success of students.

ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02476

Job Description

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society and willing to try new approaches to address these issues. We are looking for candidates who are eager to collaborate with staff and families to contribute to the overall success of students.

Position: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist

Job Goals

Promote teaching and learning for all children with the assistance of augmentative and alternative communication aids and devices using a total communcation approach.

Provide direct services for students in one of the district's substantially seperate elementry schhool classrooms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Master's Degree in Technology Instruction, Special Education, Speech Language Pathology or related field preferred.
• Certification as Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist or related field.
• Experience utilizing augmentative and alternative communication to improve educational outcomes for students.
• Knowledge of special education processes, including referrals, timelines, laws and procedures, and terminology.
• Knowledge of multiple technology platforms and interfaces.
• Ability to work independently within supervisory expectations while managing schedule effectively.
• Knowledge of typical speech and language development and ability to apply this information to individuals who rely on AAC.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to conduct and interpret the results of a comprehensive oral peripheral examination, including assessments of the primary subsystems of speech (i.e., respiration, phonation, articulation, and resonance).
• Knowledge of cultural and linguistic differences and their implications for changes in administration methods, content, and interpretation of assessment results.
• Knowledge of how language is generated on AAC systems during communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
  
  

Duties And Responsibilities

• Implement a multimodal approach to enhance effective communication that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
• Acquire and maintain the knowledge and skills (ASHA, 2002) that are necessary to provide quality professional services.
• Integrate perspectives, knowledge and skills of team members to assist those students who have AAC needs.
• Work with IEP Team in developing functional and meaningful goals and objectives.
• Assess, intervene, and evaluate progress and outcomes associated with AAC interventions using principles of evidence-based practice.
• Facilitate students’ use of AAC to promote and maintain their access to the curriculum.
• Identify and coordinate the participation of other team members throughout the assessment process; recognizing the importance of collaborating with specialists, family members, and other parties as needed.
• Determine the purpose(s) of AAC assessment, such as natural speech facilitation, temporary means of expression, alternative to natural speech, and replacement of challenging or problem behaviors with more conventional and socially acceptable forms of communication.
• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and/or a discrepancy analysis to identify why a student’s level of participation in a particular activity might be restricted due to his/her lack of access to an effective means of communication.
• Use authentic assessment procedures to assess and determine students’ communication skills and needs in relation to the communication skills of other persons the same age, in everyday school situations:
• Identify the need for professionals from other disciplines in order to conduct a comprehensive and integrated assessment.
• Assessment and documentation of AAC methods, components, and strategies to maximize functional communication by individuals.
• Skill participating in different models of service delivery.
• Administer (with and without accommodations), and interpreting results of standardized, nonstandardized, and criterion-referenced assessment procedures while maintaining reliability and validity.
• Convey assessment information and implications (e.g., recommendations, goals, and intervention suggestions), orally and in writing, to individuals who use AAC, parents and other family members, team members, and other professionals.
• Work within the team process to make referrals to appropriate professionals, agencies, and services.
• Identify and measure desired outcomes in collaboration with students who use AAC, their families, and team members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services or designee.
  
  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: School Year Position, 183 Work Days

Arlington has a well established new teacher induction program with mentoring throughout the school year.

Salary and Benefits are consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Arlington School Committee and the Arlington Education Association.

The Salary Schedule is on our website. Salary placement is based on Education and Experience.

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

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