Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist

Arlington High School; Arlington (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Arlington Public Schools seeks an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist dedicated to enhancing communication for students in diverse learning environments. This role involves direct services in the classroom, collaboration with IEP teams, and the implementation of multifaceted communication strategies. Candidates should hold relevant degrees and certifications, with experience in AAC technologies, and a commitment to improving educational outcomes.

Benefits

Established teacher induction program

Mentoring throughout the school year

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred.
• Certification in relevant fields like Speech Language Pathology.
• Experience using AAC to enhance educational outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Implement a multimodal approach for effective communication.
• Assess and evaluate AAC interventions for student progress.
• Collaborate with IEP teams to develop meaningful goals.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Cultural competence

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master's Degree in Technology Instruction or related field

Certification as Speech Language Pathologist or related field

Job description

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 theCollective Bargaining Agreement between the Arlington School Committee and the Arlington Education Association.

TheSalary Scheduleis 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.