Autism Consultant

RUM RIVER SPECIAL EDUCATION COOP; Ramsey (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

RUM RIVER SPECIAL EDUCATION COOP is seeking an Autism Consultant to support instructional planning, evaluation, and service coordination for students with ASD across RRSEC districts. You will train staff, develop IFSPs/IEPs, and promote collaboration among teachers, related service providers, and families.

The position emphasizes leadership in curriculum adaptation, data-driven progress, and ensuring students remain in the least restrictive environment with strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field is required.
• Preferred: Master's, Education Specialist or Doctorate in Special Education or related field.
• Three or more years of related experience is preferred.
• MN Special Education licensure or ability to obtain licensure required; autism licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with identification, evaluation, program planning and coordination of services for students birth-21 with ASD.
• Provide leadership and training in instructional programs and data collection systems.
• Develop and train staff in IFSPs and IEPs to meet ASD needs.
• Collaborate with staff across districts to support least restrictive environments.

Skills

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or Related Field

Master's, Education Specialist or Doctorate in Special Education or Related Field

MN Teaching Licensure in Special Education or ability to obtain licensure

Licensure in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Job description

Position Description: Autism Consultant

Position Summary The Autism Consultant is responsible for assisting special education teachers in the identification, evaluation, program planning and coordination of services for students birth-21 years of age with Autism and other communicative disorders within the least restrictive environment. These duties include ongoing staff training, consultation and collaboration with member district staff, administrators, general education teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals and parents.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential functions satisfactorily. The requirement listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Provide input on curriculum and instruction development, selection, and implementation as requested
• Assist in the development and procurement of accessible instructional materials, as needed
• Provide input on curriculum and instruction development, selection, and implementation as requested
• Assist in the development and procurement of accessible instructional materials, as needed

Collaboration and Consultation

• Provide leadership and training in instructional programs, social skills, and interaction strategies for students with ASD, their peers and adults across various settings.
• Guide staff in the creation of special education evaluation plans that equip teams to identify infants, toddlers, and students who have ASD and their educational needs
• Develop, implement, and train staff in record keeping and data collection systems to measure student progress and attainment levels
• Trains and consult with teachers and paraprofessionals on effective strategies, communication systems, environment adaptations and their possible relationship to managing behaviors of students with ASD.
• Support staff in the development of IFSPs and IEPs that are designed to meet the unique communicative and behavioral needs of students with ASD
• Consult with special education staff regarding students who are not responding to academic, behavioral, or functional skill interventions
• Promote collaboration between general education and special education staff regarding accommodations and modifications that may help students to reach their IEP goals and access the general curriculum
• Provide expertise as part of IFSP and IEP teams for students with significant and unique ASD-related needs
• Ensure processes are being followed that support district placement decisions for students transitioning to and from Federal Setting III and IV programs in order to ensure that students remain in their least restrictive environment
• Assist in developing/coordinating student reintegration plans, including Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), in order to increase the likelihood that transitioning students will function effectively in the mainstream school setting
• Assist staff with designing learning environments with physical modifications/accommodations to address individual needs of students with ASD
• Collaborate and provide consultation services regarding assistive technology, accessibility, and secondary transition
• Communicate with outside individuals and agency staff

Professional Learning

• Engage in professional learning opportunities aligned with RRSEC goals and district-specific needs to inform RRSEC professional learning opportunities related to ASD programming
• Facilitate professional learning using effective adult learning strategies on a variety of ASD-related topics, including assessment, instruction, inclusion, accessibility, assistive technology, secondary transition, and program evaluation
• Provide on-site coaching and support to enhance implementation of best practices in ASD

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Education or Related Field
• Preferred: Master's, Education Specialist or Doctorate in Special Education or Related Field
• Preferred: Three or more years working in a related position

Licensure/Certification

• Minimum: MN Teaching Licensure in Special Education or ability to obtain licensure
• Preferred: Licensure in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Personal Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively on a team
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects
• A passion and willingness to learn
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Adaptability based on changing needs
• Solutions-focused problem solving skills
• Adept in learning and using new technology

Physical Requirements

• Travel within and occasionally outside of the RRSEC member districts
• Frequent computer use including long periods without movement
• Ability to lift 50 pounds to carry materials between districts on occasion
• The use of physical restraint with students demonstrating behaviors that constitute an emergency

Terms/Conditions of Employment

Pay based on Teaching Contract for 2026-2027. Salary range - $45,417 - $98,166, pro-rated for actual days worked.

Temporary position - Up to 60 days for the remainder of the 2026-2027 school year.