SY26-27 Empowerment Zone Autism Specialist (BCBA Preferred)

Springfield Public Schools (Massachusetts); Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Relocation award

Job summary

Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership is seeking an Autism Specialist (BCBA Preferred) to join the SEZP-Wide team supporting middle school students. The role emphasizes collaboration, training, and evidence-based practices for ASD in a district setting.

The position involves IEP development, staff training, parent consultations, and targeted assessments, with a base salary up to $96,864.45 and a $1,500 signing bonus. Relocation assistance may be possible for eligible candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required; Master's preferred.
• BCBA preferred or DESE license in Severe/Moderate Disabilities required.
• Experience in a K-12 educational environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in educating children with ASD.

Responsibilities

• Participates on the Evaluation team and assists in IEP development for students with ASD.
• Staff training and consultation on meeting ASD needs in general and special education.
• Attend regional trainings and Department of Education meetings relevant to educating students with autism.
• Provide parent training and support through consultations and group workshops for students with ASD.
• Conduct formative and diagnostic assessments for providing information on students.
• Develop data collection tools to facilitate FBA and BIP for students.
• Assist in developing appropriate programs and services for students with ASD in SPS.

Skills

ASD expertise

K-12 experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred

BCBA preferred or DESE license in Severe/Moderate Disabilities required

DESE license in related fields may be considered

Job description

SY26-27 SEZP Autism Specialist (BCBA Preferred)

Location: SEZP-Wide

Grade Level: 6-8

Full Time Start Date: August 10, 2026

Base Salary: Up to $96,864.45 and commensurate with experience

Qualified candidates may be eligible for a signing bonus of $1,500. Terms of this signing bonus will be discussed during the selection process and may be offered.

Role Overview

Educators in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership are responsible for ensuring that students have access to strong instruction, experience a deep sense of belonging in school, and are prepared for meaningful academic and life opportunities.

SEZP educators serve as instructors, mentors, and collaborators. They contribute to school communities that value strong relationships, clear expectations, and continuous improvement-for students and for adults.

Key Duties

• Participates as a member of the Evaluation team and assists in the development of Individualized Education Plans and services for students with ASD.
• Staff training and consultation on meeting the needs of students with ASD in general and special education settings.
• Attend regional trainings and meetings of the Department of Education pertinent to educating students with autism.
• Provide parent training and support through consultations and group workshops for students with ASD.
• Conduct formative and diagnostic assessments necessary for providing specific information on students.
• Develops data collection tools to facilitate Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans for students.
• Assists in developing appropriate programs and services for students with ASD in the Springfield Public Schools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) preferred or DESE license in Severe or Moderate Disabilities required. Other DESE license in related fields may be considered.
• Experience in a K-12 educational environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in best practices in educating children with ASD.

Benefits

Selection as an educator in SEZP recognizes an individual for their outstanding vision, capacity, and commitment to students. Educators in SEZP are eligible for the same competitive benefits available to Educators in the Springfield Public Schools.

Educators joining SEZP may also be eligible for the following recruitment incentives, which may be offered individually:

• Signing bonus in addition to base salary
• Relocation award for candidates from regions beyond western Massachusetts

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership

While Massachusetts is consistently ranked as one of the top states for education results in the country, we have one of the highest and most persistent opportunity gaps. The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) - established in 2015 as a collaboration between Springfield Public Schools (SPS), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Springfield Education Association (SEA) - seeks to improve the longitudinal life outcomes of the more than 2,500 students in our 8 middle schools.

SEZP combines district-based public education with the flexibility of autonomous school models, granting schools meaningful control over curriculum, staffing, scheduling, and budgeting-while maintaining clear accountability for student learning and growth.

Across all of its work-including school improvement and educator preparation-SEZP is guided by three core values:

• Access: Expanding access to strong learning environments, skilled mentors, and clear pathways for students and educators
• Belonging: Building communities where people are known, supported, and accountable to one another
• Opportunity: Preparing students and educators to learn, lead, and thrive over time

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools' Title IX Coordinator, [e-mail], the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [e-mail].

Springfield Public School's sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to [e-mail]