Training and Consultation Coordinator-Assistive Technology and Inclusive Practices

Position Summary:

This position is accountable for providing leadership, professional development, technical assistance, and consultation with administrators, teachers and parents regarding the implementation of Federal and state regulations including IDEIA and ESSA. Focus is on effective educational practices, accommodations and strategies in the areas of Communication, Literacy, Math and Writing for students with disabilities that promotes access to the least restrictive environment and general education curriculum. In addition, there is a focus on supporting the utilization of the PA Core Standards along with the Essential Elements as necessary. This position requires demonstrated knowledge and an ability to work collaboratively with other TAC initiatives including Post-Secondary Transition, Autism, and MTSS Academic and Behavior. The TAC Coordinator will also work with Curriculum and Instruction coordinators on initiatives annually identified by the State System of Support (SSOS) including but not limited to: Equity, Targeted School Improvement, data analysis and STEM. The position also requires a close working relationship with PDE Bureau of Special Education and PATTAN staff in support of high priority initiatives. This position does not provide direct services to students, but works to build knowledge and capacity of educational systems and educators to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Researches, designs, and conducts professional development and provides technical assistance to school district administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals and school-based teams to increase knowledge of and the successful implementation of Literacy, Math, Writing and PA Core Standards along with the Essential Elements with a focus on access to learning through the use of accommodations and strategies to support students with complex needs that may require assistive technology.
2. Facilitates professional development and technical assistance in a tiered approach to improve educators' utilization of available technology tools to better meet the needs of diverse groups of learners.
3. Facilitates activities related to PDE school improvement and equity initiatives by addressing the components necessary to improve educational outcomes for students with complex needs.
4. Provides leadership in the dissemination of resources, facilitation via guided practice, and follow-up technical assistance to school-based teams to build capacity within the district/school surrounding Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Assistive Technology (AT), Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) and Literacy, Math, Writing, and PA Core Standards along with the Essential Elements to support students with disabilities access to the least restrictive environment.
5. Coordinates and directs activities related to IDEA, Pennsylvania Department of Education/Bureau of Special Education and the State System of Support (SSOS) initiatives in collaboration with TAC and curriculum colleagues; including but not limited to Post-Secondary Transition, Autism, MTSS for Academics and Behavior, Equity, and STEM
6. Participates in designated trainings related to Pennsylvania Department of Education/Bureau of Special Education and the State System of Support (SSOS) initiatives in order to provide turnaround training and support to local school districts
7. Assists schools in identifying data tools, facilitates data meetings and analyzes data with school teams and individual educators to monitor and adjust outcomes of class-wide and/or individual supports.
8. Assists schools in the identification, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of appropriate tools and strategies to maximize communication, social, and academic skills for students with complex needs using Augmentative Alternative Communication/ AT supports.
9. Promotes the services of the Training and Consultation (TAC) team and other AIU programs and services by developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education/PaTTAN, other intermediate units, school district staff, parents and community groups, and agencies
10. Participates on Allegheny Intermediate Unit committees and work groups to facilitate the attainment of organizational goals.

Qualifications:

1. Advanced degree in education or related field required; certification in reading and /or Speech and Language preferred, K-12 Administration Certification preferred.
2. Minimum of eight (8) years related experience required
3. Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Consultant Competencies as a guide for skill development in implementing AT supports and services preferred
4. Expert level knowledge with use of Microsoft Office Suite and AT devices, software, and apps for students who may have verbal and/or written communication, access, sensory, reading, and/or executive function needs required
5. Ability to incorporate research-based instructional practices through the use of data, systems and practices to promote access to learning in the Least Restrictive Environment
6. Experience in design and delivery of professional development and knowledge of adult learning required
7. Expert level knowledge in managing complex change that supports students with disabilities
8. Familiar with the disaggregation of data and analysis of data for instructional and programmatic decision making
9. Self-motivator, independent, cooperative, flexible, creative, and responsible
10. Possess excellent collaboration and leadership skills
11. Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and policies affecting educational practices for special education
12. Sound organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work under pressure
13. Ability to analyze and resolve complex issues, while remaining logical and interpersonal
14. Strong, professional verbal and written communication skills, including effective presentation skills
15. Capacity to build trust and positive working relationships while promoting high expectations with multiple internal and external stakeholders
16. Experience and capability to function as a member of a team and to facilitate school-based teams, focused on individual students or school improvement initiatives.
17. Ability to travel to regional schools districts and frequent overnight travel to Harrisburg required

18. Ability to comply with the AIU Conduct policy