Description
Senior Program Specialist
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Program Specialist to lead and manage the delivery of specialized programs and services for students with diverse learning needs. The successful candidate will work closely with educators, parents, and the broader community to ensure that all students receive an inclusive, high-quality education that meets their individual needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Executive Superintendent of Student Achievement K-12 and the Superintendent of Education- Student Achievement K-12, the successful candidate will:
Program Development, Implementation and Monitoring:
Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of special education programming, interventions and resources for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and complex behavioural needs to target areas of skill acquisition and behaviour reduction;
Review assigned referrals, conduct assessments, and make recommendations of evidence-based interventions that support student safety and skill development;
Triage referrals, manage priorities, coordinate in-school support services, and support families and school teams with navigating referral processes and community resources;
Monitor students on caseload, evaluate progress, assess strategies and effectiveness, collaborate with stakeholders, provide consultation on revisions to plans if required, and complete relevant reports;
Utilize expertise in positive behavioural interventions to support the multi-disciplinary team;
Provide job-embedded support to school personnel and students at all elementary and secondary school sites in the creation of materials, resources and modelling of evidenced based programming to support student need;
Be responsible for maintaining Behaviour Management Systems instructor certification and provide annual certification for board staff.
Leadership and Management:
Provide visionary leadership as a member of the management team for the Special Education department, aligning practices with the school board’s strategic goals;
Support special education teachers and educational assistants;
Provide direct supervision and support to child and youth workers, and the Program Specialist;
Collaborate with and support a team of special education coordinators;
Develop and implement professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills in special education;
Collaborate with school principals to ensure the successful integration of special education services across schools;
Possess excellent organizational, coordination and problem solving skills.
Collaboration and Communication:
Work with parents, guardians, and community organizations to provide resources and support for students with special needs;
Serve as a liaison between the school board and the community on matters related to special education;
Facilitate communication between students, parents, teachers, and administrators regarding special education services;
Participate in committee meetings, and other relevant forums to represent the needs of the special education community;
Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
Qualifications:
Post-secondary degree or diploma in postgraduate studies or equivalent field experience in behavioural science (i.e. Autism, Behavioural Science, Psychology, etc.)
ABA expertise/behaviour expertise, comprising formal education, training and practical experience;
Training in applied behaviour analysis principles from a recognized facility would be an asset;
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, or equivalent would be an asset;
An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered;
A minimum of three years of clinical experience in behaviour analysis or intensive behavioural intervention and two years of supervisory experience working with children and youth with exceptional needs, in particular autism spectrum disorder/behaviour disorders;
In-depth knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices;
Knowledge of the elementary and secondary education system in Ontario;
Familiarity with special education issues, particularly those relevant for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders and behaviours;
Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the school system.
Applications are to be submitted via Apply to Education . Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter and two professional references by September 25, 2024 at 12:00pm.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Accommodations for disabilities will be provided upon request to support participation in all aspects of the application process.
The WECDSB adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices and is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our students.
September 10, 2024
