POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director Project Access-Autism Program Specialist
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2544
GRADE 45
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Project ACCESS
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Dean, College of Education
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director for Project ACCESS also serves as an Autism Program Specialist and is responsible for the coordination of activities and continued identification of program activities and project priorities and exercises managerial responsibilities for the Project ACCESS office. The Director, in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, develops the contract proposal which supports the continuation and funding of the Project ACCESS effort, develops programs for in-service training workshops for public school teachers and other related service providers, and provides consultation services to public school personnel regarding educational programs for students with autism. As the Autism Program Specialist, the Director serves as an advisor to the State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding students with autism. This position is funded by state and federal funds administered through the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Division of Special Education.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master's degree is required, with an emphasis in Special Education or a closely related area preferred. An earned Doctorate is preferred.
Experience: At least four years of responsible experience in the public school system with an emphasis in Special Education or related services is required. Significant experience in working with students with autism, preferably gained in the public school system, is required. Teaching experience at the college/university level is preferred.
Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Strong interpersonal skills in working with teachers, parents, administrators and other constituencies are required. Organizational, supervisory/managerial skills are required. Public speaking skills are preferred.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ensures that the University submits a viable option for the continuation of the Project ACCESS effort by determining (in coordination with the funding source) the project activities, developing a contract proposal which describes all proposed activities, staffing needs and associated funding requirements, preparing required forms and related documents, and submitting the formal contract proposal to the Project Director for review and endorsement.
2. Assists in providing appropriate educational programs for students with autism by consulting with public school administrators and teachers regarding the development of those programs.
3. Enhances the abilities of public school teachers and other related service providers to develop and manage educational programs for students with autism by planning, coordinating and conducting in-service training workshops.
4. Administers an educational program which allows participants to earn academic credit, in conjunction with in-service training workshops, by developing a curriculum, scheduling related activities, and serving as the professor for students enrolled in the prescribed college course.
5. Manages funds by planning and developing a project budget, exercising advisory authority regarding the expenditure of project funds, and providing reports of project activities that justifies project expenditures to University and state officials.
6. Develops an effective and efficient staff of professional and clerical personnel by hiring qualified candidates, providing appropriate training, supervising activities and evaluating performance.
7. Provides advice to the State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as to appropriate strategies for educating students with autism by serving as a resource professional for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Section of Special Education.
8. Promotes an awareness of the services available through Project ACCESS by publicizing project activities and project services, presenting professional papers at state and national conferences, conducting educational/informational programs, writing public service announcements and news releases, and participating in media interviews.
9. Manages the daily operations of the Project ACCESS office by establishing activity priorities, goals and objectives, determining resource allocations, assigning activity responsibilities, developing policies and procedures regarding operational performances, and evaluating progress toward achievement of established goals and objectives.
10. Contributes to the overall success of Project ACCESS by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director reports to the Director of Project ACCESS and in turn supervises the professional and clerical staff of the Project ACCESS office.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JULY 2009
