Educational Specialist - Aurora IL (54484)

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma, and those at risk to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose.  We are looking for a Educational Specialist who exemplifies that mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference. 

What will you be doing?

The Educational Specialist is responsible for the development, training, and implementation of meaningful and purposeful programming delivered in AID’s Community Day Service (CDS) settings. The programming will encompass a variety of interests, accommodate multiple levels of intellectual functioning, encourage client engagement, promote independence, and focus on skill acquisition. The CDS programming will incorporate, but is not limited to, activities that address the following areas: fine and gross motor skills, attention span development, safety, activities of daily living, communication, social interaction, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, capacity for independent living, health and wellness, leisure/recreation, and community integration. The Educational Specialist is responsible for consulting with staff regarding strategies, interventions, and supports to assist clients with autism. This includes program development that is tailored to meet the client’s specific needs.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Agency programming development – including on-going revisions and additions
2. Develop framework and expectations for structured day program activities such as: cooking, educational classes, gym/physical activity, outings, vocational skills, Fun Fridays, skill acquisition, Smartboard, crafts, etc. 
3. Developing and maintaining individualized schedules, documentation, training, and programming as needed
4. Training and supporting staff on programming/curriculum implementation
5. Training, modeling, and supporting staff to facilitate 1 on 1, small group and large group learning activities
6. Incorporating individualized client outcomes into CDS programming
7. Consultation, training, and support to clients Inter-Disciplinary Team 
8. Observation and consultation of potential new clients or current clients for intake, placement, supports, and programming needs
9. Autism consultation regarding program and client needs
10. Provide Autism training/orientation for staff
11. Provide training for staff on CDS programming related topics, such as: activity facilitation, differentiation, levels of participation, modes of communication, etc. 
12. Maintain and expand community engagement (outings, volunteer sites, on-site guests, etc.)
13. Autism support for clients residing in AID CILA programs – recommendations for outcomes, accommodations, and modifications for success in the CILA environment
14. Collaboration with Program Manager to ensure client programming and schedules are implemented as established
15. Collaboration with BCBA (regarding client’s behavioral needs, plan revisions, accommodations, modifications for client’s programming needs, etc.)
16. Conduct observations and provide feedback to staff on best practices and programming expectations
17. Training and consulting with staff in order to ensure they are providing clients with opportunities to engage in a variety of outings and activities
18. Develop and maintain partnerships, coordinate schedules, and train on skills utilized at volunteer sites, AID Warehouse, food deliveries, etc. 

What will we provide Full Time employees. Benefits_Summary.pdf 

• 21 Days of Paid Time Off plus 10 Paid Holidays 
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, Critical Illness and accident insurance
• 401K with a 3.5% company contribution after one year.

What will you bring to the table?

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education                 

License/certifications: Professional Educators License (Type 03, 09, or 10)

Experience: 2 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities including autism and 2 years of teaching experience        

Preferred (not required): Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Illinois State Board of Education LBS1/Type 10, DSP Training, QIDP Training, CPI Training, Curriculum Development Experience            

Physical:

• No lifting restrictions
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Standing, walking, and/or sitting for significant periods of time
• Able to run for brief periods of time
• Able to climb a ladder

Equipment:

• Computer, Email, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Board Maker, Interactive White Board, CX360, Relias, Paycom, etc.
• Audio Visual Equipment
• Assistive Technology
• Adaptive Equipment (Lifting device, gait belt, walker, wheelchair, etc.)
• Tablets including iPads
• Copier/Printer
• Laminator
• Walkie-Talkies
• Telephone/Cell Phone

Additional Requirements:

• Must meet Illinois QIDP certification requirements.
• Must pass all modules of DHS sanctioned DSP training if not on registry.
• Must complete required CEUs and CPDUs for QIDP and teacher certification.
• Must have valid Illinois Driver’s License, good driving record, and have minimal liability auto insurance
• Must acquire and maintain CPR, First-Aid, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Prevention (CPI 1 & 2).
• Must maintain teaching certification.

If we seem like a good fit, consider joining our growing team of compassionate, hardworking, and caring individuals, and start your path toward a fulfilling career that you can be proud to work.