Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director of Special Services or his/her designee, and with necessary support from the building principals, assess and assist in the development of intervention plans for students whose impairments preclude their use of natural speech and/or writing as a primary means of communication, as well as their communication partners and the various environments in which communication occurs. The AAC Specialist will provide consultation, education, and in-services, as needed, to the IEP Team to implement communication strategies to support the student's access to the educational curriculum. They will assist in the selection, ordering and trial of AAC devices. 

May include, but not limited to the following:
*Accepts and reviews referrals in accordance with established AAC referral procedures.
*Determines AAC needs as part of a comprehensive assessment, which addresses all areas related to the student's disability and are based on the student's strengths, tasks, and expectations.
*Reports and interprets findings in oral and written form.
*Conducts trials with tools/devices to determine most appropriate tools for the student.
*Designs and/or adapts appropriate augmentative communication systems or programs to help students successfully access learning and make progress in the educational environment. 
*Provides direct support including training, direction and consultation regarding individual student's AAC needs for the IEP Team.
*Consults with parents, teachers, and others to provide information and support relative to the identification, access and use of augmentative communication system, including curriculum and classroom modifications. 
*Keeps accurate and up-to-date records, including assessments, reports, progress reports, IEPs, schedules, service logs, and others that may be administratively required.
*Attends IEP meetings as needed.
*Assists with troubleshooting and problem solving relative to augmentative communication tools.
*Provides technical assistance to Speech and Language Pathologists in the assessment of student needs, selection of technology, and implementation of assistive technology support.
*Complies with the rules and regulations set forth in federal and state special education laws and regulations. 

*A Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology is required, including specialized training in Augmentative Alternative Communication.
*Minimum of two years working in a setting directly related to augmentative alternative communications and/assistive technology is preferred.
*Massachusetts (DESE) certification as teacher of children with speech and language disorders.
*Massachusetts state license
*ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
*Experience with children with moderate and severe communication disorders and with young children preferred.
*Knowledge of:
*The general purpose and applications of AAC systems;
*Skills in evaluating children's symbols skills;
*Switches and corresponding skills necessary for use of AAC devices;
*Perceptual skills necessary to access AAC systems;
*How seating and positioning influences access to AAC;
*Methods used to customize AAC systems; and
*Skills to prepare and give training to various audiences.

Andover Public Schools (APS) seeks candidates who embody our ethos, which includes valuing the identities of all students, high expectations for all students, teaching excellence, collaboration, innovation, respect, and responsibility. APS is committed to hiring and supporting a racially and ethnically diverse faculty and staff. Racially and ethnically diverse teachers produce a myriad of positive outcomes for all students, especially the most historically marginalized students.

Andover is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer