| Summary Description: Under direction of the director of the Department of Special Education Systems & Management and Autism Waiver Coordinator, completes the Level of Care assessment required annually to determine eligibility for the Maryland Autism Waiver Program. The Maryland Autism Waiver Program is a Home and Community-based 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver designed to prevent institutionalization of children diagnosed with severe autism. Completing the assessment requires collaboration between the child’s Autism Waiver Service Coordinator, Individualized Education Program team, and family. The Autism Waiver Assessor assists in completing Autism Waiver Risk Assessment evaluations to identify barriers to the child’s safety and their ability to access the community. Under the direction of the Coordinator, the Autism Waiver Assessor engages in collaborative problem-solving regarding appropriate services for children enrolled in the Autism Waiver Program.
Physical Demands: As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
Special Requirements: Attendance at evening presentations other school system meetings may be required.
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Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Thorough knowledge of K-12 public school policies and procedures relevant to special education and autism services such as the Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.05.05; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); the Americans with Disabilities Act; Every Student Succeeds Act; and other federal/state legislation that impacts students with disabilities. Thorough knowledge of the continuum of MCPS services and the procedures for students with disabilities. Thorough knowledge of nationally recognized professional domains of practice including data-based decision making and accountability; varied models of consultation, communication, collaborative problem-solving (including active listening skills) and counseling; interventions and instructional supports to develop academic skills and promote learning; and interventions and strategies to promote social and emotional functioning and mental health. Demonstrates advanced skills and abilities in gathering and using behavioral data to monitor student progress and outcomes. Advanced knowledge of biological, cultural, developmental, and social influences on behavior and learning; individual differences, abilities, disabilities, and other diverse student characteristics; principles related to diversity factors for children, families, and schools; research design, statistics, measurement, varied data collection and analysis techniques, and program evaluation sufficient for understanding research and interpreting data in applied settings; ethical, legal, and professional standards; school and systems structure; general and special education; evidence-based school practices that promote learning and mental health; principles and research related to resilience, social and emotional learning, multi-tiered prevention and intervention; and strategies to develop collaboration between families and schools. Must have knowledge of or be able to quickly obtain knowledge of and apply the six performance standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS). Demonstrated excellent written, organizational, interpersonal and human relations skills. Understanding of MCPS organization, operations, goals, and priorities. |
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Education Training Experience: Bachelor’s degree in special education, social work, or psychology. Master’s degree and/or advanced graduate specialist degree in social work or psychology preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. Certificate License: Meets Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements for teacher, school psychologist, or social worker. |
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Example Duties:Conducts annual Level of Care assessments to determine eligibility for the Maryland Autism Waiver Program.Completes Autism Waiver Risk Assessments to identify health, safety, supervision, and community access concerns.Collaborates with families, Autism Waiver Service Coordinators, school-based staff, and IEP teams to gather information and support assessment activities.Reviews and analyzes educational, behavioral, psychological, and related records to inform eligibility determinations and service recommendations.Prepares assessment reports, eligibility documentation, and required program records in accordance with established guidelines and timelines.Provides consultation and technical assistance regarding Autism Waiver eligibility requirements, assessment processes, and available services.Applies data-based decision-making practices to evaluate student needs, monitor outcomes, and support continuous service improvement.Communicates assessment findings and recommendations to families, service providers, and educational teams.Supports collaborative problem-solving to identify appropriate services and interventions for children enrolled in the Autism Waiver Program.Maintains accurate, confidential records and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and program requirements.Promotes effective collaboration among families, schools, community agencies, and service providers to support positive student outcomes.Performs related duties as assigned. |
