Supervisor - Autism Specialists and Programming

As the Supervisor of Autism Specialists and Programming at SPS, we are looking for an experienced leader to oversee our Autism Specialists team and manage autism-related initiatives. This role involves supervising staff, providing training, and supporting professional development to ensure high-quality programming for individuals with autism. The ideal candidate should be proficient in program development, program management, and collaborating with educational, clinical, and community partners. They must be dedicated to applying evidence-based practices, evaluating program outcomes, and fostering continuous improvement to meet the needs of neurodiverse populations.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Reports to the Chief of Exceptional Learning & Related Services
• Acts as a liaison between Springfield Public Schools and various agencies to support Transition services for Autistic students
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates district Autism Specialists and related staff. Oversees district-wide autism programs and supports PreK- Transition along the full continuum of services
• Collaborates with school administrators, special education teams, and families to develop and review IEPs for students with ASD.
• Provides training and consultation on instructional strategies, data collection, and behavioral supports.
• Implements evidence-based practices, curricula, and interventions for students with autism.
• Delivers professional development on autism-related topics and ensures compliance with IDEA, ADA, and local regulations.
• Collects and analyzes data to monitor student progress and program effectiveness, recommending improvements as needed.
• Serves as a liaison with community agencies and service providers.
• Participates in hiring, onboarding, and professional development of Autism Specialists.
• Maintains current knowledge of research and best practices in autism education.
• Supports crisis intervention and resolves issues for students with ASD.
• Ensures legal compliance and services for students with special needs.
• Supervises staff, manages planning and evaluation, and ensures compliance with best practices.
• Manages scheduling, caseloads, and staff coverage.
• Provides direct support or consultation on complex cases.
• Prepare reports and documentation in accordance with standards.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Chief of Exceptional Learning & Related Services

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Certified as a Special Education Administrator by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, BCBA or similar credential preferred
• Three to five years of successful teaching experience in the areas of special education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA 2004 and 603.CMR 28.00
• Demonstrated knowledge in best practices in meeting the needs of all children with disabilities.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience required
• Strong knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, evidence-based practices, and current research
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with project management and program evaluation

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!"

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at [email protected].

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, [email protected], the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [email protected].

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website,

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to [email protected]