POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Associate Director, Project Access
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2545
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Project ACCESS-Autism Program Specialist
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Associate Director for Project ACCESS serves as an Autism Resource Specialist and performs all of the essential duties and responsibilities of that job description. In addition, the Associate Director assists with the development of policies and procedures related to Project ACCESS operations, monitors and reports work progress of Autism Resource Specialists, provides training and support to Autism Resource Specialists, assigns work to Autism Resource Specialists to ensure that contract goals are met, is responsible for quality assurance of Autism Resource Specialists work product, and performs the Director’s duties in the absence of the Director.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A master’s degree with an emphasis in special education or a closely related field is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least four years of responsible experience at a Missouri public school, Project ACCESS, the Missouri State Department of Education, or at another agency in a role that primarily serves schools in their capacity to support students on the autism spectrum is required. Previous supervisory experience is preferred.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Demonstrated supervisory skills are required, effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. The ability to perform individual assessments and evaluations is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs all of the duties and responsibilities of an Autism Resource Specialist including development and delivery of in-person, online, and blended professional development for Missouri public school staff that aligns with autism research and evidence-based practices.2. Identifies and develops resources that can be used in educational environments to support instruction, and consults with Missouri public school districts regarding (1) determining special education eligibility in the area of autism, (2) creating and managing district autism programs, (3) performing functional behavior assessments as required by law, and (4) executing behavior and social communication assessment and instruction with fidelity to established best practice guidelines.
3. Assists the Director in policy development, staff training, as well as maintaining a collaborative and effective work environment. Acts as Director when delegated or in their absence.
4. Coordinates appropriate educational programs for students with autism by consulting with public school staff, collecting and analyzing needs assessment data, and innovating effective contract activities to meet those needs in collaboration with the Director and the Dean of the College of Education.
5. Guides Autism Resource Specialists to ensure alignment with contract goals and funding requirements. Oversees task assignments, progress monitoring, quality assurance, and targeted training.
6. Oversees execution of selected contract deliverables through project management including work planning, budgeting, delineating necessary resources, establishing priorities within the agency for time and effort management in collaboration with the Director.
7. Manages selected contract activities by presenting opportunities to Missouri public school educators who are working with students with autism including presenting at in-services, online, and at conference or training events and marketing these events to employees of Missouri public school districts.
8. Serves as the Director in the absence of the Director and in matters that may be delegated by the Director.
9. Compiles quarterly reports to the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and using these summaries to inform the future work of the project.
10. Keeps staff informed of current autism intervention research and best practices through ongoing resource sharing and training.10. Contributes to the overall success of Project ACCESS by performing all other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Project ACCESS Associate Director may occasionally supervise full-time and part-time professional and clerical staff.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED AUGUST 2025
