Montana Autism Education Project Specialist (00178)

This first review of applications will be September 24, 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor's name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI's purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000 students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400 school districts, 16,000 educational professionals, and 3,000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview:

The purpose of this position is to increase public schools' awareness of and improve services provided to students with autism spectrum disorder and/or significant behavioral challenges as well as provide educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to educate these students while following the requirements of the IDEA, the Administrative Rules of Montana and current best professional practice most effectively.

This position provides assistance and training/knowledge to school districts and other public agencies providing special education and related services to students with autism or significant behavioral challenges. The position provides consultative services to school districts to improve district services to students with autism and behavioral challenges or to individual students with autism or challenging behaviors. The Statewide Coordinator works with other agencies/organizations (Developmental Disabilities Program, Easter Seals, Part C Service Providers, Head Start, Montana Counseling Association, et al) to increase interagency cooperation and knowledge. This position is part of the Student Support Services Unit at OPI and is involved in Tier 2 and Tier 3 MTSS activities. This position oversees a budget of approximately $200,000 annually to carry out this work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of autism spectrum and behavioral disorders, special education and autism and behavioral programs, teaching methodologies; principles of planning and organization.

• Knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of applied behavior analysis and educating students with autism spectrum disorders and behavioral difficulties.

• Knowledge of the philosophy, policy, rules, and regulations governing schools.

• Knowledge of maintaining a web blog.

• Skills in effective leadership and teamwork, establishing and maintaining working relationships with co-workers, technical personnel, diverse groups of professionals, and the public.

• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policy, and procedures, and apply them to the collection, analysis and evaluation of school improvement activities and the determination of program effectiveness.

• Ability to maintain a high level of technical and educational skills, providing leadership for policy.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others using verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to plan and direct an educational service program, to coordinate the work of others, to prioritize work and ensure completion of work plans.

• Ability to apply federal and state laws and regulations and OPI policy.

• Ability to present the overall goals and objectives of the Superintendent and the OPI.

• Ability to effectively establish and maintain professional interactions and communications with OPI staff and with educators and others in the field.

• Ability to understand and apply adult learning principles in training.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, School Psychology, Speech and Language Pathology, or related field.

• Three years job related work experience.

• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred

• Certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or Board-Certified Associate Behavior Analyst.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.