Behavioral TechnicianAt — Autism Learning Partners

Job Overview:

As a Behavioral Technician (ABA), you will work directly with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental disorders to implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Your primary responsibility will be to assist in the development and execution of individualized treatment plans, while providing compassionate and effective support to clients and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Therapy Implementation:

  • Implement ABA therapy techniques as outlined in individualized treatment plans.
  • Conduct one-on-one therapy sessions with clients in various settings, including home, school, or clinic.
  • Use behavior modification techniques to improve clients' skills in areas such as communication, social interaction, daily living, and academic skills.

• Data Collection and Analysis:

  • Collect and record data on clients' progress, behaviors, and responses during therapy sessions.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of client progress, behaviors, and any incidents.
  • Assist in the analysis of data to assess the effectiveness of treatment plans and make necessary adjustments.

• Collaboration:

  • Work closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other clinical team members to review and update treatment plans.
  • Communicate effectively with clients’ families to provide progress updates and address any concerns.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to case discussions and treatment planning.

• Client Support:

  • Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with clients.
  • Provide encouragement and reinforcement to support clients’ progress and development.
  • Ensure a safe and supportive environment for clients during therapy sessions.

• Professional Development:

  • Stay current with best practices and developments in ABA therapy.
  • Attend training sessions, workshops, and continuing education opportunities as required.

Therapy Implementation:
Conduct One-on-One Sessions: Deliver individualized ABA therapy sessions to clients based on their treatment plans.
Apply Behavioral Techniques: Implement behavior modification strategies, including positive reinforcement, prompting, and shaping, to address targeted behaviors and skill deficits.
Use Teaching Tools: Utilize instructional materials and interventions, such as visual aids, social stories, and sensory tools, to facilitate learning and skill development.
Data Collection and Documentation:
Record Client Data: Accurately document client behavior, progress, and responses during therapy sessions using standardized data collection methods.
Maintain Records: Keep detailed and organized records of client sessions, including any notable changes in behavior or progress.
Review Data: Assist in the analysis of collected data to monitor client progress and make data-driven decisions regarding treatment adjustments.
Collaboration and Communication:

Work with the Clinical Team: Collaborate with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), supervisors, and other team members to implement and adjust treatment plans.
Communicate with Families: Provide regular updates to clients’ families about their progress and any significant observations during therapy sessions.
Participate in Meetings: Attend team meetings and training sessions to discuss client progress, address challenges, and stay informed about new strategies or protocols.
Client Support and Interaction:

Build Rapport: Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients to create a supportive and trusting therapeutic environment.
Encourage Engagement: Motivate clients to participate actively in therapy and achieve their goals.
Provide Emotional Support: Offer encouragement and reassurance to clients to help them navigate challenges and build confidence.
Behavior Management:

Address Challenging Behaviors: Implement strategies to manage and reduce challenging behaviors, ensuring that interventions are effective and appropriate.
Ensure Safety: Maintain a safe environment for clients, taking necessary precautions to prevent accidents or harm.
Professional Development:

Pursue Ongoing Training: Engage in continuing education and professional development opportunities to stay updated on the latest ABA techniques and best practices.
Seek Feedback: Regularly receive and incorporate feedback from supervisors and BCBAs to enhance therapeutic skills and effectiveness.
Administrative Tasks:

Prepare Reports: Assist in preparing progress reports and summaries for clients, detailing their achievements and areas for improvement.
Manage Scheduling: Coordinate with families and the clinical team to schedule therapy sessions and manage any changes to appointments.
Compliance and Ethics:

Follow Protocols: Adhere to all organizational policies, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements in the delivery of ABA therapy.
Maintain Confidentiality: Ensure the confidentiality and privacy of client information in accordance with HIPAA and other relevant regulations.

Training:

On-the-Job Training:
Supervised hands-on training with experienced ABA therapists or BCBAs is crucial.
This training typically includes:
Shadowing: Observing and learning from experienced therapists.
Practical Application: Implementing ABA techniques under supervision.
Feedback and Evaluation: Receiving regular feedback to refine skills and techniques.
Ongoing Professional Development:
Continuing Education: Regularly attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions to stay updated on the latest developments in ABA therapy and best practices.
In-Service Training: Participation in periodic in-service training provided by the employer to address new protocols, techniques, or changes in treatment plans.
Skills Development:
Communication Skills: Training in effective communication with clients, families, and team members.
Crisis Management: Training in handling challenging behaviors and crisis situations effectively and safely.
Ethics and Professionalism: Understanding ethical guidelines and maintaining professionalism in all interactions with clients and their families.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to provide client support, collect and record data on clients' progress, collaborate, use behavorial modifications to provide support with clients.