Behavior TechnicianAt — Center for Autism and Related Disorders

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Behavior Technicians implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment programs with CARD patients and families under the direction of a Clinical Supervisor. Treatment plans are designed to address skill acquisition as well as challenging behavior reduction and may occur in a variety of settings including the CARD center, patient’s home, school, community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians report to the CARD Operations Manager. This position has no direct reports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct treatment to patients under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor in a 1:1 or group environment
• Provide treatment that exceeds CARD’s clinical quality standards
• Collect and record data on patient progress with high fidelity
• Review and implement Clinical Supervisor feedback during each treatment session
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, families, and colleagues
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for patients, families, and colleagues
• Seek personal growth and training opportunities to ensure clinical excellence
• Maintain accurate and timely records
• Always maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements
• Represent CARD professionally and ethically to internal and external stakeholders
• Adhere to CARD policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must pass initial CARD Behavior Technician Training program, including passing a comprehensive written exam and field evaluation
• Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Empathetic and compassionate individual with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members while maintaining a positive and solution focused attitude
• Ability to work independently while providing direct treatment to patients
• An effective communicator in both verbal and written formats
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills and the ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment
• Desire to continuously learn and develop skillsets
• Willingness to work in a variety of locations (center, patient home, etc.)
• Willingness to work with a variety of patients
• Reliable means of transportation with proof of auto insurance for some locations
• Ability to commit to at least six months of employment without major changes in schedule or location
• English proficiency, both verbal and written, is required

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Treatment may occur in a variety of settings including the patient’s home, the CARD center, the patient’s school, the community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians work in environments that are both indoors and outdoors and may move between different locations throughout the course of the workday.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Be able to work with patients who are seated on the floor, in small chairs, or other home, school, community and clinic environments
• Move frequently throughout the therapeutic setting to gather materials, anticipate, and respond to the movement of a patient, and/or provide instruction in a variety of settings, such as school, playground, clinic, or community locations
• Constantly position oneself to participate and respond to the movements and behaviors of patients, including but not limited to bending to assist a patient, kneeling/crouching to teach a play skill, hurrying to block an open doorway, or reaching to prevent a patient from entering a traffic congested street
• Be able to utilize continuous visual tracking to monitor the movement of patients, as well as the items and circumstances in the surrounding environment
• Occasionally move to evade aggressive behaviors and/or physically block attempts to aggress towards others. Responding to behaviors may occasionally require bearing weight of a patient who is leaning, pushing, etc.
• Frequently teach patients to use vocal speech. Must be able to articulate sound and model speaking clearly, as well as listen to and shape vocal communication of patients
• Occasionally use modeling to teach gross motor skills, such as climbing or jumping, and fine motor skills such as clapping or opening a container
• Work in both indoor and outdoor settings as they relate to the patient’s natural environment, which may include being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (e.g., community skills, recess in a school setting, etc.)
• Be able to lift up to 30 lbs. while assisting patients

Tasks:

Implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Interventions

Provide 1:1 or small group ABA therapy to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) under the guidance of a Clinical Supervisor.
(Supports learning ABA principles and direct clinical application)

Collect and Analyze Behavioral Data

Record accurate, session-by-session data on patient progress and behaviors using professional data collection systems.
(Demonstrates understanding of data-driven treatment and clinical decision-making)

Follow and Apply Behavior Intervention and Skill Acquisition Plans

Consistently apply individualized treatment protocols and make real-time adjustments based on Clinical Supervisor feedback.
(Builds clinical judgment and applied skills in behavior analysis)

Participate in Clinical Observation and Feedback Loops

Engage in weekly supervision, incorporate feedback, and demonstrate continuous improvement across therapy sessions.
(Encourages reflective practice and professional development)

Communicate Effectively with Multidisciplinary Teams and Families

Report on patient performance, progress, and session notes with professionalism and clarity in both verbal and written form.
(Develops interpersonal and interprofessional communication skills)

Adhere to Ethical and Legal Guidelines

Practice confidentiality, follow HIPAA regulations, and uphold ethical standards in all client interactions.
(Demonstrates professional responsibility and ethical conduct)

Engage in Structured Training and Field Evaluation

Participate in two weeks of structured onboarding, including a written exam and field-based final evaluation of independent session delivery.
(Validates knowledge acquisition and field competency)

Adapt Therapy Across Settings

Deliver treatment in varied environments such as clinics, homes, schools, or community settings to generalize skills and adapt to real-world conditions.
(Reinforces flexible, client-centered treatment approaches)

Training:

The training program spans two weeks and includes both instructional and hands-on components. During the first week, trainees will receive in-depth instruction on core topics in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), culminating in a written exam to assess their understanding. The second week consists of practical experience through seven two-hour overlap sessions, during which trainees will shadow a trainer working directly with a patient. The final, eighth session will serve as a field evaluation, where the trainee is expected to independently conduct the session to demonstrate competency.

Learning Outcome:

1. By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to implement evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies in 1:1 and group settings to support skill development and behavior reduction for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

2. By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to accurately collect and record behavior data during treatment sessions and use this data to inform clinical decisions under the supervision of a Clinical Supervisor.

3. By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members in various settings, including the clinic, home, school, and community.

4. By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain client safety and confidentiality, including adherence to HIPAA guidelines and ethical standards in behavior analysis.

5. By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to reflect on their own professional development by identifying strengths, areas for growth, and steps for continued learning in the field of behavior analysis and autism treatment.