Position: Behavior Therapist (BT)
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Reports to: Behavior Analyst Clinician
Pay: $23-$25 hourly for therapy sessions with client ($14.60 training rate for online work from home)
Company DescriptionBehavior Change Institute is a nationally recognized service agency that specializes in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism and their families. The Albuquerque Journal has awarded Behavior Change Institute a Top Workplace nomination for four years running! We are always looking for motivated professionals who share our commitment to improving the well-being of others!
Job Description
Behavior Therapists (BTs) provide 1:1 behavioral intervention to individuals diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. We provide direct services to children and adults but specialize in early intervention and school-aged programming.
Behavior Therapists work in the family home and in the community based on the needs of the individual under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Clinician. Interventionists implement behavioral strategies to improve socially significant behaviors and the quality of life for children and their families. This includes the implementation of a treatment plan developed by a BCBA addressing functional communication, challenging behavior, daily living, vocational, and social skills. The Behavior Therapist is responsible for monitoring the child's progress of goals outlined in the treatment plan by reporting progress to the BCBA through daily data collection and clinical documentation.
Essential Duties Include The Following:
- Communicate BCI’s philosophy of positive behavioral practice, compassion and respect.
- Follow all policies and protocols set forth in the BCI employee handbook.
- Collect daily data as prescribed by your supervisor (BCBA).
- Complete clinical documentation to communicate with team members and insurance funders about progress on goals and any barriers.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records and documentation
- Implement the strategies outlined in the child’s behavior plan.
- Contact your supervisor with any questions, comments, or concerns.
- Timely communication with your supervisor about the child you are working with, especially if there are any concerns.
- Direct the child’s caregivers and circle of support to your supervisor (BCBA) for any questions pertaining to the child’s goals being addressed, progress being made, strategies to employ.
- Maintain professional boundaries with the child, family and circle of support per the BACB Professional and ethical Code of Conduct
- All other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Criminal Background Check Clearance
- Access to a reliable means of getting to and from work consistently
- The ability to obtain a valid U.S. Driver’s License
- Proof of Auto Insurance
- Successful completion of the credentialing from BCI’s contracting agency
- Preference for bilingual candidates (Spanish fluency)
Mandatory Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training & Registration Process. Information on the RBT credential can be found at www.bacb.com - Behavior Change Institute is an approved RBT training center!
Candidates selected for employment must complete an unpaid RBT Internship training program online from home to earn the credential needed to work in this position, unless candidates already have the RBT credential. The internship training program is comprised of:
- 40 Hour online BACB approved coursework for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credentialing examination
- Attendance at telehealth (virtual Skills Clinics) (mandatory attendance)
- Formal Skills Competency Checklist and RBT Exam (exam provided at Pearson Professional Testing Center in one of these locations:
- Albuquerque, NM
- El Paso, TX
- Lubbock, TX
- Roswell, NM
- Durango, CO
Additional Training Required:
- CPR or Basic Life Support certification course (not provided by Behavior Change Institute but $50 reimbursement provided)
- RBT credentialing exam (provided at Pearson Professional Testing Center and fully reimbursable by BCI - $95)
- Other trainings as required (see below)
Attend workshops, training, and in-services provided by BCI or by an outside agency if asked by BCI to do so. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Behavioral and Psychological Skills
- Ability to utilize the least restrictive measures in avoiding escalated situations.
- Ability to use interventions that involve the use of empathy, compassion, positive behavioral programming, respect, openness, client-centered approach, as well as those best practice interventions outlined in the treatment plan
- Ability to utilize positive reinforcement to shape behavior.
- Ability to analyze and distinguish between individual versus systemic issues.
- Ability to engage in active listening.
- Ability to calm critical situations involving a child.
- Ability to use applied behavioral analysis principles.
Professional Skills Required
Adaptability and flexibility
- Ability to work effectively in the midst of changing needs, conditions and work responsibilities
Attention to detail
- The ability to perform work tasks that require significant attention or understanding
Working relationships
- Ability to work well, collaborate, and cooperate with all stakeholders, including management, co-workers, or clients
Professional composure
- Ability to work effectively when exposed to emotionally distressed individuals in person or over the phone
Writing Skills
Ability to produce data and daily notes on specific cases, as well as specific interventions provided during the course of work. Ability to write in English and produce written material with appropriate grammar.
Language Skills
Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions from your direct supervisor (BCBA/BCaBA) and caregivers when appropriate.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, pictorial or schedule form. Ability to demonstrate good judgment and efficiency during decision-making.
Other Skills
Ability to work collaboratively with others. Ability to prioritize tasks and demonstrate efficient use of time. Ability to portray a professional, polished appearance and manner. Knowledgeable on the practice of positive behavioral programming. Ability to operate tablet technology and navigate online practice management software.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, run, sit, stand and drive. The employee is also required to use their hands and reach with their arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Employees are required to engage in frequent vocalization to effectively carry out verbal behavior training for clients requiring vocal communication training, as well as provide vocal instructions for clients who have listener discrimination programs, verbal reinforcement procedures, and other vocal instructions targeted in their treatment plans. Discerning client vocal behavior is essential to one’s ability to carry out specific ABA treatment protocols. Full auditory functioning is required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this job. The employee may be required to intervene in physically demanding behavioral interventions with physically aggressive clients.
Part-time benefits include:
- Employee Assistance Program
- Complimentary Counseling For Employees & Family Members
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Accident Coverage
Additional Information
We take great pride in our professional team and therefore we provide competitive pay and ongoing opportunities for professional development and advancement!
Behavior Change Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
