Ethics & Leadership

First Leap is a Pediatric Developmental Center providing ABA Therapy and Speech-Language Therapy – located in Central Texas

Job Title: Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist Reports To: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists apply the principles of behavior analysis to treat patients who have difficulties with socially significant behaviors. These may include social skills, reading, communication, personal self­care and work skills. ABA therapists often work with children, but treat adults with developmental or learning disorders as well. ABA therapists are often able to help autistic children increase positive behaviors and reduce interfering behaviors through the use of reinforcement procedures.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

●  Interpersonal Skills: Works well with others. Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and contributes to building a positive team spirit.

●  Language Skills: Ability to communicate fluently in English, verbally and in writing. Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish and/or American Sign Language preferred. Ability to effectively present verbal information in one­on­one and small group situations to patients, parents and other staff.

●  Computer Skills: General knowledge of computer usage and ability to use electronic health record (EHR), word processing, email and the Internet.

Experience:

●  Experience working with children with disabilities and children on the autism spectrum is desired

●  No prior criminal history

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties listed below are not inclusive, but characteristic of the type and level of work assigned for this position. Individual employees may perform all or some combination of the duties listed below, as well as other related duties.

Planning and Preparation:

●  Developing specific instructional programs and activities for patients as directed by BCBA.

●  Develops and implements daily schedule as suggested by the BCBA

●  Maintains and records appropriate data.

●  Scheduling appropriate meetings and the completion of required paperwork for meetings.

●  Develops and implements materials needed for instruction.

Implementation:

●  Implements and monitors goals, objectives and activities under the direction of a BCBA and adjusts instruction according to feedback from specialist or administrator.

●  Operates audiometer to perform hearing screenings.

●  Assists the BCBA in establishing a safe and secure learning environment that is responsive to assigned

patients needs.

Assessment and Use of Assessment Information:

●  Demonstrates knowledge and use of a variety of data collection techniques.

●  Provides appropriate/constructive timely feedback for patients to enhance learning.

●  Demonstrates knowledge of and use of a variety of assessment/screening tools effectively under the direction

of the BCBA specialist.

Communication:

●  Consistently communicates with supervising BCBA regarding specialized programs and results from the sessions.

●  Provides routine notes and feedback

●  Communicates clearly with parents, other First Leap staff, specialist and administration regarding patients or

patients as directed by BCBA staff.

●  Seeks additional information from BCBA or administrator as warranted.

●  Participates effectively at regular team meetings with BCBA, other support staff using appropriate social

skills, problem solving and conflict resolution.

Professional Leadership and Conduct:

Identifies professional strengths and limitations and sets and meets performance goals.

Creates a positive work environment by:

• Tolerating others’ points of view
• Soliciting input from others
• Resolving conflict at the lowest level possible
• Responding effectively to crisis situations

●  Follows First Leap procedures, especially as outlined in the Staff Handbook.

●  Participates in continuing education opportunities essential for the implementation of intervention strategies.

●  Acts conscientiously by: maintaining good attendance

1. being punctual for stated work hours and meetings
2. notifying appropriate staff and others of absences and schedule changes in a timely manner
3. completes required paperwork in specific time and manner

Marginal Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned

●  Answers telephone.

●  Types/Generates documents as necessary.

●  Faxes documents.

●  Files documents.

●  Delivers paperwork to various locations as directed by supervisor.

●  Completes inventories.

●  Orders necessary supplies as directed by Supervisor.

●  Shops for requested items necessary for instruction.

●  Cleans, organizes and sets up learning environment.

●  Cleans storage area & therapy area.

●  Washes dishes.

●  Repairs toys and furniture when broken.

Qualifications:

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 functions.

● Education and/or Experience:Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four­year college or university (Special Education preferred); or two­to­four years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. .

●  Interpersonal Skills: Works well with others. Focuses on resolving conflict; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and contributes to building a positive team spirit.

 

●  Language Skills: Must be able to communicate fluently in English, verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information and respond verbally to inquiries or complaints from parents, administrators, staff, patients, and the general public. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports, business correspondence.

●  Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to create and interpret bar graphs.

●  Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

●  Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient with database and word processing software; electronic health record (EHR); e­mail and Internet.

●  Confidentiality: The employee maintains the integrity of confidential information relating to agency records and data, patients, families, colleagues, or public. The employee uses or relays personal and agency information only in the course of performing assigned responsibilities and in the best interest of the individuals involved.

●  Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Certificates as determined by the First Leap, including a valid driver’s license.

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 regularly required to talk or hear; sit and use hands for fine manipulation, to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Learn more:   FIRST-LEAP.COM

For more information contact:

Laura Alison Kruse, M.Ed, BCBA

Owner/Director

512.887.2126

Laura@first-leap.com

512.887.2126  |