POSITION SUMMARY: The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Specialist provides intensive behavioral assessment/treatment services to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism in residential and day program settings. The ABA Specialist participates in the continued behavioral assessment across settings, as well as the application of treatment strategies derived from an ABA model by the clinical team. The ABA Specialist implements interventions based on the results of systematic behavioral assessments including functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), analysis of parent-child interactions, and reinforcer assessments. The ABA Specialist works as a member of the clinical team to provide individually designed behavior support plans to decrease problem behavior, while increasing adaptive, more appropriate responses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direct supervision of and in coordination with a Behavior Analyst and/or Behavior Specialist and/or Clinical Director, the ABA Specialist performs the following duties:
  
  • Provide intensive behavioral assessment and treatment services to individuals in accordance with the behavior support plan including but not limited to Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and antecedent and consequence-based strategies to ensure effective, function-based, treatment
  • Collect behavioral data relative to treatment strategies being implemented for individuals including but not limited to assessment/observation data, and daily behavior data for the purposes of providing clinical/behavioral services to Elwyn New Jersey residents
  • Provide all appropriate documentation set forth by the clinical team and regulations including but not limited to daily progress notes and data tracking to ensure accountability to service recipients, stakeholders, funders, and regulatory entities
  • Implement and ensure staff adhere to individualized behavior support plans for individuals served through provision of training and feedback as necessary
  • Train, mentor, and monitor staff on delivery of care to individuals served with behavioral intervention techniques as antecedent and consequence-based strategies
  • Work with members of Elwyn's operational and healthcare teams to ensure continuity of care by participating in meetings, providing training, and sharing information as necessary
  • Work with clients on daily living skills, including but not limited to hygiene and household tasks, in a structured, therapeutic environment to ensure progress is made towards independence
  • Work with the operational team to design and implement recreational activities including but not limited to shopping, going out to eat, and attending events for the purpose of increasing community integration
• Attend scheduled staff meetings to share and receive pertinent information
• Attend appropriate in-service as directed by supervisor and required by funder and regulatory bodies to remain in compliance with Elwyn policies and procedures and state mandates
• Report all problems or concerns to supervisor or director(s) as soon as possible to ensure safety and provide a therapeutic environment for service recipients
• Provide staffing coverage and assistance as needed by fulfilling the duties of a direct-care staff when staffing ratios dictate the need, and/or as directed by supervisor or director
• Remain on duty until relieved
• Maintain current state-mandated training and certifications
• Follow all current policies and procedures of Elwyn New Jersey
• Cooperate with Elwyn New Jersey and the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services, or any other authorized investigating body during an inspection or investigation
• Works with, understands, and complies with terms and conditions of collective bargaining agreements (CBA) within a unionized environment
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), safe crisis management, and medication administration using agency-trained protocols
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or graduate equivalency diploma (GED); undergraduate degree in human services or a related field preferred
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities with the focus on behavioral services.
• Experience working with individuals with acute behaviors and or challenging behaviors
• Previous knowledge /training in areas of applied behavior analysis or one (1) year applied behavioral strategies, including, but not limited to, reinforcement schedules, token economy programs, picture schedules, etc.
• Previous knowledge/training with individuals who utilize augmentative communication devices
• Experience with ABA strategies desired
• Non-profit human service experience highly preferred
• Previous experience working within unionized workforce preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions
• Demonstrated intermediate experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must be able to perform CPR and safe care using agency-trained protocols
• Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) / Electronic Medical Record (EMR) preferred
• Must have current, valid driver's license in state of residence, three (3) years driving experience in the United States, and acceptable driving record