REPORTS TO
Building Principal Administrative designee evaluates and supervises & Town-wide Board Certified Behavior Analysts Special educator - supervises
NATURE AND SCOPE
Applied behavioral analysis ABA tutors are behavior development professionals requiring formal education in education psychology behavior analysis or a related field of study. ABAtutors study how behavior is influenced by environmental and other factors using rewardsystems to reinforce positive learned behaviors. School based ABA tutors work with special education Team members, parents, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and other clinicians to support students in accessing their Individualized Education Program goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES
Applied Behavior Analysis ABA tutors apply the principles of behavior analysis to treat students with disabilities who demonstrate significant behaviors. These may include social skills, reading, math, communication, personal self-care, and work skills. ABA tutors are required to implement educational and behavioral programs and maintain and graph treatment data. When staffing students 11 or in a group, the ABA Tutor is required to maintain 100 visual surveillance and implement all bolting and lost child policies with 100 fidelity. ABA tutors are expected to work with students who demonstrate very challenging and/or acting out behaviors and provide hands-on support for activities of daily living such as toileting and self-care in order to increase positive behaviors and reduce interfering behaviors through the use of reinforcement procedures. ABA tutors work one-on-one in small groups in classroom and community settings, including the students home with students and possibly parents. Morning or afternoon home services during extended school hours may be part of the expectation. ABA tutors use programs that are devised by behavioral specialists, BCBAspecial educator, and utilize highly structured treatment programs that are geared toward the specific students needs. ABA tutors use the principles of behavior analysis to help students improve social play, language, and academic skills while helping reduce interfering behaviors, which may include highly aggressive behavior like biting, hitting, or pinching. Student behaviors may include but are not limited to significant self-injurious behavior such as head bangingskin picking and gouging. ABA tutors are skilled in the strategies that reinforce positive behaviors and how to intervene when students exhibit undesirable behaviors. ABA tutors continually evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment program and make any necessary changes to help students learn new skills and behaviors more effectively under the supervision of the BCBAREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
ABA tutors are required to have a bachelors degree or masters degree in psychology or related fields or significant specific training on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis provided by an educational or training institution. Training should focus on principles and procedures of behavioral analysis along with attending courses in observational methods, behavioral applications, and developmental disability treatment. Additionally, ABA tutors must participate in ongoing job-based competency training via in-service professional development. Licensure is not mandatory for ABA therapists who work directly with students in school settings at this time. ABA tutors must be currently trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention CPI for both active and passive intervention with students in crisis. If not certified prior to employment, the ABA tutor must be willing to be trained by WPS. If certification has lapsed, the ABA tutor must agree to attend continued training and ongoing re-certification.
KNOWLEDGE ABILITY & SKILL
Provide direct ABA instruction to children in school, home, and community settings. Manage a flexible schedule while providing services in both school, home, and community settings. Implement behavior intervention strategies and program changes as decided upon in team meetings and/or as directed by behavior specialistspecial educator. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrate excellent time management, communication skills, and work collaboratively with other members of the team, parents, and supervisors. Maintain and graph program data with a high degree of integrity and rigor. Attend scheduled sessions and implement one-to-one behavior intervention services with clients and families in a timely and consistent manner. Receive feedback in a professional manner and implement feedback. Attend team meetings as appropriate, relate observations, and model behavior interventions and programs as appropriate.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Reflective learner who asks for help when needed. A commitment to supporting students with significant learning and behavioral challenges to achieve high levels of functioning in an inclusive environment. A strong ethical orientation to the respectful treatment of people with disabilities and the ability to receive constructive feedback and respond professionally. An ongoing professional curiosity as demonstrated by continued learning in the field of special education and high personal standards for dress, conduct, communication, and education. An appreciation and empathy for the parents and siblings of students with significant disabilities and the desire and skill to work collaboratively with team members from diverse viewpoints.
JOB ENVIRONMENT
Work takes place in school, home, and community settings. ABA tutors are often required to travel to and between students homes, schools, or workplaces. Tutors can spend up to 8 hours per day with a student or small group of students and because their students may be diagnosed with severe social disorders like autism spectrum disorder, the work can be both physically and emotionally draining. ABA tutors can work irregular hours such as evenings or school vacations to accommodate students IEP goals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Have means of transportation, license to drive, and proof of valid insurance. No prior criminal history. Pass a CORI check. Able to work and play with children who may be aggressive physically and verbally, e.g., hit, kick, spit, scratch, bite, hair pull with high frequency. Willing to support students with significant personal care issues, e.g., toileting, medical hygiene. Possess the ability to lift a minimum of 75 pounds. Possess the ability to frequently move about and bend down. Write legibly and communicate using a variety of media in a professional and clear manner.
The Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.