Behavior Analyst

Chileda's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with cognitive and behavioral challenges. Chileda's goal is to help students increase their appropriate social behaviors and develop independent living skills through an enriched learning environment and individualized behavior programming. Chileda's population includes children and young adults with special needs, including Autism, Attachment Challenges, related developmental delays, and intensive behavioral needs.

SUMMARY: Behavior Analysts at Chileda's main campus are integral members of the Behavior Department, working collaboratively to support students in developing socially appropriate behaviors and independent living skills through individualized behavior plans and a dynamic, enriched learning environment. The Behavior Analyst completes functional behavior assessments, develops positive behavior support plans (PBSPs) using function-based interventions, PBSP intervention protocols, conducts behavioral therapy for students on their caseload, and provides family guidance or caregiver training to families and/or aftercare environments.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree in an area of behavioral science (psychology, education, etc.)
• Dually licensed as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA).
• Minimum of two years of work experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and attachment challenges is preferred, as well as experience working with individuals who demonstrate severe, challenging behaviors is also preferred.
• In-depth understanding of evidence-based practices to improve social skills and decrease interfering behaviors.
• Intermediate computer skills to learn and operate software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite,
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, etc.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of and ability to train and implement Behavior Support Plans and Treatment Plan goals.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to successfully become an Approved Driver through Chileda's Approved Driver Procedure.

GENERAL HOURS OF DUTY: This is a full-time, salaried position averaging a minimum of 40 hours per week. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with flexible hours that include nights and weekends as needed. Travel may be required for this position. Travel may occur in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and surrounding counties throughout the state, or to surrounding states. "On-call" will be required, as needed, during short staffing periods.

REPORTS TO: Director of Behavior Services

JOB DUTIES:

• Attend pre-enrollment meetings and conduct the functional behavioral assessment interview with previous placements, families, and the school district to develop the initial Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP) for incoming students.
• During the initial pre-enrollment process, thoroughly review the initial PBSP and program expectations with the family, client, and social worker.
• Work collaboratively with the behavior specialists to analyze data and ensure reports for quarterly and annual Treatment Plan meetings are completed in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in meetings with county workers and parents for clients on assigned caseload.
• Communicate clearly in understandable language (avoiding jargon) when interacting with the individual and the interdisciplinary team, demonstrating understanding, compassion, and collaboration when interacting with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and/or functional analysis of behaviors for clients, including 30-day FBAs and annual FBAs.
• Develop FBAs based on indirect and direct assessments.
• Develop Behavior Support Plans using evidence-based approaches after completing a functional behavior assessment.
• Include the client and parents/guardians in assessments and behavior plan development and implementation as they are able.
• Meet with students (who are able) regularly to review their progress and discuss their goals
• Train and oversee the initial and updated PBSP implementation and collaborate with all team members to promote fidelity of implementation.
• Will frequently perform fidelity checks on PBSP implementation across environments
• Use behavioral assessments, when necessary, such as the VB-MAPP, ABLLS, AFLS, etc., to identify current skills and guide treatment.
• Perform Discrete Trial Training sessions with students if necessary, per assessments, and train staff on these procedures.
• Professionally document results of the assessments and functional behavior assessment and develop specific, measurable, attainable, reliable, and time-bound (SMART) goals in the Treatment Plan.
• Train individuals (DSPs, leaders, families, school personnel, etc.) using competency-based training and behavioral skills training. Complete checks and analyze data to monitor progress toward meeting goals and objectives.
• Ensure data collection is reliable and valid, assess interrater agreements as necessary, and monitor the accuracy of behavior data collection and data entry.
• Complete interobserver agreement assessments to promote fidelity of behavior data collection throughout environments.
• Work with team members to promote accurate and consistent behavior data collection.
• Stay up-to-date with current trends in treatment to ensure utilization of evidence-based approaches.
• Conduct behavioral therapy sessions with clients as needed.
• Respond to behavioral crises and provide support and guidance.
• Use de-escalation techniques and implement emergency interventions as a last resort, as outlined in the student's PBSP.
• Monitor the use of emergency interventions for students on the case load and work to develop plans to decrease the use of emergency interventions.
• Develop and facilitate learning opportunities for staff, families, school districts, and community agencies.
• Provide BCBA supervision for those getting their master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and provide consistent feedback to their supervisees.
• Comply with all applicable licensing rules and accreditation standards of regulatory entities.
• Develop Family Guidance plans with goals based on individualized, socially significant needs of the family or care team.
• Recognize, take immediate action when necessary, and report unsafe or non-trauma-informed conditions.
• Teach ABA behavior modification trainings through staff meetings, de-briefings, or other behavior in-services and promote generalization of these concepts into Chileda's daily routine.
• Develop aftercare and discharge plans for the students to help them, their families, and external teams know how to help the student continue to maintain their skills.
• Train families, aftercare placements, and external teams when services are requested on campus or in a new environment to promote successful discharge.
• Conduct in-home trainings to families or caregivers for referrals, or students who have immediate needs who are on our waitlist (travel required).
• Abide by and train others on the RBT® and BCBA Ethics Code.
• All other duties as assigned.

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the Job Duties of this position successfully. While performing the duties of this job, there is frequent physical interaction with students in the context of fulfilling self-care, implementing behavioral interventions, and participating in educational and recreational programs. The position involves implementing all aspects of Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention (CPI), including blocking, grab releases, physical transport, and physical restraint. Must be able to talk and hear to communicate with and exchange information with co-workers. Employee must be able to perform all essential functions without direct risk of harm to others or themselves. Please see the Essential Functions document for specific position physical demands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: First shift work will be performed primarily by attending all required meetings, collaborating with first shift employees in all environments, keeping up-to-date on all paperwork in your office, and participating in training/observations that occur during the school day in the classroom. Evening shifts will be primarily performed in residential homes, with some transitioning to the education building for on-campus activities. Time may be spent outdoors with students in the courtyard to observe programming or assist on crisis calls. The Behavior Analyst may be asked to assist with outings by riding in Chileda vans to public places in the community, such as stores, libraries, sporting events, and swimming pools, or to medical appointments for behavioral support. The Behavior Analyst will be required to respond to crisis situations across various environments on any shift they are working.

DISCLAIMER: The statements of this Job Description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not assumed to be a complete list of tasks. This Job Description does not establish a contract and is subject to change at Chileda's discretion at any time. Employment at Chileda is at-will. Employment at-will means that Chileda may terminate or change your employment status at any time, with or without reason, and with or without notice.

Chileda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.