Behavior Technician

CARD; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

ORGANIZATION

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders is seeking highly motivated professionals to join our team. As a member of our growing, founder-owned organization, you’ll have the opportunity to join a well-established, mission-driven industry leader focused on helping people with autism live their best lives. CARD offers a dynamic work environment where your talents and skills will be valued and rewarded. The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is among the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. CARD treats autistic individuals using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method addressing the behaviors and deficits commonly associated with autism. With locations throughout the US, CARD’s mission is to provide top-quality services that help every patient fulfill their potential and live joyful lives.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Behavior Technicians implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment programs with CARD patients and families under the direction of a Clinical Supervisor. Treatment plans are designed to address skill acquisition as well as challenging behavior reduction, and may occur in a variety of settings including the CARD center, patient’s home, school, community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians report to the CARD Operations Manager. This position has no direct reports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct treatment to patients under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor in a 1:1 or group environment
• Provide treatment that exceeds CARD’s clinical quality standards
• Collect and record data on patient progress with high fidelity
• Review and implement Clinical Supervisor feedback during each treatment session
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, families, and colleagues
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for patients, families, and colleagues
• Seek personal growth and training opportunities to ensure clinical excellence
• Maintain accurate and timely records
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements at all times
• Represent CARD professionally and ethically to internal and external stakeholders
• Adhere to CARD policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must pass initial CARD Behavior Technician Training program, including passing a comprehensive written exam and field evaluation
• Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Empathetic and compassionate individual with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members while maintaining a positive and solution-focused attitude
• Ability to work independently while providing direct treatment to patients
• An effective communicator in both verbal and written formats
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Desire to continuously learn and develop skillsets
• Willingness to work in a variety of locations (center, patient home, etc.)
• Willingness to work with a variety of patients
• Reliable means of transportation with proof of auto insurance for some locations
• Ability to commit to at least six months of employment without major changes in schedule or location
• English proficiency, both verbal and written, is required
• Must pass tuberculosis test

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Treatment may occur in a variety of settings including the patient’s home, the CARD center, the patient’s school, the community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians work in environments that are both indoors and outdoors and may move between different locations throughout the course of the work day.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Be able to work with patients who are seated on the floor, in small chairs, or other home, school, community, and clinic environments
• Move frequently throughout the therapeutic setting to gather materials, anticipate and respond to the movement of a patient, and/or provide instruction in a variety of settings, such as school, playground, clinic, or community locations
• Constantly position oneself to participate and respond to the movements and behaviors of patients, including but not limited to bending to assist a patient, kneeling/crouching to teach a play skill, hurrying to block an open doorway, or reaching to prevent a patient from entering a traffic congested street
• Be able to utilize continuous visual tracking in order to monitor the movement of patients, as well as the items and circumstances in the surrounding environment
• Occasionally move to evade aggressive behaviors and/or physically block attempts to aggress towards others. Responding to behaviors may occasionally require bearing weight of a patient who is leaning, pushing, etc.
• Frequently teach patients to use vocal speech. Must be able to articulate sound and model speaking clearly, as well as listen to and shape vocal communication of patients
• Occasionally use modeling to teach gross motor skills, such as climbing or jumping, and fine motor skills such as clapping or opening a container
• Work in both indoor and outdoor settings as they relate to the patient’s natural environment, which may include being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (e.g., community skills, recess in a school setting, etc.)
• Be able to lift up to 30 lbs. while assisting patients