Behavioral Specialist

Columbia University; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in New York seeks a Behavioral Specialist to provide behavioral expertise supporting research participants with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in the ARIA IMPACT Network. You will develop individualized behavior support plans, conduct assessments, and train staff in ABA-based strategies to ensure engagement and data quality during study procedures.

Qualified candidates hold a BCBA, a Master’s in a relevant field, and at least four years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus four years of related experience.
• Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.
• BCBA certification required or equivalent.
• Experience implementing ABA interventions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional behavior assessments and develop individualized behavior support plans.
• Implement ABA-based interventions during research visits to support engagement and safety.
• Collaborate with investigators to develop and refine protocols for data quality across sites.
• Train research personnel in behavior management strategies and ABA techniques.
• Maintain accurate documentation, monitor outcomes, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Crisis prevention

Staff training

Data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience

Master's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, Counseling, Behavior Analysis or related field

BCBA certification

Tools

Functional behavior assessment tools

Data collection protocols

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: M-F 9-5
• Building:
• Salary Range: 110,000 - 120,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Behavioral Specialist provides behavioral expertise to support research participants with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders participating in the ARIA IMPACT Network. The incumbent develops and implements individualized behavioral strategies that facilitate successful completion of research assessments, optimize data quality, and ensure participant safety, comfort, and engagement throughout study procedures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional behavior assessments and develop individualized behavior support plans for research participants exhibiting challenging behaviors.


• Implement evidence-based behavioral interventions during research visits to facilitate participant engagement, safety, and successful completion of study procedures.


• Collaborate with investigators and research staff to develop, implement, and refine behavioral protocols that maximize participant cooperation and data quality across study sites.


• Train and mentor research personnel in behavior management strategies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, crisis prevention, and participant accommodations.


• Maintain accurate documentation, monitor behavioral outcomes, participate in study meetings, and ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and study requirements.


• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus four years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of paid experience implementing behavioral interventions for children and/or adults with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders.


• Demonstrated expertise conducting functional behavior assessments and developing individualized behavior support plans.

Other Requirements

• Master's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, Counseling, Behavior Analysis or a related field.


• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification or equivalent professional credential required.


• Experience implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions and supporting individuals exhibiting

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.