Behavior Health Therapist, Center for Excellence in Disabilities - Morgantown, West Virginia
Posted: Friday, February 14, 2020
West Virginia University
Position Description
Working Title Behavior Health Therapist
Division/Department CED/Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Position Location Morgantown/Monongalia
Position Terms Full-time (40hpw), benefit eligible
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Summary
The West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVUCED) provides a variety of clinical services to children and families. One of these important clinical opportunities are within the Behavior and Learning Intervention Services (BLIS) Clinic. The purpose of this position will be to provide 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy to young children, adolescents, and young adults, in a variety of settings with autism, at the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVUCED). This position will also provide trainings on ABA techniques to WVUCED trainees and existing professionals.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities are functional in nature, and performed under general supervision. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:
Pre-Clinic Activities 15%
1) Work with the Clinical Services Coordinator to determine the appropriateness of the BLIS Clinic referrals based on presenting symptoms, existing resources, and other clinical factors that may influence the health outcome and treatment approach.
2) Work with the Clinical Services Coordinator to triage incoming and existing referrals based on severity, time-sensitive needs of the patient, and the ability of the BLIS Clinic to meet the specific needs of the patient.
3) Work to create new initiatives to grow the BLIS program.
4) Review and ensure clinic assessment procedures and measures are accurate and appropriate.
5) Review and ensure clinic assessment procedures and measures are accurate and appropriate.
Client Therapy Activities 65%
6) Implement daily skills protocols, as needed.
7) Provide 1:1 direct client therapy using principals of Applied Behavior Analysis.
8) Conduct Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and develop individualized evidence-based behavior support plans.
9) Develop and implement a variety of services offerings for children and parents (e.g., workshops) that focus on areas related to behavioral therapy and skills.
10) Implement behavior support plans, transfer skills to relevant parties, and monitor ongoing progress.
11) Develop and implement Behavioral Skills Acquisition programs and Behavior Reduction protocols.
12) Provide quality check reviews of all data captured.
Post-Clinic Activities 10%
13) Communicate with parents and caregivers regarding child's ongoing performance.
14) Create therapeutic materials for clients and parents.
15) Create and disseminate educational materials and workshops for parents of children with developmental and behavioral disorders.
16) Develop trainee program that corresponds to the Behavior Analyst Certification Boards (BACB) task list.
17) Collaborate with other WVUCED providers to develop, implement, and refer individuals to other services as needed.
18) Provide information and referral to individuals looking for resources and/or services.
19) Complete billing documentation for each client.
Clinic Oversight and Training Activities 10%
20) Monitor clinic supply needs and work with clinic coordinator to order needed supplies.
21) Provide individual and group supervision for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Board Certified assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), and individuals working toward RBT, BCaBA, or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, as specified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
22) Provide training on ABA techniques to caregivers, paraprofessionals, and professionals.
23) Provide patient advocacy in the form of education, expanded explanation of current functioning, and/or therapist/teacher/parent/caregiver training.
24) Provide ABA services in a school setting to clients Pre-K through High School.
25) Collect, record, and graph data on observable client behavior data.
26) Work with the Center Statistician to analyze and interpret data.
27) Provide mentorship for trainees.
28) Work with the Communications Officer to develop content for brochures, webpage, and other BLIS Clinic media in collaboration.
29) Provide clinical supervision to undergraduate practicum students and graduate level students pursuing BCBA certification.
30) Attend WVUCED committee and staff meetings.
31) Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.
Supervisory/Lead Role
This position reports to the Center Director. Normally receives minimal instructions on routine work, general instructions on new assignments. Supervision of others is not required; however, sharing of knowledge with others and team participation is expected in the role. Program, project or activity lead responsibilities will occur or be assigned in this position.
Physical Demands
May frequently walk, stand, stoop, and reach. Ability to lift up to approximately 50 pounds. Must go from a sitting position to a standing position quickly, be able to run, and sit on the floor or stand for extended durations. Must have strong communications skills with the ability to carry out oral and written instructions and multi-task. Must be able to relay information well to others verbally and written in various forms including creating reports.
Work Environment
Works in standard office atmosphere with shared space and equipment. Moderate noise levels are experienced in the office area where the position is located. Responsible to know and comply with all safety procedures.
Requisite Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
1) Master's Degree in Psychology, Human Services or related field;
And
2) 2 years of experience in developing Skill Acquisition Programs and Behavior Reduction Protocols, and working in the disability field and with state agencies, consumers, and/or organizations;
3) 1 year of experience providing 1:1 behavioral services to individuals with autism and individuals who engage in severe challenging behavior;
Or
4) An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations
1) Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
1) Training and educational skills.
2) Strong organizational and communication skills are necessary.
3) Knowledge and background in providing evidence-based treatment to young children with special needs, or willingness to develop expertise in this area.
4) Knowledge of managing and developing evidence-based interventions for children who engage in severe challenging behaviors.
5) Knowledge of common behavior assessments, and ability to perform them and train others to perform them, including preference assessments, reinforcer assessments, functional analyses, functional behavior assessments, choice assessments.
6) Ability to develop evidence-based skill acquisition programs and behavior reduction protocols.
7) Ability to develop individualized behavior support plans based on behavior analytic assessments.
8) Ability to work and meet established deadlines with the ability to effectively communicate orally and narratively with consumers, professionals, providers, and co-workers.
9) Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
10) Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
11) Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
12) Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
13) Ability to pay attention to detail and maintain accurate records.
14) Ability to maintain confidentiality.
15) Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
16) Ability to accurate time keeping and related documentation
17) Ability to adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
18) Ability to travel statewide as needed, to provide services to clients, attend or give trainings, etc.
