BCBA- Neuroimaging Research- PAIR

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Implementing functional behavior assessments with children with autism, recognizing and discussing signs of autism and criteria for autism spectrum disorder, and participating in clinical teams with other autism professionals. Administer verbal behavior assessments, conducting language, play, and skill-based assessments, and in designing, implementing, and/or training others using individualized language, play and skill-based curricula. The Program in Advanced Imaging Research (PAIR) conducts neuroimaging studies for young children through adults, with the aim of characterizing brain development across the lifespan. A primary aim of our research is to include children with autism-spectrum disorders who have high supports needs (e.g., limited language, intellectual disability) into neuroimaging research protocols, including procedures like MRI and MEG (magnetoencephalograpy). Our group has developed a behavior support protocol (‘INSPIRE’) designed to provide individualized and targeted supports to children and families participating in neuroimaging research. The BCBA will lead implementation of this protocol by conducting modified/abbreviated functional behavior assessments for children and adolescents to identify barriers to participation in neuroimaging procedures and to implement modifications that reduce these barriers. The BCBA will interface with parents prior to imaging visits in order to support home practice of behavioral techniques and will also be present at neuroimaging scans to provide needed supports and modifications for the child and family. In addition, the BCBA will provide training to our research assistants and coordinators in the implementation of behavior support protocols and will also collaborate with our team of radiology technologists who run the neuroimaging scans. This role will be part of a highly multidisciplinary team that includes psychologists, neuroscientists, imaging scientists, radiology technologists, and research assistants/research coordinators. Individuals who enjoy thinking creatively about behavior support techniques, who can pivot quickly to generate alternate strategies when needed, and who enjoy working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment will be good fits for this position. This position will primarily have responsibilities within standard day shift hours (830am-5pm), though some evening hours may be required to maximize flexibility for research participants. The position requires minimum 90% of time on site. Some Essential Job Functions noted for this role do not apply within the research environment. In the research environment, the BCBA will: Provide oversight to Research Assistants/Research Coordinators supporting neuroimaging scans in the Advanced Imaging Research group, including contributing to competency assessment and performance feedback and reviews. Work interactively and sensitively with parents and children to provide training and support in the context of their participation in neuroimaging protocols and research participation. Document in REDCap and research chart Note to File progress notes and reports in a clear, concise, efficient manner and in a timely fashion.

Requirements

Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) - upon hire - Required
Master's Degree Psychology, Behavioral Analysis or Education - Required
At least two (2) years post-masters experience providing behavior analysis treatment including experimental functional analysis, data analysis, significant behavior challenges and intensive behavior intervention programming in line with current research standards - Required
At least two (2) years experience providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities - Required
Skill in exercising initiative, judgment, problem solving, decision-making.
Skill in developing and maintaining effective relationships with medical and administrative staff, patients and the public.
Ability to research and prepare comprehensive reports.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to communicate clearly.
Ability to accept feedback and incorporate into professional growth and own performance improvement.
Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others
Effective and creative negotiator and problem solver.
Maintains strictest confidentiality.
Knowledge of and experience with QI tools/approaches
Building capabilities of staff

Nice To Haves

Supervised experience in 1:1 education of learners with autism across educational and community settings, as well as familiarity with designing, participating in, or supervising in-home 1:1 programs for young children with autism, collecting, graphing, analyzing, displaying and discussing data based progress - Preferred
in assessment and treatment of severe behavior disorders - Preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct a range of behavioral assessments (i.e. experimental Functional Behavior Assessments, VB-MAPP, ABLLS, curriculum based assessments)
Develop intensive behavior support plans in the clinical setting by implementing advanced techniques to address maladaptive behaviors
Design and implement functional behavioral assessment with Children with Autism spectrum and development disorders.
Develop programmed interventions for skill deficits
Conduct staff training and workshops
Complete observations and in-vivo modeling of behavior intervention plan components
Complete frequent integrity assessments to ensure fidelity of implementation of behavior intervention plans
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and any other meetings required
(Where required) work interactively and sensitively with parents to provide training and support
Supervise the professional and technical performance of behavior support staff and submit required performance assessments
Solid knowledge of the principles and practice of Applied Behavior Analysis. This includes general behavioral assessment and Ethical Standards in Behavior Analysis.
Solid knowledge of the behavioral impact of developmental disabilities, as well as the cognitive, educational, vocational and social challenges encountered by persons with developmental disabilities.
Documenting in Epic progress notes and reports in a clear, concise, efficient manner. Please refer to closing encounter policy with the hospital (inpatient) and department (outpatient) for requirements.