Behavior Technician, Severe Behavior Services Full time

Easterseals Southern California•Whittier, CA

About The Position

The Behavior Technician provides clinic- and home-based therapy to clients who exhibit severe behaviors, with services also delivered in community settings as appropriate. The role supports participants of all ages diagnosed with autism and severely challenging behaviors, which may include aggression, property destruction, self-injury, feeding issues, and other needs. Services may take place at a center, in a participant’s home, or in the community; most participants begin at a center before treatment is generalized to other settings when deemed appropriate by the family and treatment team. Direct intervention is often provided at a 2:1 staff-to-participant ratio. The technician implements individualized treatment plans, teaches socially appropriate behaviors, collects and documents behavioral data, and supports skill acquisition. The role also assists BCBAs with assessments and instructional materials, communicates results to caregivers and treatment teams, and participates in caregiver training and weekly team meetings. Sessions generally last three to four hours Monday through Friday. Technicians arrive early to prepare and remain 30 minutes after appointments to complete notes, send daily reports, graph data, and clean up. Employment is contingent on successfully completing required intermediate and advanced MCPP crisis management training. Training is provided during onboarding.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Some ABA experience and at least two years of experience working with adolescents and/or adults with profound disabilities, including autism.
Successfully pass Intermediate and Advanced MCPP Crisis Management Training; training is provided after employment begins and successful completion is required for continued employment.
Demonstrated competency in Applied Behavior Analysis interventions and methodologies, including discrete-trial and naturalistic teaching, differential reinforcement, continuous and discontinuous measurement, and crisis/emergency procedures.
Knowledge and physical competency in a formal behavior management safety course provided by ESSC or an approved affiliate.
Basic computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, Word, Outlook, and Excel; ability to learn and use an iPad or other assigned devices.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain professionalism and positive interactions, and work cooperatively with participants, families, and varied groups.
Ability to interpret and implement ESSC policies, procedures, and regulations; exercise good judgment and discretion; and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and TB test.
Ability to provide proof of required vaccinations or a positive titer showing immunity; a signed declination may be acceptable for certain vaccinations.
Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record and fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and FBI, as required.
Ability to travel locally and maintain a compliant driving record, auto insurance, and vehicle registration.
Meet physical demands including frequent lifting/carrying of 0–30 pounds and occasional lifting/carrying of up to 70 pounds; frequent standing up to four hours per day; occasional sitting up to three hours per day; and frequent walking up to three hours per day.
Perform walking, bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and twisting; travel up to 50% of the time; and work around unpleasant or hazardous conditions such as noise, yelling, dust, and bodily fluids for 20–50% of work time.
Ability to view a computer monitor and read newsprint.

Responsibilities

Support and work with participants diagnosed with autism and severely challenging behavior across age groups and service settings.
Collect behavioral data through direct observation using procedures suited to participants’ individualized needs.
Assist BCBAs, as directed, with behavior assessments, skill acquisition plans, functional analyses, preference assessments, and instructional materials.
Teach socially appropriate behaviors identified in treatment plans and maintain treatment integrity.
Support participants’ development of meaningful skills and outcomes.
Communicate intervention results to caregivers and treatment teams daily.
Provide direct intervention, often at a 2:1 staff-to-participant ratio, using effective communication and teamwork.
Prepare for therapy sessions and complete session notes, daily reports, data graphs, and cleanup after appointments.
Participate in caregiver training, including collecting data on caregiver performance and providing feedback on implementation.
Attend weekly team meetings for each participant on the caseload and provide data-based input within a behavior analytic framework.
Perform other duties as assigned.