Behavioral Specialist III - Profound Autism Research Study

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$58,300 - $72,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Specialist III is responsible for providing advanced behavioral expertise within a structured research study involving children and adolescents with significant developmental and communication differences. This role is focused on supporting participants and their families through standardized experimental procedures, ensuring high-quality data collection and a supportive, safe experience during study participation. This position does not provide ongoing clinical treatment or longitudinal care, but instead delivers targeted behavioral support, observation, and structured interaction aligned with study protocols. A Behavioral Specialist III applies expertise in behavioral assessment, applied behavioral analysis (ABA), counseling, and/or social work, and developmental disabilities to facilitate participant engagement, optimize data integrity, and support caregiver understanding of study procedures. The role requires a high degree of independence, as well as collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree psychology, social work, education, school psychology or a similar field of study
At least four (4) years experience with direct care of children and adolescents with social, emotional and behavioral needs.
Knowledge of typical and atypical youth development and related areas.
Knowledge of child and adolescent psychopathology
Knowledge of therapy and psychological assessment with youth and families
Knowledge of Applied Behavioral Analysis and behavioral methodology and principles.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing in English.
Computer skills including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
Ability to direct and motivate staff teams.
Critical analysis and problem solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with other health care team providers.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree

Responsibilities

Under supervision and in conjunction with the research team, serves as the primary behavioral specialist supporting assigned study participants and their caregivers during assessment visits.
In accordance with study protocols, supports participant engagement during structured experimental procedures using individualized behavioral strategies.
Independently identifies, operationalizes, and tracks behaviors that may impact protocol completion or data quality.
Implements proactive behavioral supports to facilitate participant cooperation and comfort.
Maintains fidelity to study procedures while adapting approach to meet individual participant needs.
Coordinates daily assessment flow in collaboration with research staff to ensure efficiency and protocol adherence.
Demonstrates competency and expertise in the principles and practice of applied behavior analysis. This includes the current BCBA Task List and the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
Under supervision, participates in behavioral observation and contributes to the characterization of participant functioning within the assessment context.
Conducts structured behavioral observations during study visits.
Identifies communication, social engagement, and behavioral regulation patterns relevant to assessment outcomes.
Assesses environmental, sensory, and behavioral factors influencing participant performance.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to support accurate interpretation of behavioral data.
Serves as a resource to team members on behavioral strategies for participants with complex needs.
Maintains appropriate documentation and data collection procedures in accordance with research standards.
Completes timely, accurate, and protocol-aligned documentation of participant behavior during assessment sessions.
Collect and organizes behavioral data to support study objectives.
Assists in maintaining fidelity of data collection procedures.
Prepares summaries of participant behavior for internal research team use, as needed.
Maintains a safe, structured, and supportive environment during all participant interactions.
Provides close supervision to participants during assessment activities to ensure participant safety and well-being.
Implements proactive strategies to reduce distress and support regulation.
Collaborates with team members to adjust environmental factors (e.g., sensory supports, pacing) to optimize participation.
Participates in team collaboration, training, and professional development activities.
Attends and actively participates in team meetings, supervision, and study trainings.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to enhance study implementation and participant experience.
Contributes to training efforts related to behavioral support strategies and protocol fidelity.
Participates in research-related activities such as presentations or internal process improvement initiatives.
Provides mentorship and modeling to junior behavioral staff as applicable