ABA Tutor

REPORTS TO:Building Principal/Administrative designee (evaluates and supervises) & Town-wide Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA/special educator - supervises)

NATURE AND SCOPE:Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) tutors are behavior development professionals requiringformal education in education, psychology, behavior analysis or a related field of study. ABAtutors study how behavior is influenced by environmental and other factors using rewardsystems to reinforce positive, learned behaviors. School based ABA tutors work with specialeducation Team members, parents, Board Certified Behavior Analysts and other clinicians tosupport students in accessing their Individualized Education Program goals.

Our District:Westwood is a welcoming suburban community with an exceptional track record of supporting and celebrating its public schools. As a district, we are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, and we understand that a diverse team allows us to serve our community better. We welcome and encourage individuals of every race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status to seek opportunities within our school district.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tutors apply the principles of behavior analysis to treatstudents with disabilities who demonstrate significant behaviors. These may includesocial skills, reading, math, communication, personal self-care and work skills.
• ABA tutors are required to implement educational and behavioral programs and maintainand graph treatment data.
• When staffing students 1:1 or in a group, the ABA Tutor is required to maintain 100% visual surveillance and implementall bolting and lost child policies with 100% fidelity.
• ABA tutors are expected to work with students who demonstrate very challenging and/oracting out behaviors and provide hands on support for activities of daily living such astoileting and self care in order to increase positive behaviors and reduce interferingbehaviors through the use of reinforcement procedures.
• ABA tutors work one-on-one, in small groups, in classroom and community settings,including the student's home, with students and possibly parents.
• Morning or afternoon home/services during extended school hours may be part of theexpectation.
• ABA tutors use programs that are devised by behavioral specialists (BCBA/specialeducator) and utilize highly structured treatment programs that are geared toward thespecific student's needs.
• ABA tutors use the principles of behavior analysis to help student's improve social, play,language and academic skills, while helping reduce interfering behaviors, which mayinclude highly aggressive behavior like biting, hitting or pinching. Student behaviors mayinclude but are not limited to significant self-injurious behavior such as head banging,skin picking and gouging.
• ABA tutors are skilled in the strategies that reinforce positive behaviors and how tointervene when student's exhibit undesirable behaviors.
• ABA tutors continually evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment program, and makeany necessary changes to help students learn new skills and behaviors more effectivelyunder the supervision of the BCBA

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:ABA tutors are required to have significant specific training on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis provided by an educational or training institution. Training should focus on principles and procedures of behavioral analysis, along with attending courses in observational methods, behavioral applications and developmental disability treatment. Additionally, ABA tutors must participate in ongoing job-based competency training via in-service professional development.Licensure is not mandatory for ABA therapists who work directly with students in school settings at this time. ABA tutors must be currently trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) for both active and passive intervention with students in crisis. If not certified prior to employment, the ABA tutor must be willing to be trained by WPS. If certification has lapsed, the ABA tutor must agree to attend continued training/ongoing re-certification.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY & SKILL

• Provide direct ABA instruction to children in school, home and community settings.
• Manage a flexible schedule while providing services in both school, home andcommunity settings.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and program changes as decided upon inteam meetings and/or as directed by behavior specialist/special educator.
• Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate excellent time management, communication skill and work collaborativelywith other members of the team. parents and supervisors.
• Maintain and graph program data with a high degree of integrity and rigor.
• Attend scheduled sessions and implements one-to-one behavior intervention serviceswith clients and families in a timely and consistent manner.
• Receive feedback in a professional manner and implement feedback.
• Attend team meetings, as appropriate, relate observations, and model behaviorinterventions and programs, as appropriate.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Reflective learner who asks for help when needed.
• A commitment to supporting students with significant learning and behavioral challengesto achieve high levels of functioning in an inclusive environment.
• A strong ethical orientation to the respectful treatment of people with disabilities and thatability to receive constructive feedback and respond professionally.
• An ongoing professional curiosity as demonstrated by continued learning in the field ofspecial education and high personal standards for dress, conduct, communication andeducation.
• An appreciation and empathy for the parents and siblings of students with significantdisabilities and the desire and skill to work collaboratively with Team members fromdivergent viewpoints.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:Work takes place in school, home and community settings. ABA tutors are often required totravel to and between student's homes, schools or workplaces. Tutors can spend up to 8 hoursper day with a student or small group of students and because their students may be diagnosedwith severe social disorders like autism spectrum disorder, the work can be both physically andemotionally draining. ABA tutors can work irregular hours, such as evenings or schoolvacations, to accommodate student's IEP goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Have means of transportation, license to drive and proof of valid insurance.
• No prior criminal history. Pass a CORI check.
• Able to work and play with children who aggress physically and verbally (e.g., hit, kick,spit, scratch, bite, hair pull) with high frequency.
• Willing to support students with significant personal care issues (e.g., toileting, medical,hygiene).
• Possess the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Possess the ability to frequently move about and bend down.
• Write legibly and communicate using a variety of media in a professional and clearmanner.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Westwood Public Schools is committed to ensuring that applicants are recruited, hired, and promoted on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability to meet the job demands without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.