What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Behavior Technician position at Thrive Upstate?
Purpose Statement
The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) provides direct, person-centered behavioral support to adults age 18 and older who receive residential services through Thrive Upstate.
Under the ongoing supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), the RBT implements individualized behavior-support and skill-acquisition programs, collects accurate data, and works collaboratively with residential staff to promote independence, dignity, safety, and meaningful community participation.
This position is distinguished by the delivery of evidence-based services in accordance with written treatment plans, the RBT Ethics Code, Thrive Upstate policies, and all applicable state and federal requirements. The RBT does not design behavior plans, conduct independent assessments, or make clinical changes without direction from the supervising BCBA.
Position Responsibilities:
· Implements behavior-reduction, skill-acquisition, communication, daily-living, and community-integration programs exactly as written and trained by the supervising BCBA.
· Provides direct one-to-one and small-group behavioral support to adults receiving residential services in homes, day activities, and community settings, as assigned.
· Collects, records, and submits accurate data on target behaviors, replacement skills, goals, and treatment integrity using approved paper or electronic systems.
· Uses reinforcement, prompting, shaping, task analysis, antecedent strategies, and other approved applied behavior analysis procedures within the RBT scope of practice.
· Responds safely and professionally to challenging behavior and crisis situations by following approved behavior-support plans, safety procedures, and required reporting protocols.
· Communicates observations, progress, barriers, and concerns promptly to the supervising BCBA and appropriate residential leadership; seeks clinical direction before changing any intervention.
· Collaborates with direct-support professionals, families or guardians, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
· Participates in required supervision, competency assessments, team meetings, training, and professional-development activities and maintains all documentation required for RBT certification.
· Protects each individual’s rights, privacy, dignity, and preferences and completes incident reports, session notes, and other documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
Essential Skills and Experience
QUALIFICATIONS:
· SKILLS: Ability to build rapport with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; follow written clinical protocols; collect objective data; communicate clearly; remain calm during challenging situations; and use sound professional judgment within the RBT scope of practice.
· Specific competencies include implementing treatment procedures with fidelity, using approved data-collection and documentation systems, protecting confidentiality, working effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team, and adapting support to individual communication, mobility, sensory, and cultural needs.
· KNOWLEDGE: Basic understanding of applied behavior analysis principles, reinforcement, prompting, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, professional ethics, trauma-informed and person-centered support, individual rights, mandated reporting, and health and safety practices. Knowledge may be acquired through required training and supervised practice.
· Flexibility is required to work in residential and community environments, adjust to individual schedules and service needs, and provide services during days, evenings, weekends, or holidays as assigned.
Ability is required to work respectfully with diverse individuals and teams, follow detailed written and verbal instructions, accept performance feedback, maintain reliable attendance, and preserve confidentiality at all times.
· Problem solving is required to identify immediate safety concerns, apply trained procedures, document objective observations, and promptly seek guidance from the supervising BCBA or designated leader when circumstances fall outside the written plan or the employee’s training.
· Responsibilities are performed under the direction and ongoing supervision of a qualified BCBA. The RBT must remain within the credentialed scope of practice, demonstrate treatment integrity, and actively participate in supervision and competency-based feedback. This position has a direct impact on the quality, safety, and effectiveness of services provided.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position does not supervise others and does not independently develop, approve, or modify behavior-analytic treatment plans.
Experience: Experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, or behavioral health needs is preferred. Experience in residential, community-based, or direct-support services is also preferred.
Education and Credentials: High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be at least 18 years of age. Current Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board is preferred; candidates who are not currently certified must meet eligibility requirements and obtain certification within the timeframe established by Thrive Upstate. Continued employment requires maintenance of active certification and completion of required supervision and renewal activities.
Additional Requirements: Successful completion of required background checks, health and safety training, and agency orientation. A valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to travel between service locations may be required based on assignment. Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mental & Physical Demands- ADA Guidelines
Physical Demands C F O N/A Lifting Requirements C F O N/A
Stand X 10 pounds or less X
Walk X 11 to 20 pounds X
Sit X 21 to 50 pounds X
Physical Demands C F O N/A 51 to 100 pounds X
Handling X > than 100 pounds X
Reach Outward X Pushing & Pulling Requirements C F O N/A
Reach Above Shoulder X 12 pounds or less X
Climb X 13 to 25 pounds X
Crawl X 26 to 40 pounds X
Squat or Kneel X 41 to 100 pounds X
Bend X > than 100 pounds X
Other:
Definitions
C Constantly Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs/day)
F Frequently Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs/day)
O Occasionally Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs/day)
N/A Not Applicable Activity is not applicable to this occupation
Thrive Upstate is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status.
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent an expressed or implied contract of employment nor does it alter your at-will employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.
Pay: $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Supporting adults w/ behavior needs: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Current (RBT) certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19