26-27 Board Certified Behavior Analyst Specialist (BC/BA) - AIM Program

Position Summary 

The A.I.M Program (Adapt, Include, Motivate) is a specially designed program for students on the autism spectrum. Students receive specialized instruction designed to fit their individual needs within a substantially separate classroom with opportunities in the general educational setting when deemed appropriate, by the student’s educational team. The program is supported by a team of clinical specialists (BCBA, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologist and Counselor). The program’s methodology of teaching relies heavily on the philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through the utilization of various strategies including discrete trial training (DTT), errorless learning, prompting hierarchies, and incidental teaching. The classrooms also utilize a multi-sensory approach and total communication systems. Generalization of skills and independence are goals for all students within the program. Delivery of instruction occurs in 1:1, small group, and/or large group settings with appropriate supports and behavioral plans in place. The AIM program currently services children in pre-k through 8th grade in both the Capuano Early Childhood Center and the Winter Hill Community Innovation School. 

209-day work year

Scheduled School Year: 184 days

Additional work days: 25 days outside of the regular school year which would include SPED Summer School Programs.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Maintain responsibilities outlined in the BACB Ethical Code, including but not limited to:
• Develop behavior support plans for students, requiring informed and signed consent prior to implementation of intervention. All plans are based on assessment in accordance with BACB guidelines
• Develop skill acquisition programs for students, which include individualized, observable, measurable and socially significant goals.
• Develop data collection systems for students and classrooms requiring behavior plans
• Attend consultation and IEP Team meetings as requested or mandated.
• Train school staff (including paraprofessionals), students and families on implementation of behavioral skill acquisition and behavior change procedures and protocols (using Behavior Skills Training model incorporating instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback) including data collection
• Supervise implementation of skill acquisition and behavior change programs and procedures by observing, modeling, providing feedback, and providing ongoing training to others.
• Conduct comprehensive Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and make appropriate clinical recommendations.
• Create Behavioral Support Plans (BIPs) that can be implemented in a classroom and outline how data is collected to measure progress on the BIP.
• Provide consultation for staff, students, families and other caregivers.
• Collaborate and consult with other providers regarding behavior plans, curriculum modifications, accommodations and social skills
• Review and edit IEP goals for behavior needs. Assure that all behavior objectives in each student’s IEP are addressed and implemented with fidelity
• Graph and analyze data collected by teachers and staff.
• Perform periodic observational checks and monitor procedural integrity
• Provide behavioral reports to Special Education and/or General Education administration staff and team members who have been approved to access data (i.e. Adjustment Counselors, Psychologists, Consultants, etc.)
• Disseminate ABA principles and concepts across people and settings.
• Maintain student records and documentation in accordance with the Ethical Code. ? Participates in program/administrative meetings as requested by supervisors.
• Stay abreast of developments and changes in district and state-wide policies and procedures
• Maintain professional status as required (certification, etc.)
• Assist with other duties as directed by supervisory staff.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Licensure (required)
• MA state Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certification
• At least 3 years of relevant experience preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

• Ability to work in a school and library/media center environment, including frequent interaction with students and staff.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time throughout the workday.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and instructional technology for prolonged periods, including managing digital resources and media systems.
• Ability to lift, carry, and shelve library materials up to 20 pounds, including books, equipment, and instructional resources.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and crouch to access materials on low or high shelves and assist students.
• Ability to push and pull carts containing books and materials within the library or school.
• Ability to visually monitor and supervise students in the library/media center and during instructional activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and in environments with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to facilitate lessons, read aloud, and present information to individuals and groups of students.
• Ability to navigate school buildings, including stairs, hallways, and shared spaces.

Reporting Relationships

• Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment

Position Type: 
Employment Status: 

• Full-Time
• Schedule: 184 work days / Scheduled School Year
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Salary shall be commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with the Somerville Educator's Union collective bargaining agreement.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work

Salary : $75,327 - $147,145