SSB uses evidence-based methods to help the participant acquire skills that promote independence and integration into the community, which are not behavioral in focus. While SSB develops a Skill Building Plan (SBP) based on the participant’s goals, the person providing SSB is not the primary implementer of that Plan. People who provide other supports such as Community Support, Supported Employment, Day Habilitation or Residential Habilitation are primarily responsible for implementation of the SBP.

Other people with regular contact with the participant—such as family, friends, neighbors and employers--may also implement the SBP to ensure consistent application of the approach determined most effective for that participant’s skill acquisition. Aligning paid and natural supports in using the same SBP also promotes generalization of skills across different environments, often a challenge for individuals with ASD. Possible skills include how to cook or use public transportation.
1. SBP Development includes the following activities carried out by the qualified Skill Building provider: Conducts an evaluation of the participant’s abilities and learning style that is related to goals in the ISP. The evaluation may include the participant’s history with skill acquisition as well as identification of the participant’s baseline skills. Within 60 days of the start date of SSB, a SBP must be developed to address objectives that are aligned with the goals of SSB. The SBP should be informed by Applied Behavior Analysis and use techniques such as backward and forward chaining, prompting, fading, generalization and maintenance to develop adaptive skills and promote consistency of instructional methods across environments. The SBP includes benchmarks for assessing progress. A participant’s SBP may address multiple skills, as appropriate to address different goals or objectives. The SBP justifies necessary levels of SSB services. BAS reviews the amount of direct and consultative service requested before authorization to ensure it is appropriate given the needs identified. Upon completion of the initial SBP, meets with the participant, family, SC, and other providers to explain the SBP to ensure all parties understand the plan, how to implement it, how to collect necessary data for evaluating effectiveness, and the importance of its consistent application.
2. Ongoing Support: Upon completion of the initial SBP, the SSB provider provides direct and consultative supports. This service may be furnished in a participant’s home and at other community locations.

Direct supports include: o Support of and consultation with the participant to help them understand the purpose, objectives, methods, and documentation of the SBP and review recommended revisions; o Direct interaction or observation of the participant to evaluate progress and the need to revise the SBP or its objectives. Consultative supports include: o Support of family members, friends, waiver providers, other support providers, and employers to help them understand the purpose, objectives, methods, and documentation of the SBP and to understand any revisions that have been made to the plan which have previously been agreed upon with the participant; o Monitoring and analyzing data collected during implementation of the SBP based on the goals of the SBP; o Modifying and revising the SBP.

Travel time may not be billed by the provider as a discrete unit of this service.

Qualifications*: Individuals furnishing Systematic Skill Building must meet the following qualifications prior to service provision:

 Hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in Social Work, Psychology or Education OR at least a BA/BS in a human services field related to Social Work, Psychology or Education OR at least a BA/BS in another field AND 3 years’ experience directly supporting individuals with ASD in the community

 Complete required training developed or approved by BAS regarding services for people with autism spectrum disorders and other trainings required for the Systematic Skill Building service  If transporting participants, have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 14 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift

Application Question(s):

• Do you hold a Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in Social Work, Psychology or Education OR at least a BA/BS in a human services field related to Social Work, Psychology or Education OR at least a BA/BS in another field AND 3 years’ experience directly supporting individuals with ASD in the community

Location:

• Clifton Heights, PA (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Clifton Heights, PA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person