ABA Tutor (High School)

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 requiring

formal education in education, psychology, behavior analysis or a related field of study. ABA

tutors study how behavior is influenced by environmental and other factors using reward

systems to reinforce positive, learned behaviors. School based ABA tutors work with special

education Team members, parents, Board Certified Behavior Analysts and other clinicians to

support 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 treat

students with disabilities who demonstrate significant behaviors. These may include

social skills, reading, math, communication, personal self-care and work skills.

• ABA tutors are required to implement educational and behavioral programs and maintain

and graph treatment data.

• When staffing students 1:1 or in a group, the ABA Tutor is required to maintain 100% visual surveillance and implement

all bolting and lost child policies with 100% fidelity.

• ABA tutors are expected to work with students who demonstrate very challenging and/or

acting out behaviors and provide hands on support for activities of daily living such as

toileting and self care in order to increase positive behaviors and reduce interfering

behaviors 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 the

expectation.

• ABA tutors use programs that are devised by behavioral specialists (BCBA/special

educator) and utilize highly structured treatment programs that are geared toward the

specific 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 may

include highly aggressive behavior like biting, hitting or pinching. Student behaviors may

include 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 to

intervene when student's exhibit undesirable behaviors.

• ABA tutors continually evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment program, and make

any necessary changes to help students learn new skills and behaviors more effectively

under 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 and

community settings.

• Implement behavior intervention strategies and program changes as decided upon in

team 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 collaboratively

with 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 services

with 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 behavior

interventions and programs, as appropriate.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Reflective learner who asks for help when needed.
• A commitment to supporting students with significant learning and behavioral challenges

to achieve high levels of functioning in an inclusive environment.

• A strong ethical orientation to the respectful treatment of people with disabilities and that

ability to receive constructive feedback and respond professionally.

• An ongoing professional curiosity as demonstrated by continued learning in the field of

special education and high personal standards for dress, conduct, communication and

education.

• An appreciation and empathy for the parents and siblings of students with significant

disabilities and the desire and skill to work collaboratively with Team members from

divergent viewpoints.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:

Work takes place in school, home and community settings. ABA tutors are often required to

travel to and between student''s homes, schools or workplaces. Tutors can spend up to 8 hours

per day with a student or small group of students and because their students may be diagnosed

with severe social disorders like autism spectrum disorder, the work can be both physically and

emotionally draining. ABA tutors can work irregular hours, such as evenings or school

vacations, 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 clear

manner.

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.