BCBA Program Director

Company Description

FirstSteps for Kids, Inc. specializes in improving the lives of children diagnosed with Autism, PDD, Asperger's syndrome, and related disorders. FirstSteps provides early intervention services using state of the art, empirically validated Applied Behavior Analysis treatment. We have been serving families in Los Angeles County, Contra Costa County, Ventura County, and surrounding areas since 2005.

For more information please visit www.firststepsforkids.com.

Please submit your RESUME and COVER LETTER in one SINGLE document please... (DOC or PDF)

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Minimum Education Required for Position

Master's Degree

Minimum Certification Required for Position

BCBA Required

Job Description + Responsibilities

FIRSTSTEPS FOR KIDS, INC.

In the current state of the field, behavior analysts have many choices of organizations to work for, and we invite you to choose quality first.

At FirstSteps, we value implementing autism treatment with the highest degree of integrity above all else. Join our team and you'll become part of a talented group of professionals who are committed to improving the lives of young children with autism and related disorders by continuing to innovate ABA treatment while at the same time maintaining the highest standards of quality.

In addition to our dedication to treatment integrity, our mission is to provide a dynamic, nurturing, supportive environment for our staff. We emphasize team work, honesty, and mutual respect. Most importantly, we strive to maintain a family atmosphere and enjoyable working environment, which is fundamental to our success as a company. FirstSteps is committed to providing a work environment that accelerates professional development, with opportunities for training and promotion, conference attendance, and research experience.

We currently have full time availability for professional behavior analysts in our East Los Angeles (Alhambra, CA); Walnut Creek, CA and West Los Angeles, CA office.

Being a part of team FirstSteps affords one endless opportunities to practice excellence in ABA intervention - and enjoy doing so - including:

• On-going Continuing Education Units and professional development opportunities, including annual team-building retreat
• Work alongside and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field
• Fun and challenging work environment emphasizing creativity and ingenuity
• Opportunities to shape our field via participation in and presentation of research
• Competitive salaries
• Compensation for drive time and mileage
• Health Insurance (medical, dental, eye/vision) and Professional Liability Insurance
• Paid vacation + sick time
• Retirement Plans
• Our team members give 100% to their clients and we like to reward them for doing so. FirstSteps is known for bringing the FUN!

Program Director Job Description

The Program Director (PD) is a professional behavior analyst and clinician responsible for all clinical, supervisory, and case management aspects of service delivery for a caseload of children diagnosed with autism and related disorders. The PD is the driving force behind each child’s individualized treatment program, from short- and long-term goal development and programming, to managing and supervising a team of behavior technicians (Instructors) in implementing the program effectively. Additionally, PDs may participate in a variety of activities and projects for the betterment of the company and the behavior analytic field, to include conducting and presenting research, speaking in the community, volunteering at autism events, and working on clinical development and marketing projects.

Essential Job Functions Include (but are not limited to):

ABA Program Design + Implementation

The PD takes ultimate responsibility for mapping and modifying a thorough clinical plan for each learner, with the goal of giving each child every opportunity to reach his or her best possible outcome.

• Create comprehensive and balanced Treatment Plans, tied to assessments and tailored to each client’s individual needs, to teach skill deficits across all relevant developmental areas, including Verbal Behavior and Functional Communication, Play Skills, Social Behavior, Self-Care, Motor, Perspective Taking, Executive Functioning, and Academics (if relevant)
• Design Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) based on sound behavior analytic principles as tied to function, with clear operational definitions, antecedent strategies, consequence strategies, clearly defined schedules, and fade plans
• Make treatment recommendations based upon consensus in peer-reviewed research, in conjunction with family considerations and client needs

Management + Mentorship of Instructional Teams

A significant portion of the Program Director’s work is the proactive and comprehensive oversight, supervision, training, and mentorship of Instructors working on his/her teams, ensuring accurate and consistent implementation of programs.

• Run efficient and effective Team Meetings for each client
• Observe and train Instructors to fluency on intervention techniques (behavioral skills training)

Supervision of BACB Candidates

PDs may supervise and prepare mentees to be professional behavior analysts and to achieve FirstSteps Excellence.

• Provide immediate and regular performance feedback, both in person and documented on Competency tracking system
• Comply with all BACB supervisor guidelines including proper documentation and ensuring mentee meets all standards before signing Experience Verification Form, for the betterment of the field

Collaboration with Funding Sources + Coordination of Care

The PD works professionally and collaboratively to establish and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with those who fund his/her children’s programs.

• Write elegant and accurate assessment and progress reports for school districts, regional centers, and insurance providers, using sound behavioral terminology and appropriate data collection.
• Conduct phone peer-reviews with health-insurance providers, clearly articulating clients’ medical needs
• Attend IEP and IFSP/IPP meetings and work collaboratively with other team members to develop the most comprehensive and appropriate treatment program for each child

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree required; Degree in Psychology or closely related field strongly preferred
• Behavior Analyst Certification (BCBA)
• 2 years prior experience in a similar role (Case Supervisor, Program Manager, etc.) with exemplary performance

For more information about FirstSteps for Kids, Inc. we encourage you to visit our website at www.firststepsforkids.com.

Please send your resume and cover letter by replying to this ad. We look forward to meeting you!

Applications must include a COVER LETTER.