ABA Therapist

ABA Therapist Position at Kuumba Academy Charter School

Kuumba Academy Charter School (KACS) is a tuition-free public charter school in partnership with Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. (CCAC). KACS is committed to educational excellence through the innovative union of academics, arts, technology, and family engagement, nurturing each individual's learning style to develop creative learners who are positive agents of change in the community. KACS is open to all students Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Responsibilities of the ABA Therapist include utilizing a behavior analysis method to provide interventions for students exhibiting challenging behavior that interferes with their learning. The ABA Therapist is responsible for observing and assessing different student behaviors and developing plans to alter behaviors. The ABA Therapist collaborates with behavior interventionists, deans, counselors, teachers, coaches, and administration, and serves as a resource within the school and for the community.

The ABA Therapist is responsible for the creation and implementation of behavior improvement plans created from data obtained by observations, teachers, and one-on-ones. This position also supports teachers in creating and implementing effective classroom management plans.

Leadership, Assessment and Coaching: Study student behavior (screen and assess) and apply ABA principles. Create FBAs, BIPs, character support plans for students, and classroom management plans for teachers. Assist with the planning and delivery of parent workshops and informational sessions around behavior. Provide intensive intervention plans for struggling students individually or in small groups within or outside of the students' classrooms. Analyze school and student data and recommend modifications to instruction and interventions for students for meeting and exceeding student achievement goals. Monitor student progress and arrange for interventions based on observations and assessments. Serve as a resource in the area of behavior for paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators, and the community. Coach staff on behavioral redirection techniques and how to respond to negative behaviors appropriately. Support students with Tier 3 interventions Collaborate with teachers to ensure student mastery of goals by assisting with data driven planning and implementation of research based strategies.

Professional Growth and Development: Collaborate with instructional leadership team and administration to continuously improve instruction, culture-building and leadership skills. Serve in a leadership role for professional development, team planning, and data analysis meetings. Collaborate with the Principal to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of the overall culture and character programming in grades K to 8. Function as a school wide partner in helping to raise student achievement and character for all students in the school reinforcing school-wide expectations and volunteering to take on additional activities as needed to improve student outcomes.

Skills and Characteristics: Superior grasp of effective, research-based methods and strategies for urban youth. Knowledge of research-based best practices and interventions in the area of behavior management. Ability to analyze student and school data. Ability to effectively develop and deliver content-specific professional learning. Ability to promote collaborative planning as a component of student achievement. Ability to manage emotionally stressful situations. High level of personal organization and planning. Team player: maturity, humility, grit, flexible, follow-through, sense of humor, open to feedback and a "roll-up-my-sleeves" attitude. Strong belief in the Kuumba mission and educational model.

Educational Background and Requirements: ABA certification with certificate from Behavior Analyst Certification Board (required). At least five years of experience working with children. At least five years of experience working in a school setting in a behavior role. Experience with developing and implementing behavior plans and interventions. Ability to collect, organize, and communicate data to make informed decisions. Experience and training in CPI, Trauma Informed Care, or other models of working with youth and families in crisis.

Compensation: Salary range for this position is based on the teacher salary scale and is commensurate with experience. This position is grant funded.