Forest Lake, MN-Behavior Therapist

Behavior Therapist

Job Title: Behavior Therapist

Reports to: Center Leader

FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt

MAC OVERVIEW:

At MAC Midwest - Forest Lake; 255 7th Ave NW Forest Lake, MN, we are dedicated to empowering individuals affected by autism and their families. Since our founding in 1996 by parents seeking exceptional care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we have grown to become a leading provider of personalized autism therapy. Serving learners from 18 months to 21 years, our mission is to create brighter futures for those we serve.

A Behavioral Therapist provides direct one-on-one and group therapy services to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles. The Behavioral Therapist works under the supervision of a Center Supervisor to implement individualized treatment plans, support skill development, and promote positive behavioral outcomes.

Salary: $18.00 to $22.00 per hour, based on the employee's assigned EIDBI (Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention) service level at the time of hire.

Essential Job Duties:

• Implement individualized ABA treatment plans developed by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Provide direct therapy services to learners in a center-based setting.
• Teach communication, social, daily living, play, and adaptive skills
• Utilize evidence-based ABA teaching strategies including reinforcement, prompting, shaping, and behavior reduction techniques
• Collect accurate session data and complete required documentation in a timely manner using an iPad.
• Monitor learner progress and report observations to supervise BCBA.
• Assist with behavior intervention plans and respond appropriately to challenging behaviors
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive therapeutic environment
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members to support learner goals
• Participate in ongoing staff trainings, supervision meetings, and professional development activities
• Follow all company policies, HIPAA requirements, safety protocols, and ethical standards
• Support learners during transitions, group activities, and daily routines
• Prepare therapy materials and maintain organization of therapy spaces
• Maintain professionalism and positive communication with families and team members

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; bachelor's degree in psychology, Education, Human Services, or related field preferred
• Previous experience working with children preferred
• Willingness to obtain an RBT certification if you are hired as a level 3 BT.
• Interest in working with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Ability to follow clinical direction and implement feedback
• Basic computer and documentation skills

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, squat and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift, carry, push and/or move up to 50 pounds as needed
• Ability to transition quickly between standing, sitting, and floor-based activities
• Ability to physically engage with active learners and respond appropriately to support learner safety
• Ability to effectively hear, observe, and communicate with learners, families, and team members to support treatment goals, maintain learner safety, and respond appropriately to behavioral or emergency situations.
• Ability to move quickly throughout the center environment, including walking briskly or running short distances when necessary to maintain learner safety
• Ability to maintain visual supervision of learners at all times and respond promptly to unexpected behaviors, including elopement or other safety concerns
• Ability to participate in and implement behavior support and safety procedures as trained

Preferred Certifications:

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced clinical and therapeutic environment
• Frequent interaction with children with varying behavioral and developmental needs
• Team-oriented and collaborative atmosphere
• Work is performed in a clinic-based environment serving children with autism and may include elevated noise levels, vocalizations, and high sensory activity

MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in terms or conditions of employment on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), race, traits associated with race (including hair texture and style), color, national origin, religion, creed, age once having reached the age of majority, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, status with respect to public assistance, or any other characteristics that are protected by federal, state or local laws.