Stipend Opportunity: Direct ABA Services (SY24-25)

We are seeking dedicated individuals to provide direct IEP-based ABA services outside of their scheduled hours of daily service delivery.  These services may occur in a school building or the student’s home.  

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The ABA services provided through this stipend opportunity align with current job expectations of all direct ABA service providers (ABA Specialists).  ABA Specialists provide 6 hours of direct student services per day.  Payment for services beyond assigned hours is available via this stipend opportunity.  These services cannot take place during a staff’s scheduled working hours.  

Responsibilities:

Data Collection - The provider is responsible for:

• Conducting and implementing all required assessments including preference assessments, Skills Assessments, and Core Skills Assessments when appropriate.
• Accurately updating targets as needed, and proactively implements any programmatic changes given by the Program Director or Strand Specialist.
• Accurately taking programmatic data (both behavior and acquisition) in a timely manner on the ACE (Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia).
• Following prompting hierarchies and error correction procedures as prescribed by ACE and/or Program Director.
• Ensuring that challenging behavior data collection sheets are updated as necessary, and that challenging behavior data collection sheets are filed in the correct place.
• Identifying when there is a problem with data/data collection, and appropriately brings to the attention of the Program Director.

Behavior Support - The provider is responsible for:

• Developing, maintaining, and sharing any necessary materials to follow through with behavior plans (token boards, timers, visuals, etc.) as written.
• Following each Behavior Support Plan as written for student, including effective antecedent strategies, reinforcement procedures, following crisis procedures, and seeking help when needed.
• Responding to any behaviors not outlined in the behavior support plan using standard ABA techniques.

Professionalism - The provider is responsible for:

• Participation in feedback sessions and accepting feedback given by the Program Director. 
• Following procedures to minimize disruption to providing services, ensuring active presence at all sessions, and submitting stipend timesheets accurately and in a timely manner.
• Consistently exuding a professional disposition towards Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, students and families, as well as other school personnel; and maintains student confidentiality.
• Demonstrating fluent use of technology necessary to complete job requirements, such as Google Drive, EdPlan, ACE, Teach Now, etc. Ensures that all appropriate technology is up to date.

Direct Service - The provider is responsible for:

• Ensuring that tasks are prepared and ready for instruction on time and efficiently. Demonstrating fluency with materials necessary to conduct direct service sessions, such as token boards, first/then boards, etc.
• Activating appropriate programs as outlined in the IEP within 2 weeks of notification of a signed IEP, and implements all programs as written on the curriculum sheet across multiple settings including inclusion, specials, lunch/recess, etc.
• Establishing attention and reinforcement before beginning the session. Prompting functional communication as necessary. Completing the prescribed number of trials for each program according to the prescription sheet. Keeping student break time to a reasonable duration.
• Ensuring that the student is clear on how and when reinforcement is delivered, and delivers reinforcement on prescribed schedules.
• Building rapport with the students, and is always engaging and energetic when working with students.

Communication/Written Skills - The provider is responsible for:

• If assigned, completing Progress Reports and Annual Reviews at least 1 week before the due date, by referencing the ABA Specialist Task Due Google Calendar when applicable, and using planning time effectively. Ensuring that each document is complete with proper spelling, grammar, and data, following the most recent format provided by the Program Directors.
• Completing EdPlan session notes within 24 hours of each session, and takes no more than 10 minutes per 60 minute session to do so.
• Ensuring that written communications are clear, concise, and free of error, utilizing appropriate professional language.
• Communicating questions and concerns in a professional manner with teachers, ABA Specialists, Strand Specialists, Program Directors, and paraprofessionals, as demonstrated by initiation and response to emails within 48 hours.
• Responding to emails within 2 working days and completing RMTS (Random Moment Time Study) moments within the 48 hour timeline as required by state agencies.

Compensation:

ABA Specialists (or educators who have passed the ABA Specialist interview) will receive a stipend of $33 per hour for services provided that meet the above expectations. An additional 15 minutes for preparation, progress notes and other administrative tasks will be allocated for each hour of service.

Qualifications - Required:

• Currently in the role of ABA Specialist OR a BPS staff member who meets the criteria required for the role of ABA Specialist AND can pass the ABA Specialist interview

Terms:

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Salary : $33