What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Health Technician - ABA position at Vista Autism Services?
The Behavioral Health Technician–ABA (BHT-ABA) plays a vital role in delivering individualized support to students with autism at our scenic 18-acre campus in Hershey, PA. Under the direction of the Behavior Consultant, the BHT-ABA helps implement treatment plans and IEPs using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies across school and community settings.
This position also supports daily living skills, collects and records behavioral data, and fosters a positive, professional environment with families, clients, and staff—while enjoying the benefits of working in a collaborative, mission-driven setting designed to help both clients and employees thrive.
About Vista Autism Services
Vista Autism Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and their families through innovative, compassionate, and data-driven services. Founded on the belief that unique potential is within reach, Vista provides support at every stage of life—from early intervention to school-age education, adult services, employment support, and beyond.
Our mission is simple but powerful: To advance and innovate, to improve lives, and to inspire hope for individuals with autism and their families. Every program we design is grounded in evidence-based practices and led by passionate professionals who are deeply committed to making a difference.
At Vista, we value:
- Excellence in everything we do
- Teamwork across all levels and roles
- Dependability in our services and each other
- Dignity for the individuals and families we serve
- Consistency in providing high-quality, individualized support
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Implements assigned client treatment plans and IEP goals with fidelity across school and community settings, using principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Accurately completes documentation and high-quality session notes related to daily services
- Collects and enters data related to client behavior, progress, and prescribed programming
- Provides client support in Activities of Daily Living (e.g., self-care routines, chores) and swimming activities as needed
- Maintains ethical, professional, and collaborative relationships with families, clients, and community partners
- Provides and receives coaching in a positive and constructive manner to support team performance and individual development
- Utilizes trained crisis intervention strategies when necessary
- Engages in ongoing professional development activities
- Wears appropriate protective equipment when required
- Conducts all interactions with clients, staff, and others in a caring, professional manner
- Completes other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The following positions or frequent movements are typical of the job: sitting, walking, running, standing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, stooping, kneeling, and crawling, often for extended periods of the workday. Assignment may require the ability to physically move clients during possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment and may require employees to wear protective apparel and equipment when necessary.
The position requires that an individual be able to learn new tasks quickly and effectively. Job requirements may change frequently. The ability to understand and carry out detailed, involved, instructions is mandatory. The incumbent must be able to travel to multiple locations as needed, when needed to conduct organizational business. Subject to inside environmental conditions.
EXPECTED SCHEDULE
This is a year-round, full-time or part-time position. Program operation days and hours of work are determined by the EIBS program calendar and will be Monday through Friday. During scheduled school break weeks, 8 work hours are assigned to fulfill regulatory training requirements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum High School Diploma required
- Experience working with children
- Successful completion of crisis intervention training required
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services field highly desired
- Minimum 1 year experience working in Human Services field or school setting highly desired
- Knowledge or previous experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders highly desired
- Previous experience or knowledge delivering Applied Behavior Analysis services to individuals with Autism highly desired
- Current First Aid and CPR Training preferred