ABA Tutor

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Tutor - STAR Program (Grades K - 5) REPORTS TO Building Principal/Student Services Department Head (evaluates and supervises) Town-wide Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Special Educator (supervises) NATURE AND SCOPE Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) tutors are behavior development professionals requiring formal education in education, psychology, behavior analysis or a related field of study. ABA tutors study how behavior is influenced by environmental and other factors using reward systems to reinforce positive, learned behaviors. School based ABA tutors work with special and general education Team members, parents, Board Certified Behavior Analysts and other clinicians to support students in accessing their Individualized Education Program goals. The District does not provide supervision towards the BCBA credential as part of this position. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES This position supports students in the Star program which is for students with social emotional disabilities (e.g., anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, depression and/or autism). Candidates with experience from programs supporting similar programs encouraged to apply. This position requires a person who can think quickly, be flexible and get along with a team coworkers. It also requires being able to prioritize amongst competing needs at times. This position will likely flex between a substantially separate classroom and a general education class depending on student need. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tutors apply the principles of behavior analysis to treat students with disabilities who demonstrate significant behaviors. These may include emotional and behavioral regulation, social skills, reading, math, communication, personal self-care and work skills. This position includes working with students with emotional disabilities and may involve work with students with Autism. ABA tutors are required to implement educational and behavioral programs and maintain and graph treatment data. When staffing students 1:1 or in a group, the ABA tutor is required to maintain 100% visual surveillance and implement all bolting and lost child policies with 100% fidelity. ABA tutors are expected to work with students who demonstrate challenging and/or acting out behaviors and provide hands on support for activities of daily living in order to increase positive behaviors and reduce interfering behaviors through the use of reinforcement procedures. ABA tutors work one-on-one, in small groups, in classroom and community settings, including the student's home, with students and possibly parents. Morning or afternoon home/services during extended school hours may be part of the expectation. ABA tutors use programs that are devised by the Special Educator and Behavior Specialist (BCBA) that are geared toward the specific student's needs. ABA tutors use the principles of behavior analysis to help students improve social, play, language and academic skills, while helping reduce interfering behaviors, which may include aggressive behavior like biting, hitting, pinching or throwing objects... ABA tutors are skilled in the strategies that reinforce positive behaviors and how to intervene when students exhibit dysfunctional behaviors. ABA tutors continually evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment program, and make any necessary changes to help students learn new skills and behaviors more effectively under the supervision of the BCBA. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS ABA tutors are required to have a bachelor's degrees or master's degrees in psychology or related fields or significant specific training on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis provided by an educational or training institution. Training should focus on principles and procedures of behavioral analysis, along with attending courses in observational methods, behavioral applications and developmental disability treatment. Additionally, ABA tutors must participate in ongoing job-based competency training via in-service professional development. Licensure is not mandatory for ABA therapists who work directly with students in school settings at this time. ABA tutors must be currently trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) for both active and passive intervention with students in crisis. If not certified prior to employment, the ABA tutor must be willing to be trained by WPS. If certification has lapsed, the ABA tutor must agree to attend continued training/ongoing re-certification. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, & SKILL Implement behavior intervention strategies and program changes for a social emotional program as decided upon in team meetings and/or as directed by the special educator and behavior specialist. Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrate excellent time management, communication skill and work collaboratively with other members of the team. parents and supervisors. Maintain and graph program data with a high degree of integrity and rigor. Attend scheduled sessions and implement one-to-one behavior intervention services with clients and families in a timely and consistent manner. Receive feedback in a professional manner and implement feedback. Attend team meetings, as appropriate, relate observations, and model behavior interventions and programs, as appropriate. Manage a flexible schedule while providing services in both school, home and community settings. CPI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) Certified or willingness and ability to become CPI certified. PERSONAL QUALITIES Reflective learner who asks for help when needed. A commitment to supporting students with significant learning and behavioral challenges to achieve high levels of functioning in an inclusive environment. A strong ethical orientation to the respectful treatment of people with disabilities and that ability to receive constructive feedback and respond professionally. An ongoing professional curiosity as demonstrated by continued learning in the field of special education and high personal standards for dress, conduct, communication and education. An appreciation and empathy for the parents and siblings of students with significant disabilities and the desire and skill to work collaboratively with Team members from divergent viewpoints. JOB ENVIRONMENT Tutors can spend up to 8 hours per day with a student, small group of students and/or general education classroom supporting students who may be diagnosed with severe emotional or behavioral disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression and/or oppositional defiant disorder as well as autism spectrum disorders. The work can be both physically and emotionally demanding. While the majority of work is anticipated to be within the typical school day, ABA tutors can work irregular hours, such as evenings or school vacations, to accommodate student's IEP goals. Work takes place in primarily school, but may also involve home and community settings. ABA tutors can be required to travel to and between student's homes, schools or community settings. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Have means of transportation, license to drive and proof of valid insurance. No prior criminal history. Pass a Criminal Background Check Able to work and play with children who aggress physically and verbally (e.g., hit, kick, spit, scratch, bite, hair pull). Willing to support students with personal care issues. Possess the ability to lift a minimum of 75 pounds. Possess the ability to frequently move about and bend down. Write legibly and communicate using a variety of media in a professional and clear manner. Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending and reaching. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

Created: 2026-03-10