TITLE: ABA Teacher

DEPARTMENT: Education

REPORTS TO: ABA Lead Teacher/Co-Directors of Education

STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt

LOCATION: 18900 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180

SUMMARY: An ABA teacher’s primary job responsibility is to implement curriculum programs & behavior intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities. The ABA teacher also assists in data collection, graphing, planning and leading small group instruction, lesson planning, and adaptation of the education program to enable students to benefit from educational experiences. The ABA Teacher implements teaching methodologies based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis including discrete trial training and task analyses.

Other activities include teaching job and life skills to students in the community, attending training regarding The Victory Center’s program, and weekly staff meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Teaching experience within the Autism/behaviorally challenged population
• Ability to interact with all levels of individuals
• Computer skills including file sharing, MS Office (particularly excel and word)
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Skill in oral and written communication with students, parents, and others
• Strong attention to detail
• Enthusiasm for working with children with special needs
• Responsible and caring attitude for the population we serve
• Specific training and experience in teaching students with autism and related disorders.
• Experience in a classroom setting/ or with children
• Experience with Verbal Behavior programs is preferred but not required
• Specific Knowledge and training in effective methodologies and best practices in teaching students with autism are preferred, but not required
• Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness
• Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn
• Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators, support staff, and community agencies
• Bi-lingual, a plus
• This Position requires weekly water activities (swimming pool and/or beach). You must be able to enter the water.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Minimum Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution with courses taken in Applied Behavior Analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
• Coursework/training in working with the special needs population, including Autism, intellectual disabilities, varying exceptionalities, and/or language speech impairment

Preferred Requirements:

• Prevention Crisis Management Certification
• Currently enrolled in a master’s program in ABA, psychology, special education, or a related field
• Valid teaching certification/BcABA
• Flexibility in teaching area (multiple certifications or experience)
• Experience teaching verbal behavior based on Skinner’s analysis

CERTIFICATIONS:

• BBA, CPR, and PCM certifications are preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.

COMPENSATION:

• $38,500 yearly + Great Benefits package (80% health insurance paid by the company, including vision, dental, and Short Term Disability, 6 days Personal Time Off, 4 weeks vacation, Paid US federal holidays, tuition reimbursement)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Other duties may be assigned.

• Establish goals based on students’ needs for assigned groups
• Assist in assessing curricular needs and plans for improvement
• Maintain a positive, organized, and safe learning environment
• Manage time, materials, and equipment effectively
• Maintain a strong knowledge base and share information regarding best practices and proven methodologies in teaching students with autism and related disorders
• Establish and maintain effective and efficient record-keeping procedures
• Interpret data for instructional planning and program evaluation
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject matter content
• Differentiate instruction in a group setting to address individual student skills/strengths/weaknesses
• Apply principles of learning and effective teaching in instructional delivery
• Attending individual or group meetings as scheduled throughout the year for preparations and professional growth. Ample notice will be given of school activities that are planned during the year i.e., Special Olympics, Walks, Open House, etc. Teachers are an integral part of these activities and are expected to assist with the preparation, as well as attend, when deemed necessary, by the Directors of Education
• Planning and submitting weekly lesson plans for assigned groups in advance which adequately detail the objectives and methodologies to be utilized in a given week
• Teachers will be expected to follow the school curriculum and methodology set forth by the Directors of Education
• Recognize overt indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate action based on school procedures and law
• Use appropriate materials, technology, and resources to help meet the learning needs of all students
• Provide a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with other professionals, students, parents, and the community
• Collaborate with other professionals and parents
• Collaborate with peers to enhance the instructional environment
• Assist others in acquiring skills and knowledge in specific areas of responsibility
• Engage in a continuing quest for personal growth through in-service, classes, and study
• Conduct a personal assessment periodically to determine professional development needs with reference to the specific instructional assignments
• Model professional and ethical conduct when dealing with students, peers, parents, and the community
• Perform and fulfill all professional responsibilities
• Prepare all required reports and maintain all appropriate records
• Support school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, services, and programs
• Ensure that student growth and achievement are continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area, and/or program classification
• Perform other incidental tasks as directed by the Co-Directors of Education
• Arrive no later than 7:45 am and stay until 3:15 pm
• Follow school policies as outlined in the Employee Manual

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

We focus on comprehensive individualized programs with a 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 student/teacher ratio, in a classroom setting that is unique in Southeast Florida. Most children with autism and their families do not have access to tailored, research-based programs.

We provide intensive therapy based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), in particular those associated with B.F. Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior. This form of therapy is typically provided to children with autism in home-based programs. ABA is a scientifically proven, systematic approach to the assessment, treatment and evaluation of behavior, developing functional life skills, nurturing a greater command of language, and decreasing maladaptive behavior such as self-injury and aggression.

The Victory Center, Inc. is a Florida-based, 501(c)(3) non-sectarian nonprofit corporation that provides children with autism and related disabilities comprehensive individualized treatment.