Psychology Jobs in San Mateo, CA

Behavior Therapy Assistant

Under the direction of the Behavior Therapist, the Behavioral Therapy Assistant (BTA) assists in the instruction and supervision of individual and groups of students. Support may include teaching replacement behaviors, managing difficult behaviors, facilitating student peer interactions, and other supports as assigned. The BTA may work in special and/or general education classrooms; positions may be fixed or variable throughout the school day and year, dependent on student needs. Students may become physical evasion and physical intervention may be required. Although most work is performed on a school site, the BTA may be required to attend field trips and other class activities.

Responsibilities:

• Implement student behavior interventions which may include principals of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Integrated Play Groups, Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), or other methodologies deemed appropriate by the District
• Implement instructional and behavioral programs as developed by the Behavior Specialist or Mental Health Specialist and IEP Team, including but not limited to academics, social/emotional curriculum and skills, compliance, attention and toileting
• Assist Behavior Specialist in providing direction, training, modeling and consultation to classroom teachers, support staff, and parents
• Collect data as directed by the Behavior Specialist
• Monitor goals and objectives for each student
• Facilitate play and social interaction
• Participate in regular student planning meetings to coordinate behavioral therapy goals with the total educational program
• Attend ongoing training as requested and provided by District
• Substitute for para-professionals as needed and requested by District

Qualifications: Knowledge of (or willingness to learn):

• Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Integrated Playgroups, Picture Exchange Communications (PECS), or other methodologies deemed appropriate by the District
• Crisis Prevention Communication including the use of physical restraints and appropriate holds
• Health and safety regulations
• Effective record-keeping techniques
• Correct English usage, grammar spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Established procedures, district organization, operations, policies and objectives

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out recommended intervention plans, goals, and objectives to support instruction
• Improve performance; accept feedback and implement suggestions for change
• Establish and maintain files and treatment logs, etc. according to established procedures
• Apply appropriate therapy procedures in work with students while maintaining confidentiality
• Understand and follow oral and written directions in English, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing in English
• Work independently with minimal direction
• Read, explain and follow rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Complete assigned work on schedule and within deadlines
• Be punctual and arrive at school sites when assigned
• Maintain a positive, engaging, high-energy and flexible attitude and style of teaching with a creative approach to problem solving
• Learn new or special routines, teaching/behavioral management strategies or skills

Personal Qualities:

• Maturity and good judgement
• Present a neat and clean appearance, and professional image appropriate to the work assignment
• Commitment to professional responsibility, high standards and academic excellence
• Good health
• An interest in working and helping students with autism, behavior disorders, emotional disorders, and related special needs.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work or related field is required
• Background in Psychology, Education, Educational Psychology, or Behavioral Psychology is preferred
• Requires classroom experience working with individuals with disabilities including autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and/or behavior challenges; or some psychology/child development coursework

General Characteristics:

• Work Year: 186 Days, Regular School Year
• Hours: 6.5 daily, includes 30 min. unpaid duty free lunch; specific hours may vary depending on the site assignment start and end times
• Salary: Classified Salary Schedule, Range 1
• Benefits: Generous Medical/Vision and Dental plans above salary prorated to hours