Supervised EFL Therapist Job Description
Position Summary
An EFL Therapist supports and assists with life and independent living programming for clients and youth diagnosed with learning, intellectual or physical disabilities in the Essentials for Living Program. EFL Therapists provide clinical skill instruction and implement behaviour reduction protocols based upon the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) using sound clinical judgment under the supervision of the EFL Head Teacher. In addition, EFL Therapists are responsible for collecting skill acquisition data and behavioural data including cold-probe, frequency/rate, manding, duration, ABC data etc, completing Catalyst session notes, creating and managing client materials, and conducting assessments (preference assessments, skills assessments) under the guidance and supervision of the EFL Head Teacher and ABA Connections Clinical Team.
EFL Therapists, under the supervision and support of the EFL Head Teacher, will be responsible for implementing lesson plans, modifying activities and programs to meet the needs of clients, facilitating transitions, and maintaining smooth and efficient program operations. In addition, EFL Therapists will assist in supporting clients with daily living skills such as toileting, feeding, dressing, and bathing.
EFL Therapists are to act in accordance with the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts and the Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Funders and Managers (2nd Edition).
Program Preparation and Development
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of each client
- Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each client assigned.
- Collaborate with team members to continuously refine and enhance program creation and development based on the needs of the client, the EFL program and ABA Connections
- Assist with extracurricular activities, community outings, presentations, or special guests as assigned.
- Adapt programming and curriculum based on the client ability level and needs
- Review all available information pertaining to clients and programming on a regular basis
Instructional Support
- Prepare and organize the teaching environment and materials for learning activities and programming
- Implement instructional, therapeutic, and skill development activities principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis and sound clinical judgment
- Identify individual client needs and challenges, and provide appropriate guidance and support
- Assist clients with personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
- Manage interfering and complex interfering behaviours including, but not limited to: aggression, self-injury, elopement, PICA, and more using behaviour protocols including intervening in crisis situations.
- Collect, record, and summarize data on observable client behavior.
- Complete session notes following company policies and procedures ensuring accurate documentation
- Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each clients’ medical, physical, behavioural communicative, and emotional needs.
- Set an example for clients by modeling prosocial, professional, and positive behaviours
Client Growth and Development
- Conduct ongoing assessments of client achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Assist in the development of program goals and behaviour plans
- Prepare written documentation regarding children’s plans and progress as required
- Document key milestones, achievements, and progress using a variety of means
Classroom Management and Organization
- Maintain a clean, organized and visually appealing classroom set-up based on the Essentials for Living Program design
- Promote a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of clients
- Ensure materials, furniture, supplies, and equipment is maintained and in good repair at all times
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
Collaboration, Consultation, and Communication
- Collaborate with other team members in the development of programs and procedures
- Maintain regular communication with parents and family members as required
- Participate in scheduled team meetings and conferences as required
- Present information (both written and oral) sensitively and effectively
- Engage in communication and collaboration with all team members
Clinical Responsibilities
- Competent in the principles and applications of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Conduct skill acquisition and behaviour reduction assessments
- Collect, record, and summarize data on observable client behaviours
- Maintain and acquire technical knowledge by attending required training
- Ability to interpret and implement clinical protocols as written
- Exercise sound clinical judgment
Professional Responsibilities
- Model and maintain a high standard of professionalism, work ethic, flexibility and problem-solving
- Address client concerns and questions appropriately, redirecting or relaying concerns to EFL Head Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and/or management when necessary
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work and therapy environment
- Adhere to the policies and procedures of ABA Connections
- Abide by the ethical code as indicated by the Behavior Analysts Certification Board
- Adhere to privacy laws including, but not limited to PIPEDA and PHIPA
- Maintain client confidentiality
Basic and Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Must be able to lift and carry clients with adaptive equipment
- Must be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures (kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting, standing) for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to sit on the floor or stand for extended periods of time.
- Must be willing and able utilize quick body movements as indicated in the Behavior Intervention Plan in the course of working with children with challenging behavior.
- Must have manual dexterity to perform specific computer and electronic device functions for data collection.
- Must be physically present at the assigned job location, which may include home, school, and community placements.
- Must be able to receive detailed information through oral communication.
- Must have visual acuity to read and comprehend written communication through computer, electronic devices, and paper means.
- Must have reliable transportation and be willing and able to travel between different job sites within Ottawa.
Experience
- Required
- Experience working with children and/or youth in a 1:1 and/or group setting
- Strong oral and written English communication skills are required
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally with parents/guardians/children
- Ability to work, collaborate and thrive within a multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrate resilience, an eagerness to learn and initiative to take on new challenge
- Preferred
- At least 6 months exemplary performance as an Instructor Therapist at ABA Connections Inc. or at least 12 months exemplary performance as a Behavioral Technician/ABA Therapist/Instructor Therapist with another ABA provider.
- Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and evidence-based treatment models and approaches.
- Knowledge of early childhood development and neurodevelopmental variations
- Experience working as a professional within a clinical multidisciplinary team
- At least 6 months experience working with children and youth in a classroom setting
Education
- Required
- A College Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Early Childhood Development, Speech and Hearing Services, or related field.
- A combination of related education and directly applicable field experience may be considered in some cases.
- Preferred
- A Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) certification or enrollment in equivalent coursework/study leading to a BACB certification
Reporting Relationship
- Employment Supervisor: Director of Client Services
- Clinical Supervisor: Clinical Director
- Supervisory Reports: EFL Head Therapist/Clinical Supervisor
Related Training
- Responsible for completing and maintaining all required certifications and trainings once employed including, but not limited to:
- CPR and First Aid
- Criminal Reference Check – Vulnerable Sector
- RBT Trainings
- Company Trainings
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Schedule:
Education:
Work Location: In person
