Senior Intern/Behavioral Treatment Therapist Intern (BTTh Intern)

Title: Senior Intern/Behavioral Treatment Therapist Intern (BTTh Intern)

Direct Supervisor: Director of Training

Description: The Senior Intern position is designed to introduce an individual into a Senior role. The Senior-Intern is mentored directly by the Director of Training. Each Senior Intern will learn and be able to independently demonstrate the complete job responsibilities (listed below) of the Senior by the end of their internship class. The role consists of attending weekly training classes (1-2 times per week for 2-4 hours) and on-the-job training, which will last approximately 6 months.

Responsibilities: All responsibilities listed will be under the direct supervision of the Director of Training. These skills will be taught during the Senior Intern Class and implemented during overlaps.

Attend (in person) and actively participate in all weekly training classes.
Work effectively with all clients across all locations with varying functioning levels, severity of behaviors and acquisition rates.
Supervise teams of behavior treatment technicians (BTTs) using ABA principles and following the ethics outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Build and maintain rapport with BTTs while maintaining professional boundaries.
Conduct functional behavior assessments and write corresponding BIPs based on the hypothesized functions.
Utilize direct assessment data to determine baseline, possible functions of maladaptive behavior, antecedent strategies, replacement behaviors, and write behavior intervention plans.
Monitor progress of maladaptive behaviors with regular review and oversight while overlapping BTTs and RBTs.
Continually assess client skills and deficits using assessments utilized by Sonnenberg including but not limited to the VB-MAPP, AFLS (School, Community, Vocational, Basic), ABLLS-R, and the Essentials for Living.
Write and submit treatment plans to the client’s funding source/s. This includes calls to insurance companies (with Director of Training present) when necessary and writing returns and appeals.
Maintain client learning trees and session notes. This includes, but is not limited to moving on mastered targets, introducing new targets, writing goals, targets, objective instructional notes, and operational definitions.
Identify prerequisite skills and write/implement corresponding programming.
Use the model, try, feedback, method to train all staff on new targets, during cross training, and while training new BTTs.
Continually assess and monitor BTT and RBT progress. Create and implement corrective action plans when needed.
Analyze program data to ensure appropriate progress and effectiveness.
Consult with the Director of Training to ensure the provision of effective and efficient service delivery.
Be receptive to the feedback given by all supervisors. Make changes outlined by the Director of Training by the next overlap or another predetermined time given by the Director of Training.
Provide 1:1 coverage for client sessions if staff cancels or terminates employment (can be long term instances of low staff)
Write objective notes which will include updates and changes in treatment program, scheduling, and observations.
Conduct Lead Visits: This includes scheduling Lead Visit meetings for the Director of Training, Intern, and caregivers, writing an agenda and sending it to the Director of Training and caregivers ahead of time, and being an active participant in the meeting which will be conducted with the Director of Training present.
Update caregivers on any program updates, incident reports, and staffing/scheduling changes.
Work effectively and professionally with Sonnenberg administrative staff, school staff, and any other outside providers such as OT, PT, and speech.
Collaborate with Lead BCBAs, Clinical Directors, and Director or Training regarding feedback on clinical processes, staff management, and HR policies.
Consult with the Lead BCBA to ensure the provision of effective and efficient service delivery.
Communicate effectively with parents, BTTs, teachers, supervisor, clinical supervisors, clinical directors.
Respond to all emails, phone calls, and Central Reach messages within 24-48 business hours.
Maintain schedules for all supervision cases. This includes, but is not limited to inputting and organizing staff schedules into CR, using the correct location and billing information, finding coverage for open shifts, and working with the scheduler on problem solving any issues.
Continually assess and monitor parent involvement and client attendance. Create and implement corrective action plans when needed.
Distribute all new information to BTTs of all policies and procedures. Follow through to ensure understanding and implementation.
Be present at all POD meetings. Run effective team building and clinical PODS for all BTTs.
Routinely provide ongoing coaching and feedback regarding BTT performance to enhance staff development and skill.
Have 3 or fewer unexcused absences during the Senior Intern Program training.
Follow and comply with all ABA ethical guidelines and policies, regulations, and laws including confidentiality and HIPAA.
Adhere to and complete all mandated reporting regulations.
Maintains professional boundaries with clients and their families.
Represent Sonnenberg in a professional manner by following the company’s values.

Requirements:

Have at least 2000 hours of direct 1:1 in the field of ABA.
Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree
Must attend the Senior Intern Class in-person. This is an interactive hands-on class. There is not a remote option.
Be able and willing to work with all clients at each location across functioning levels with various deficits and strengths.
Be able to demonstrate identifying the MO and preference assessments across all clients within your typical caseload and novel clients.
Demonstrate knowledge of the 4 main functions of behavior by correctly hypothesizing the possible function of observed behaviors during overlaps with the Lead BCBA, Senior, and Director of Training
Accurately describe, model, and program for each verbal operant.
Demonstrate the ability to advocate for yourself by asking for help and initiating learning opportunities.
Be able to read a brief description of a child’s treatment package and successfully work with them for an entire session (while maintaining motivation and the therapeutic nature of the session).
Have a positive attitude with supervisors, BTTs, admin staff, and parents.
Be receptive to feedback from supervisors and apply that feedback immediately. Advocate for self when additional training is needed on the feedback.
Use model, try, feedback while cross training current staff or training new BTTs.
Be able to actively engage with clients throughout the session.

Be scheduled for a minimum of 35 hours scheduled per week with Sonnenberg clients. Ability to work a minimum of 8 session blocks from 8:15-3:15 Monday - Friday.
Availability to attend a weekly Senior Intern class (start time after 3:15). The class will occur once per week Monday-Thursday.
Have 3 or fewer unexcused absences within the last 6 months.

3 or less unconverted sessions for last 6 consecutive months
Must be able to independently and repeatedly lift, move, and carry objects weighing up to thirty-five (35) lbs.
Must have reliable transportation. Senior Intern classes will be completed together with both the MP and PP locations. The location of the Senior Class will vary between the 2 clinic locations.

In addition:

Interns must be at a clinic location. If an Intern is chosen from the school location, they must relocate to either the MP or PP clinic location. The relocation choice will be based on the need and discretion of the Director of Training and the Regional Director.
Interns must demonstrate mastery at the end of the Senior Intern Class which will be assessed by in person assessment and a written competency test at the end of the class.
If an intern is not promoted to senior after the 18-month class has ended, the intern will move back to a BTT role. Goals will be given and when they are mastered, the intern can formally re-apply for the senior position at a later date. Please note that staff will only be paid to attend class one time. Should a staff member enter the intern program for a second time, attendance at the classes will not be paid.
Upon completion and passing of the Senior Intern course, the Intern will receive a promotion and increase in pay.
A one-year commitment is required once a staff member is promoted to a Senior.

Note: Acceptance into the Senior Intern (BTTh-intern) training program does not guarantee a promotion to the Senior (BTTh) position. Promotion is based off of maintenance of requirements, meeting clinical and professional goals, as well as the discretion of the Director of Training (and other supervisors/directors).