Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Interventionist

Position Overview
This position supports research conducted at the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab focused on brain and behavioral development in neurodevelopmental disabilities with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research Integration.

Drs. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co-Directors of the CNS Lab, Casey Burrows is the Lab Director of Clinical Training, and Shanna Mliner is the Program Director. Amy Esler, PhD, LP serves as the Clinical Core lead for this work. The group will be launching an innovative longitudinal study of 260 toddlers and children with autism with clinical assessments and brain imaging. The goal is to characterize how communication develops in this population across multiple ages and language profiles and to generate new quantitative tools that are sensitive to change and ready for deployment in clinical trials and clinical care. We are seeking a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) to join our expanding clinical research team specializing in the characterization of neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Responsibilities for this BCBA Interventionist role include intervention and supervision of intervention implementation to support participants completing clinical assessments and neuroimaging, research study coordination, training and supervision, and laboratory support.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), prefers a minimum 2-year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. Work will primarily be conducted in person, engaging directly with families and participants. Some tasks may be completed remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training in developmental and behavioral assessment and intervention within a collaborative research environment. This BCBA Interventionist will work with a team including psychologists, child-family life specialists, psychometrists, behavior technicians, and trainees. Child participants also may have psychiatrists and other medical providers within the MIDB who will consult with the study team.

Applications must be submitted online; please upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position(s) will remain open until the posting is removed. This position will report directly to Dr. Amy Esler.

Job Responsibilities

Intervention & Supervision of Intervention Implementation (70%)

• Complete Human Subjects ethics and clinical training
• Design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based interventions to children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities, directly and via parent coaching
• Conduct functional behavior assessments with children and families, including outreach to educational and community services child is receiving
• Design data collection tools for individual child progress monitoring
• Summarize, review, and interpret data and use this data to inform intervention strategies
• Provide consultation and coaching to the study team as child transitions from active intervention to research participation
• Collaborate and coordinate with intervention team and broader MIDB care team
• Assist with the administration of participant assessments (e.g., semi-structured parent interviews, behavioral testing with children, Mullen, ADOS-2, etc.) with typically developing children as well as with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, rare genetic disorders, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health needs
• Support participant engagement and comfort during testing through positive behavior supports and strong interpersonal and child interaction skills
• Complete CMRR safety training to be able to support participants through MRI scans
• Assist with the collection of MRI data by providing positive behavior supports (may require occasional night or weekend sessions)
• Ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics and protocol procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data integrity

Research Study Coordination (15%)

• Support setup, scoring, and data entry for research assessments
• Ensure compliance and adherence to the established research protocol and study procedures
• Assist with scheduling assessment research appointments with participants, preparation of testing materials, and organization of assessment data
• Assist with the day-to-day research operations related to participant support
• Participate with the study team in identifying solutions to complex problems to fulfill research objectives

Training and Supervision (10%)

• Work closely with senior psychometrist, psychologist, and research staff to maintain data acquisition fidelity and reliability
• Oversee behavior technicians and interns implementing interventions
• Train research staff and undergraduate research assistants
• Assist with regular performance reviews and professional development opportunities for team members

Laboratory Support (5%)

• Attend project meetings
• Support the broader lab and assessment team as needed
• Provide regular updates to study PIs, Program Director, Clinical Lead and supervisors
• Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development
• Option to contribute to and generate scientific products (e.g., professional presentations, empirical publications)

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Special Education, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Development, Speech Language, Social Work or related field plus at least four years of experience OR advanced degree plus at least two year of relevant experience, OR a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Be a board certified behavior analyst-doctoral (BCBA-D) or a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB)
• Complete either:
  • At least 2,000 hours of clinical experience and/or training in the treatment of people with autism or a related condition.
  • The equivalent in graduate-level coursework at an accredited university in autism or related
    condition diagnostics, autism or related condition treatment strategies, or child development.
• Demonstrable experience and expertise working with young children and their families
• Experience conducting functional behavior assessment with children with autism and related conditions with severe to profound intellectual disability
• Experience providing intervention via parent/caregiver coaching
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities, commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as accepting and embracing neurodiversity
• Proficiency with computer software on PC or Mac (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Suite)
• Must pass all criminal background checks as required by the State of Minnesota

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years research/clinical experience with young children and families
• Advanced degree in Special Education, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Development, Speech Language, Social Work, or a related field
• Experience providing intervention with children with autism and related conditions with high support needs (i.e., having intellectual disability and/or being non-speaking)
• Effective ability to work well both independently and within a team structure and demonstrable effective verbal and written communication as well as organizational skills
• Experience with or training in trauma-informed care
• Knowledgeable of professional and ethical clinical standards regarding the delivery of professional mental health services in general
• Experience with university regulations, policies, and best practices involved in clinical research projects with child participants
• Interest in gaining additional training in developmental assessment and behavioral measurement
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate family schedules
• Skillful with technology, assessments, statistical analysis, and document creation on iPad/Mac/PC (e.g. REDCap, Qualtrics, Ripple Science, MEFS, SPSS, R, SAS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, email, online calendar, video conferencing tools)
• Fluency in multiple languages

Pay Range: $65,000 - $85,000/year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.