ABA Counselor- Special Education

Organization Overview

Melmark is a nonprofit organization providing clinically‑sophisticated evidence‑based special education, residential, vocational, and therapeutic services for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, medical complexities, and other neurological and genetic disorders.

Role Overview

The ABA Counselor‑Education is responsible for providing educational instruction to assigned individuals in a structured classroom environment designed to promote intellectual, emotional, and social growth. The counselor will assist in implementing individualized programs appropriate for children and adolescents (ages 5‑22) with autism, intellectually/developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injury. While typically assigned to a classroom, the counselor may work with individuals from other classrooms as directed by supervisors. Populations served may exhibit aggressive and/or self‑injurious behavior and may have experienced multiple treatment failures, requiring constant alertness and response using effective behavior‑analytic interventions.

Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
• Year‑round program

Pay

• Starting rate (50+ college credits) – $20.35 per hour, with increases based on years of direct relevant experience
• Starting rate (Bachelor’s degree) – $23.65 per hour, with increases based on years of direct relevant experience

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; minimum requirement of 50 college credits
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and minimum age of 21 years
• Capability to attain approved Melmark driver status
• Prefer at least one (1) year of experience with specialized populations (education, specific skills, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Maintain Level of Supervision (LOS) for assigned individual(s) at all times; request assistance if LOS cannot be maintained.
• Implement all procedures as written in each individual’s Behavior Support Plan (BSP) and/or Protocol Summary.
• Accurately collect data on all targeted behaviors for acceleration and declaration as indicated in the BSP/Protocol Summary.
• Respond appropriately during crisis using approved crisis‑management techniques, remaining calm and acting quickly to protect others as outlined in training or the individual’s Protocol Summary/BSP.
• Implement all procedures as written in each individual’s Teaching Plans.
• Accurately collect data for all Teaching Plans during instructional sessions.
• Attend to and maintain each individual’s hygiene, grooming, and dressing needs (e.g., nails clipped, hair brushed, clean clothing appropriate to weather conditions).

Benefits

• Work with a nationally known leader in quality‑driven initiatives
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Melmark‑sponsored pension plan and 403(b) with employer matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous student loan reimbursement
• Professional conference and research opportunities
• On‑site continuing education units (CEUs) at no cost to employees