Behavioral Health Technician- Spanish/Portuguese/English Speaking

About the role

Strategic Montessori & Therapy Center is a Behavioral Health Agency providing center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services to young children in its early-childhood (pre-K) program in Lawrenceville, NJ. The center is seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) to provide direct ABA therapy, on a temporary basis, to a specific group of currently enrolled Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking children (ages 2–5) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), under the clinical supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Responsibilities

• Provide direct 1:1 ABA therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a center-based setting, implementing individualized behavior intervention plans developed by the supervising BCBA
• Implement skill acquisition and behavior reduction programs under the direct supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), consistent with the principles and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Collect, record, and submit behavior and skill acquisition data using an electronic data collection system during and immediately following each therapy session
• Observe and document client behavior, reporting changes in client progress, physical condition, or unusual behavior to supervising clinical staff
• Participate in regularly scheduled supervision meetings, professional development trainings, and competency assessments as directed by the BCBA
• Collaborate with BCBAs, clinical supervisors, and treatment team members to ensure consistency and fidelity of ABA intervention implementation
• Provide responsive and professional support to clients, families, and caregivers, maintaining confidentiality and dignity at all times
• Deliver therapy sessions and communicate directly with Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking clients, families, and caregivers in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, ensuring accurate exchange of clinical, behavioral, and caregiver-training information
• Maintain client safety and adhere to all agency protocols, ethical guidelines, and applicable state and federal regulations governing behavioral health services
• Complete all required documentation, session notes, and administrative records accurately and in a timely manner
• Attend and participate in Professional Development Trainings to maintain and expand technical knowledge as required by the agency

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in psychology, education, or a related field preferred, consistent with Job Zone 3 preparation for SOC 29-2053.00
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience providing ABA therapy or direct behavioral health services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental disabilities
• Certification: Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) preferred; candidates without current certification must be willing and eligible to complete the 40-hour RBT training program, certification will be provided at no cost to the employee
• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated familiarity with ABA therapy techniques, discrete trial training (DTT), natural environment teaching (NET), and behavior management strategies
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with clients, families, supervisors, and treatment team members
• Technology: Access to and proficiency with a mobile device for electronic data collection and session note submission
• Transportation: Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required
• Background Check: Must successfully complete a criminal history background check as required by New Jersey state law for behavioral health providers
• Language Proficiency: Full professional fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese is required as a bona fide business necessity, given the center’s Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking client and caregiver population. Candidates must be able to deliver therapy and convey clinical information accurately in all three languages.

Qualifications

• Eligibility: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under a valid H-2B nonimmigrant visa for the duration of the approved temporary employment period

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of human behavior, learning, and motivation; psychological principles and methods for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of behavioral and developmental disorders (O*NET Knowledge: Psychology; Therapy and Counseling)
• Active listening and oral communication skills to convey and receive information effectively in a clinical environment (O*NET Essential Skills: Active Listening; Speaking)
• Social perceptiveness — ability to recognize and understand clients’ behavioral and emotional reactions and adjust intervention approach accordingly (O*NET Transferable Skills: Social Perceptiveness)
• Monitoring and critical thinking skills to assess client performance and make data-informed judgments during sessions (O*NET Essential Skills: Monitoring; Critical Thinking)
• Ability to maintain selective attention and sustained concentration during direct therapy sessions (O*NET Abilities: Selective Attention)
• Empathy, sincerity, stress tolerance, and self-control consistent with direct behavioral health service delivery (O*NET Work Styles)
• Dependability, integrity, and cooperation consistent with working within a multidisciplinary clinical team (O*NET Work Styles)

Training & Professional Development

• Structured onboarding and orientation covering agency protocols, client safety, documentation systems, and the electronic data collection platform prior to independent client work
• Employer-sponsored 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training program aligned with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) task list, provided at no cost to employees who are not yet certified
• Ongoing clinical supervision by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), including direct observation, performance feedback, and competency assessments consistent with RBT supervision requirements
• Regular professional development trainings on ABA methodologies, including discrete trial training (DTT), natural environment teaching (NET), and behavior management strategies
• Continuing education and skill-building opportunities to support maintenance of RBT certification and clinical growth throughout the period of employment