Behavior Therapist (BT) Job Description
Description: The BT conducts in-home Intensive Early Intervention Behavior Therapy Services to
children with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder using the principles of Applied Behavior
Analysis. Treatment services are provided to help children and families achieve the goals outlined on the
individual treatment plan. Treatment is provided in accordance of all applicable federal and MN state
regulations and BTS of MN policies and procedures.
Essential Functions
1.
Independently conducts 1:1 Behavior Therapy shifts (at least 2 hours in length per shift)
using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
2.
Address ITP objectives using procedures approved by the Program Director and
Licensed Psychologist.
3.
Collect and record data accurately and efficiently in accordance with policies established
by BTS of MN and in compliance with all DHS requirements for CTSS providers and the
standards of the field outlined by the American Psychological Association.
4.
Demonstrate basic competency with Behavior Therapist skill requirements following a 2
week intensive training and observation period.
5.
Communicate clearly and effectively in English to parents/caregivers.
6.
Abide by all Minnesota and federal rules and regulations guiding BTS of MN services,
including, but not limited to:
 Minnesota Statute 256B.0943 Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports
 Minnesota Statute 148B.71 Mental Health Client Bill of Rights
 Minnesota Statute 245.8261 Restrictive Procedures
 HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)
 Ethical Principles and Codes of Conduct of the American Psychological Association
(Chapters 3. Human Relations, 4. Privacy and Confidentiality and 10.Therapy.)
7.
Local travel is required.
Position Qualifications
1.
Must provide documentation that individual meets qualifications as a “mental health
practitioner” as defined by the Department of Human Services:
“Mental health practitioners providing services for the treatment of mental illness, under
clinical supervision of a mental health professional … must be qualified in at least one of
the following ways:

Obtained a bachelor’s degree in one of the behavioral sciences or related fields
from an accredited college or university and 2,000 hours of supervised
experience in the delivery of clinical services in the treatment of mental illness or
children with emotional disturbances;
Or
2.

Is fluent in the non-English language of the ethnic group to which at least 50% of
the practitioner’s clients belong, completes 40 hours of training in the delivery of
services to persons with mental illness or children with emotional disturbances,
and receives clinical supervision from a mental health professional at least once
a week until the requirement of 2,000 hours of supervised experience is met;
Or

Completed 6,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of clinical
services in the treatment of mental illness;
Or

Obtained a master’s or other graduate degree in one of the behavioral sciences
or related fields from an accredited college or university. Must have a 4 year
bachelor’s degree in a “related field” such as psychology, special education,
speech and language pathology, etc.”
All applicants must pass state and federal background checks as required by the State of
Minnesota in order to work with children (Minnesota Statute 148.A).
Position Requirements
1.
Experience conducting discrete trial training, use of applied behavior analysis procedures
and experience with children with autism is preferred
2.
Ability to work in cooperation with Program Director, Licensed Psychologists, family
members, schools and other providers to coordinate and plan services
3.
Speak, write, read and/or communicate fluently in the English language.
4.
Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to target child, family, therapists, staff and any
other protected health information (PHI).
5.
Applicant must have valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable
transportation to and from client homes and BTS of MN office.
Physical Requirements
Due to the active and physical nature of this position, there are additional vision and physical
requirements that must be met in order to effectively function in this position.
Vision Requirements




Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
Distant Vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
Peripheral Vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or the
left or right while eyes are fixed on a given point
Depth Perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and spatial
relationships)
The children that we provide services for may exhibit physically aggressive behavior which can include
throwing objects, kicking, pinching, hitting, biting, etc. The BT may be required to respond to such
behavior by implementing a Behavior Plan that may include things such as response blocking,
redirecting, or extinction. Such a response may require a level of agility, quick reflex, and the ability to
physically protect themselves and the child from harm.
Physical Requirements:
Lifting 10 to 15 pounds
Lifting 15-25 pounds
Lifting 25-50 pounds
Lifting over 50 pounds
Estimated Frequency:
Frequently
Frequently
Frequently
Occasional
Carrying 10-15 pounds
Carrying 15-25 pounds
Carrying 25-50 pounds
Carrying over 50 pounds
Frequently
Frequently
Frequently
Rarely
Standing
Walking
Sitting
Kneeling
Crouching
Squatting
Grasping
Reaching
Bending
Driving
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
Frequent
I have reviewed the above job description and am aware that I am accountable for all the duties and
responsibilities outlined above.
Employee Name (print) _________________________________
Employee Signature____________________________________ Date ___________
Supervisor Name (print) _________________________________
Supervisor Signature ____________________________________ Date ___________
This position description is not all inclusive. It defines the essential functions and basic requirements only,
which are subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodations or for other reason.