ABA Counselor

As an ABA Counselor at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism in Richmond, VA, your main responsibilities include developing individualized service plans, implementing treatment interventions at home or within the center, and engaging with clients and their families to promote participation in treatment phases. You'll also be responsible for documenting case notes accurately and ensuring the coordination of multidisciplinary services for comprehensive care.

To apply for the ABA Counselor position at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism, candidates need a High School Diploma, experience working with relevant populations, and must be at least 21 years old. While a Bachelor’s Degree in education or a related field is preferred, possessing a Registered Behavior Technician credential is essential, whether active or eligible for reactivation.

An ABA Counselor at the Sarah Dooley Center supports children with special needs by creating and implementing individualized treatment and behavioral plans. Through one-on-one interactions, they promote various skills, including social and communication abilities, ensuring each child receives tailored strategies that meet their unique needs.

ABA Counselors at the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism can expect ongoing professional development opportunities, including participation in training programs required by St. Joseph’s Villa and other regulatory bodies. This focus on growth helps counselors stay updated on the latest ABA practices and methodologies.

Family involvement is crucial in the work of ABA Counselors at the Sarah Dooley Center. Counselors encourage active participation from family members throughout the treatment process, which helps foster a cooperative environment and leads to more effective outcomes in the children’s development.

When answering this question, it's important to highlight your specific experiences, such as working alongside children with autism, implementing treatment plans, or collaborating with families in a supportive role. Give examples of situations where you made a positive impact.

You can discuss your approach to assessing a child's needs through observation and collaboration with other professionals, along with parents, to gather information that helps you set realistic goals and tailor interventions accordingly.

Share specific techniques you’ve found successful, like using play-based activities, positive reinforcement, or visual aids, and highlight your adaptability in modifying strategies based on each child's response.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate a specific example, illustrating your problem-solving skills, patience, and ability to remain calm under pressure while emphasizing the positive outcome.

Explain your methods for taking detailed notes in real time during sessions, as well as on understanding compliance with state licensing and accreditation standards to ensure clear and precise records.

Discuss the critical role of family involvement in reinforcing skills learned during sessions at home, the importance of open communication, and how you engage families as partners in the therapeutic process.

Mention any relevant professional organizations you are a part of, continuing education courses you attend, or literature you follow that helps you stay informed about the evolving practices and methodologies in ABA therapy.

Share your personal motivations for wanting to work with children with special needs, such as witnessing their progress and positive changes, and how that fuels your passion for this work.

Explain your approach to open dialogue, emphasizing the importance of listening to the parent's concerns, providing evidence-based rationale for your recommendations, and collaboratively finding a mutually agreeable solution.

Discuss your commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere by establishing clear expectations, providing consistent routines, and ensuring that the physical setting is accommodating and safe for all clients.