Behavioral Specialist III - Profound Autism Research Study

SHIFT:

Seeking Breakthrough Makers

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.

At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care-and your career.

CHOP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or any other legally protected categories in any employment, training, or vendor decisions or programs. CHOP recognizes the critical importance of a workforce rich in varied backgrounds and experiences and engages in ongoing efforts to achieve that through equally varied and non-discriminatory means.

A Brief Overview

The Behavioral Specialist III is responsible for providing advanced behavioral expertise within a structured research study involving children and adolescents with significant developmental and communication differences.

This role is focused on supporting participants and their families through standardized experimental procedures, ensuring high-quality data collection and a supportive, safe experience during study participation. This position
does not provide ongoing clinical treatment or longitudinal care, but instead delivers targeted behavioral support, observation, and structured interaction aligned with study protocols.

A Behavioral Specialist III applies expertise in behavioral assessment, applied behavioral analysis (ABA), counseling, and/or social work, and developmental
disabilities to facilitate participant engagement, optimize data integrity, and support caregiver understanding of study procedures. The role requires a high degree of independence, as well as collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team.

What you will do

1. Under supervision and in conjunction with the research team, serves as the primary behavioral specialist supporting assigned study participants and their caregivers during assessment visits.

• In accordance with study protocols, supports participant engagement during structured experimental procedures using individualized behavioral strategies
• Independently identifies, operationalizes, and tracks behaviors that may impact protocol completion or data quality.
• Implements proactive behavioral supports to facilitate participant cooperation and comfort.
• Maintains fidelity to study procedures while adapting approach to meet individual participant needs.
• Coordinates daily assessment flow in collaboration with research staff to ensure efficiency and protocol adherence.
• Demonstrates competency and expertise in the principles and practice of applied behavior analysis.
• This includes the current BCBA Task List and the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.

2. Under supervision, participates in behavioral observation and contributes to the characterization of participant functioning within the assessment context.

• Conducts structured behavioral observations during study visits.
• Identifies communication, social engagement, and behavioral regulation patterns relevant to assessment outcomes.
• Assesses environmental, sensory, and behavioral factors influencing participant performance.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to support accurate interpretation of behavioral data.
• Serves as a resource to team members on behavioral strategies for participants with complex needs.

3. Maintains appropriate documentation and data collection procedures in accordance with research standards.

• Completes timely, accurate, and protocol-aligned documentation of participant behavior during assessment sessions.
• Collect and organizes behavioral data to support study objectives.
• Assists in maintaining fidelity of data collection procedures.
• Prepares summaries of participant behavior for internal research team use, as needed.

4. Maintains a safe, structured, and supportive environment during all participant interactions.

• Provides close supervision to participants during assessment activities to ensure participant safety and well-being.
• Implements proactive strategies to reduce distress and support regulation.
• Collaborates with team members to adjust environmental factors (e.g., sensory supports, pacing) to optimize participation.

5. Participates in team collaboration, training, and professional development activities.

• Attends and actively participates in team meetings, supervision, and study trainings.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to enhance study implementation and participant experience.
• Contributes to training efforts related to behavioral support strategies and protocol fidelity.
• Participates in research-related activities such as presentations or internal process improvement initiatives.
• Provides mentorship and modeling to junior behavioral staff as applicable

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree psychology, social work, education, school psychology or a similar field of study Required
• Master's Degree Preferred

Experience Qualifications

• At least four (4) years experience with direct care of children and adolescents with social, emotional and behavioral needs. Required

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of typical and atypical youth development and related areas.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent psychopathology
• Knowledge of therapy and psychological assessment with youth and families
• Knowledge of Applied Behavioral Analysis and behavioral methodology and principles.
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing in English.
• Computer skills including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
• Ability to direct and motivate staff teams.
• Critical analysis and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other health care team providers.

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement

SALARY RANGE:

Salary ranges are shown for full-time jobs. If you're working part-time, your pay will be adjusted accordingly.

-------------------

At CHOP, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Factors such as skills and experience could result in an offer above the salary range noted in this job posting. Click here for more information regarding CHOP's Compensation and Benefits.