BCBA Intern

Location: Plainfield / Shepard Hill Elementary School

Department: Student Special Services / Special Education

Reports To: Lead BCBA / Director of Pupil Services / Supervisor of Special Education

Position Type: School Year, 10 Month Position

Salary/Stipend: $25-30/hour

Position Overview

Plainfield Public School is seeking a dedicated and motivated BCBA Intern to join our Student Services team. This position offers a unique opportunity for individuals currently enrolled in a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) approved graduate program to gain valuable supervised fieldwork hours within an educational setting.

Under the direct supervision of a licensed/certified BCBA, the intern will assist in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), modeling evidence-based interventions for school staff, and tracking student progress across IEP and 504 plan goals.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Assessments: Assist in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and ecological evaluations for students receiving special education or MTSS/RTI behavioral support.

Plan Development: Help draft evidence-based Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) aligned with student IEP goals, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).

Data Collection & Analysis: Design, implement, and monitor behavioral data collection systems; analyze data routinely to measure intervention effectiveness and recommend adjustments.

Collaborative Support: Partner with special education teachers, general education staff, paraprofessionals, and school social workers/psychologists to implement behavioral strategies effectively.

Staff Training: Model behavior modification techniques, prompt hierarchies, and reinforcement strategies for classroom aides and teaching personnel.

IEP & 504 Participation: Attend IEP/504 meetings alongside the supervising BCBA to present data and discuss student behavioral progress with families and team members.

Ethical Practice: Adhere strictly to the BACB’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts and district policies regarding student privacy (FERPA/HIPAA).

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

Active enrollment in a Master’s degree or Graduate Certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Special Education, Psychology, or a related field.

Coursework aligned with BCBA Task List requirements.

Eligible to accumulate supervised field experience under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Knowledge of school-based special education compliance (IEP processes, IDEA standards).

Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.

Ability to pass required state background checks, fingerprinting, and health screenings.

Preferred:

Prior experience working with children or adolescents in a school, clinical, or community setting.

What We Offer

Direct Supervision: High-quality, free supervision provided by an experienced school-based BCBA to satisfy fieldwork requirements.

Diverse Experience: Hands-on training with diverse student populations across general education, resource classrooms, and specialized programs.

Professional Growth: Collaborative environment with multi-disciplinary team members (Speech Therapists, OTs, School Psychologists, Social Workers).

Benefits: Dependent on work hours