Clinical Assessment Specialist- BCBA

NeurAbilities•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Clinical Assessment Specialist – BCBA plays a critical role in supporting high-quality and uninterrupted ABA services across multiple locations by conducting timely and accurate initial assessments, administering standardized autism screening and evaluation components when applicable, and developing clinically sound treatment plans to accelerate access to care. In this role, the BCBA administers standardized assessment tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and provides objective assessment data to the qualified healthcare practitioner. All diagnostic determinations for autism spectrum disorder are made exclusively by a qualified healthcare practitioner; the BCBA does not diagnose. This position also supports report review and clinical quality assurance to ensure documentation meets medical necessity, payer requirements, and organizational standards. Additionally, the role provides short-term clinical coverage during clinician leave and supports clinical operations by promoting continuity of care, efficient onboarding of families, and seamless transitions from assessment to ongoing treatment.

Requirements

Master’s Degree or PhD in ABA or related field.
Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA, BCBA-D).
Behavior Specialist/BCBA License for assigned state(s).
Demonstrated training in standardized autism assessment tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition. ABAS, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, or willingness to complete approved training prior to administering assessments.
Ability to administer, score, and document standardized assessment tools with fidelity while operating under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner when required.
Strong knowledge of the diagnostic tools and key components used to evaluate autism spectrum disorder, including behavioral observations, assessment of adaptive functioning, and collection of developmental history.
Exceptional report writing skills, including clear, clinically defensible, and family-friendly treatment plans.
Ability to complete quick and thorough assessments while maintaining quality and adhering to medical necessity standards.
High flexibility, comfortable shifting between locations, caseloads, and priorities based on organizational needs.
Able to work effectively with any family, including those with complex needs, high stress, or barriers to engagement.
2+ years of professional experience as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) working with clients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a multidisciplinary team setting; or
2+ years of professional experience training, mentoring, and managing BCBAs and supporting a team in an intensive treatment environment.
2+ years’ experience in the field of ABA, including comprehensive intervention development and implementation for children and adolescents and supervisor training as identified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Maintain CEU requirements and BCBA credential with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Strong written and oral communication skills along with strong interpersonal skills.
A passion for building positive culture and systems.
Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA practices and adherence to the policies.
Knowledge of IBHS and managed care organization regulations and requirements.
Knowledge of payer-specific requirements and processes for authorizations and billing
Ability to drive and lead practices while adhering to requirements of the state and manage care organizations.
Ability to provide constructive feedback and maintain healthy, productive working relationships.
Ability to analyze data and summarize progress across multiple clinics.
Strong time-management skills along with flexibility and the ability to prioritize.
Demonstrated attention to detail and strong written communication skills.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform tasks involving verbal communication and physical activity, which may include prolonged periods of walking, running, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, climbing, and stooping.

Responsibilities

Administer standardized autism screening and assessment components, including but not limited to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Second Edition, Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised, and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, under the direction and supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Administer assessment components within the BCBA scope of practice and provide results to the qualified healthcare practitioner responsible for diagnostic determination.
Be previously trained in the administration and scoring of these assessment tools or complete required training, including approved workshops or internal competency training, prior to independently administering assessments.
Maintain competency through ongoing practice, supervision, and adherence to standardized administration and scoring procedures.
Collect developmental history and caregiver-reported information to support the diagnostic evaluation process for autism spectrum disorder.
Provide objective behavioral observations and assessment results to the qualified healthcare practitioner to inform diagnostic determination and clinical recommendations.
Ensure accurate documentation, scoring, and reporting of assessment results in accordance with organizational policies and clinical best practices.
Maintain compliance within applicable scope of practice, organizational policies, and payer requirements related to autism diagnostic evaluations.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary diagnostic team to support timely evaluations and coordinated care planning.
Conduct initial assessments (97151), develop treatment plans, and participate in family onboarding to accelerate time-to-care
Review clinical documentation for accuracy, medical necessity, and regulatory compliance
Support prescription renewals and re-assessment workflows as needed
Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments and Functional Analyses
Coordinate a warm handoff to the assigned treating clinician, ensuring the family is introduced to the clinical team who will assume ongoing care. Provide a summary of assessment findings, treatment recommendations, and next steps so the family experiences a seamless transition into services.
Collaborate with the receiving clinician to review key assessment insights, family priorities, and clinical considerations to support continuity of care and seamless start to treatment.
Provide temporary case coverage when clinicians are out on leave or during periods of transition
Deliver supervision and caregiver training (97155/97156) to maintain quality and continuity of services
Assist with clinical caseload redistribution during staffing changes