Make a lasting difference in the lives of others with a rewarding career in ABA therapy! If you have a passion for helping children with autism flourish, there are a variety of career pathways you can take and limitless opportunities to advance within the ABA field.
In this helpful career overview, you’ll learn about what to expect in each career, including the many benefits. Hopefully, this information will bring you one step closer to finding a fulfilling position that aligns with your unique gifts and talents!
1. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) Have More Fun!
RBTs work directly with children and their family members to provide personalized behavior therapy. Under the supervision of an RBT supervisor or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), RBTs build meaningful relationships with their clients while implementing child-specific behavior plans. Through play-based learning, positive reinforcement, and other strategies to promote functional abilities like improved communication and problem-solving skills, caring RBTs are essential to successful ABA therapy!
2. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) Develop & Assist With Personalized Behavior Plans
If you enjoy assessing behavior and are an excellent communicator or leader, BCBA jobs in Pennsylvania and the northeast open the doors to a world of fulfilling ABA opportunities. Since graduate-level education is required, becoming a BCBA is more involved than other ABA therapy career options. While it does require extensive study and clinical experience, becoming a BCBA is well worth the effort, if you have a passion for improving the lives of others through compassion, knowledge, and proven behavior therapy.
BCBAs are responsible for:
- Assessing cognitive behaviors
- Developing & adjusting behavior plans as needed
- Discussing behavior therapy plans with support staff, parents, teachers, and other caregivers
- Overseeing & assisting with direct support services
3. Classroom Aids Make a Difference Every Day
While classroom aides may not be responsible for creating behavior plans, they serve a crucial role in the success of behavior therapy. Sometimes called ABA assistant teachers, classroom aides are responsible for organizing course materials, providing direct support for children, and helping with the lesson plans. Classroom aids supporting children with autism lead to many benefits, such as providing kids more one-on-one learning time, enhancing classroom safety, and increasing a child’s chances of reaching their functional behavior goals!
4. Care Coordinators Help Children Find the Best Care
Care Coordinator roles provide another rewarding support career. They are friendly faces that welcome new clients and assist with the entire intake process. To become a successful Care Coordinator, you’ll need to have a personable approach, convey a positive attitude, learn all about ABA therapy, and be willing to help parents and their children understand the process before they meet with an ABA therapist.
5. Other Specialized ABA Roles
With so many unique children and families to help, there are a variety of other ABA therapist jobs in PA and the other states we service that provide you the opportunity to support children with autism in other ways! To learn more about other rewarding career ideas, get in touch with our friendly team at HHF for helpful guidance today!
