I started working at an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) center in June 2019, approximately one week after I left the classroom. I’ve been working at the center for 5 months and I have finally started to get settled in. This blog will answer several common questions I get about my new job.
Where do I work??
I work at a center-based facility in Northern Virginia. My clients come to the center for therapy. I pick up some students from their schools and transport them to the center. My center has small therapy rooms for clients. We also have a gym, kitchen, art room, playroom and library for clients to use. A lot of ABA therapists go into the home. That’s how my job differs from most.
What do I do?
Working on ABA programs is very similar to working on the goals page of the IEP. The programs might be similar to IEPS, but they are not the same. The school system and the private center each do their own testing and design their own programs. A parent might invite a BCBA to a school meeting, which would help the programs be similar. Otherwise, they are separate.
What is the pay/benefits like?
The pay can vary greatly based on where you live and your credentials. I have heard of pay ranges of $12-30. Usually the lower end for those who have no degrees at all and at the higher end with degrees related to the field of ABA. I work part-time, so I don’t have access to insurance or other similar benefits. I am married so that wasn’t a concern for me, but it could be something to note.
What requirements did I need?
I had a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. That was not a requirement at my job, but it helped me jump some hurdles. I know other therapists at my job are Registered Behavior Technicians. You can learn more about the RBT process here. I have also had several people ask me about BCBA tracks. While I don’t have plans to pursue my BCBA right now, I would be able to do so at my center if I wished.
What are my hours like?
Tuesdays and Fridays are full days for me. I stack hours on both days to make a full day. I also have one small shift on Thursday afternoons. I was able to share the days and times I wanted to work when my schedule was set. I can also pick up shifts as needed.
Important Hour/Pay Details
I only get paid for the hours I work. When the center is closed for a holiday, I don’t get paid. If my client calls out sick, I don’t get paid. When I go on vacation, I don’t get paid. I make pretty steady money either way because my schedule is made of 5 clients. If one client is sick or traveling, I have 4 more to work with. This still means my pay can vary and I need to keep an eye on that.
How is my job similar to teaching?
As I mentioned, it’s like working on IEPS. I actually continue to work with a former student, so that doesn’t feel different at all. I still communicate with parents on a limited basis and I’m able to plan and implement fun activities and community outings for my clients.
How is my job different from teaching?
The biggest difference is I have a lot less responsibility. Now, the BCBA is the case manager. I’m not responsible for testing or designing the programs. I also don’t hold meetings or deal directly with parent concerns. My job is just to work on programs, so it’s easier to walk away at the end of the day.
Overall my stress and anxiety have gone down significantly. I do miss a lot of parts of teaching, but for my overall health, this has been a good switch. Feel free to comment with any remaining questions and I will answer the ones that I can answer!