We are often asked as kids, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We go through school, internships, jobs, and more searching for that answer, but sometimes it seems like we still don’t know. And after you graduate? Then the pressure is really on and it feels like everything you’re considering is going to require you to commit the rest of your life to it! If you still don’t know what you want to be when you ‘grow up’ you might want to consider ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapy.
To test out the field of ABA, one path to take is working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This comes with a desire to help others, eagerness to learn, and an employer to point you in the right direction. If that’s you and you want to test the waters of a career in ABA, here are 5 facts that you’ll want to know.
1. You don’t need previous ABA experience or credentials to be considered
To work as an ABA Therapist at Verbal Beginnings, you don’t need ABA experience or special certifications to start… in fact we help you get a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification immediately after you start working with us (and pay for it too!). If you want to continue your education in ABA, we will also assist you with becoming a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). All you need is a desire to learn more about ABA and an interest in working with children.
2. It’s an easy way to jump-start a new career and get hands-on experience
It can be tough taking the jump to start a new career, and we get that.
Unlike starting a new graduate program or obtaining a specialized therapist license, you don’t need to commit years of your life to start working in ABA in a hands-on manner. If you want to try it out and see if you like it, we are happy to hire and train you – it’s a low-risk entry!
3. You can work part-time or full-time
Are you still working towards your degree, or not ready to commit to a full-time job? No worries! If you’re employed at Verbal Beginnings, you could work as little as 10 hours per week all the way up to full-time!
For part-time staff, we provide in-home therapy with families in MD, VA, DE, PA, and DC. You’ll work with your Field Supervisor to match your availability and schedule with our in-home families in your area.
We also have full-time opportunities in our centers in Columbia, MD. It’s a win-win!
4. There are multiple opportunities for growth
It can be hard to find a job where you can advance within a company without being there for 5 or more years. If you become an ABA Therapist at VB, you will not only get the certification mentioned above, but there are four levels of therapist promotions you are eligible for. One is even available just 30 days after being employed at VB! We also offer tuition reimbursement for your master’s degree, support supervision hours for the BCBA license, and work with you to map out a career growth plan that’s perfectly tailored for you. Across the organization, Verbal Beginnings promoted 146 employees in 2020 because of their performance. In addition, we have a mentorship program called Everest, as well as free monthly CEUs and trainings throughout the year to help you advance your own knowledge of ABA.
5. You can make an impact right away
We asked some of our employees why they keep on coming back each and every day and the responses were all the same, they love making a difference in the lives of our kiddos! This is at the heart of our mission of changing lives and a key aspect of our core values (check out our wheel).
“The feeling of gratitude from parents is so rewarding! I am absolutely grateful to be a part of our client’s journey to success”. – Grace Gomez, Program Coordinator
Our approach is all about progress, and time and time again our staff say that seeing real progress makes it all worth it. By getting into the field of ABA, you have the opportunity to change the lives of many children and their families.
If we must say so ourselves… that sounds pretty awesome.
To learn more about ABA and Verbal Beginnings, check out this content about our people-first culture. If you are ready to discuss our ABA Therapist opportunities, click here to apply today!
