Board Certified Behavior Analyst | BCBA

FirstSteps for Kids, Inc.; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance with employer contribution

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Ample Paid time off

Company-sponsored CEUs

Conference stipend

Tuition discounts for advanced degrees

Employee assistance program

Wellness incentives

Monthly Referral bonuses

Team events and community gatherings

Job summary

A leading autism support organization in Walnut Creek is looking for a BCBA Program Director. This hands-on clinical role emphasizes purposeful, individualized treatment plans for children diagnosed with autism. The ideal candidate holds an active BCBA/BCBA-D credential and 5+ years of experience, offering competitive compensation of $85,000 – $95,000. Join a dynamic team that prioritizes compassionate care and collaboration in a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Hold an active BCBA or BCBA-D credential.
• 5+ years of clinical experience, including supervising clinical programs.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Observe sessions and coach RBTs in real time.
• Provide active supervision and mentorship to RBTs.

Skills

Compassionate, person-centered care

Collaboration and teamwork

Clinical supervision

Education

Master’s or PhD in ABA, psychology, special education, or a related field

Job description

The FirstSteps Team is inspired by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. To that end, our mission is twofold: to provide the best evidence-based, behavior analytic treatment to our children diagnosed with autism and related learning differences, and to offer a positive, collaborative, and dynamic work experience for our team. We are steadfastly committed to ongoing training and mentorship of our employees, always motivated to support the next generation of clinical leaders in our field and at FirstSteps. Our greatest reward is witnessing the rapid and joyful learning of our little ones and knowing that together, we are creating more happy days for the kids and families we serve.

BCBA Program Director

A hands-on clinical role for BCBAs who are inspired by kids, understand the importance of purpose-driven, individualized treatment plans, and enjoy mentoring teams.

You didn’t become a BCBA to supervise from a laptop or sign reports for children you rarely see.

Most of us entered this field because we wanted to really know our clients, support the teams working with them, and see learning happen in real time.

Many experienced BCBAs tell us they miss that kind of work.

That’s the kind of work we protect at FirstSteps for Kids.

Our BCBAs spend most of their time in the room - observing sessions, coaching RBTs in the moment, and collaborating closely with families and clinical partners.

What you won’t find here

• Oversized caseloads
• Supervision done entirely through telehealth
• A culture driven purely by billable hours

Instead, our Program Directors maintain manageable caseloads and a strong center-based presence, allowing you to provide thoughtful supervision and meaningful care.

Compensation

$85,000 – $95,000 annual salary (depending on experience)

PLUS:

• Monetary Signing award
• Ongoing Incentive opportunities

Why Many BCBAs Stay at FirstSteps

A Clinical Home

Our Walnut Creek center provides a collaborative environment where clinicians support one another and deliver thoughtful, compassionate ABA.

FirstSteps has long been a clinician-led organization, and maintaining strong clinical integrity continues to guide how we grow and serve families.

We also believe that our BCBAs doing the work every day should have a meaningful voice in how clinical care evolves.

Learn from Leaders Advancing the Field

You’ll collaborate with expert behavior analysts who are helping to shape modern ABA, including:

• Courtney Tarbox— Chief Clinical Officer
• Dr. Jonathan Tarbox— Director of Research

Our team has helped to initiate and advance the movement toward Compassionate Care, prioritizing both learning and wellbeing for every child receiving ABA services.

Caseloads Designed for Quality Care

We intentionally keep caseloads manageable so you can:

• Truly know each child and family
• Actively monitor and update treatment plans
• Provide meaningful supervision to your team

Because the progress our clients make depends on the quality and thoughtfulness of the treatment we deliver.

The Role: Program Director (BCBA)

Our Program Directors are skilled behavior analysts and compassionate leaders who guide clinical programs and support the growth of their teams.

Clients are primarily children ages 2–12, served at our Walnut Creek center and/or in their homes and schools.

A Typical Week Includes

• Conducting assessments and developing individualized treatment plans
• Observing sessions and coaching RBTs in real time
• Providing active supervision and mentorship to RBTs
• Leading caregiver training and family coaching
• Collaborating with SLPs, OTs, educators, and physicians
• Participating in clinical trainings and research initiatives
• Health insurance with employer contribution
• Dental and vision insurance with employer contribution
• 401(k) with company match
• Ample Paid time off including floating holiday
• Company-sponsored CEUs
• Conference stipend and PTO for attendance
• Tuition discounts for advanced degrees
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness incentives
• Monthly Referral bonuses
• Team events and community gatherings

Qualifications

We are seeking clinicians who:

• Hold an active BCBA or BCBA-D credential
• Have a master’s or PhD in ABA, psychology, special education, or a related field
• Bring 5+ years of clinical experience, including supervising clinical programs
• Are passionate about compassionate, person-centered care
• Enjoy collaboration and teamwork
• Are authorized to work in the United States

Ready to Apply?

If you're looking for a BCBA role where you can grow clinically, collaborate with thoughtful colleagues, and make a meaningful impact, we’d love to meet you.

Even if you’re not actively job searching, we’re always happy to connect with clinicians who care deeply about the future of our field.

If this position resonates with the kind of work you want to be doing as a BCBA, we encourage you to apply or reach out for a conversation.

We move quickly for the right candidates.

Interested in building your career at FirstSteps for Kids, Inc.? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

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