Want a change of pace? Need a workplace where every day is different and packed with purpose and fun? Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) might be the next career move for you.
An RBT works one-on-one with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy principles. While it may look like play, the techniques used in each session teach children how to communicate, socialize, and reduce interfering behaviors.
Intrigued? Let’s explore what makes a good RBT candidate.
Adaptable
At ABS Kids, you start with paid training that covers RBT certification and how to carry out the treatment plans written by your supervising Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Every plan is built around one child and one set of goals.
Plans are a starting point, not a script. An adaptable RBT keeps a session moving when a child is frustrated or when a reward stops working. The more you learn about a child, the easier those adjustments become, and the more WOW Moments you get to see.
Whether it’s a client’s first word, their first time asking for help, or the first time sitting through a full lesson, these moments are the reason we Work in WOW at ABS Kids.
Energetic
When a child sees that you are excited about their favorite subject, their eyes light up. When you cheer them on through a new milestone, they start to believe they can do it.
Children also bring a lot of energy of their own. Sessions can be full of playing on the floor, crawling into a reading tent, dance parties, and anything that may help keep them engaged and eager to learn. Whether you are in one of our centers or working in a family’s home, every child deserves an RBT who makes them feel valued and excited to try.
Patient
Even a well-planned session hits a rough patch. A child may struggle with a new skill or a change in schedule. Finding the right approach can take weeks.
The best RBTs understand the difference between a child having a hard time and a child being difficult. That distinction is what sets ABS Kids providers apart.
Creative
Creativity shows up constantly in this work. It might mean building a child’s favorite topic into a lesson or finding fun ways to keep a child focused and engaged. It might also mean finding a new way to keep a child safe when they try to leave the room during a session.
Every child is different, and every child needs an RBT who can find another way in.
Collabortive
An RBT is never working alone. You are part of a team that includes a BCBA, a family, and sometimes a child’s teachers and other therapists.
You are also the person in the room. What you notice during a session, what worked, what did not, what a child responded to for the first time, shapes how the treatment plan moves forward. A good RBT shares that information clearly and asks questions when something is not working.
Who Tends to Thrive in This Role
RBTs come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some have worked as teachers, camp counselors, tutors, or caregivers. Some are parents. Some are studying psychology or education and want hands-on experience. Others are simply looking for work that makes a difference.
What they have in common is not a resume. It is a willingness to show up consistently, meet a child where they are, and celebrate progress that other people might miss.
Working at ABS Kids
We believe passionate, dedicated people make great RBTs. Our paid training program prepares you for your first session and supports you well past it. If you have previous experience working with children and/or a special needs population, you may be eligible for a signing bonus!
Ready to Work in WOW with us? Check out our open positions.
About ABS Kids: ABS Kids partners with children and families to deliver high-quality, compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy at home, in schools, and in our centers. From diagnosis to ongoing treatment, we support children with autism every step of the way. We proudly provide ABA therapy in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Join our team to combine purpose with professional growth.
