Home  /  Resource Center  / Becoming a Behavior Technician at Centria Autism

Becoming a Behavior Technician at Centria Autism

By: Centria Autism

At Centria Autism, we’re passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with autism. Our Behavior Technicians (BTs) are at the heart of this mission, providing one-on-one therapy that helps our clients learn, grow, and thrive. If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can truly impact families, you’ve come to the right place!

We understand that starting a new role, especially in a specialized field like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve designed a supportive and comprehensive onboarding process specifically for our new Behavior Technicians. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or taking your first steps into ABA, we’re committed to setting you up for success.

Here’s a glimpse into your journey when you join the Centria Autism family as a Behavior Technician:

Step 1: Initial Requirements & Preparation

Before you even step into a therapy session, we ensure you have the foundational elements in place. We’ll guide you in obtaining essential certifications like CPR and First Aid, and completing a TB test if you haven’t had one recently.

Additionally, our work involves active engagement with children. We’ll ensure you’re aware of the physical requirements, such as getting on the floor, bending, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.

Step 2: Dive into ABA – Comprehensive Training

This is where the magic of learning begins! All new Behavior Technicians (BTs) are required to complete our comprehensive 40-hour training program.* This isn’t just a series of online modules; it’s a deep dive into the core principles of ABA, designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge you’ll need. You’ll learn about: 

  • Understanding Behavior: How to define, measure, and analyze behaviors effectively.
  • Teaching New Skills: Strategies like positive reinforcement, prompting, and shaping to help clients acquire new communication, social, and daily living skills.
  • Reducing Challenging Behaviors: Evidence-based approaches to address interfering behaviors safely and effectively.
  • Ethics and Professionalism: The ethical guidelines that govern our practice and ensure the highest standards of care.

We believe in learning by doing. Alongside your theoretical training, you’ll engage in hands-on practice, role-playing scenarios, and shadowing experienced BTs. This allows you to apply what you’re learning in a simulated environment before working with clients.

*Note: For those interested in or required to complete an RBT certification, after successfully finishing the training, you’ll then complete a competency assessment with one of our qualified supervisors. Once you’ve passed the assessment, you’ll be ready to register for the RBT exam and, upon passing that exam, you’ll officially be a Registered Behavior Technician! 

Step 3: Client-Specific Skills & Implementation

Once you have a strong grasp of ABA fundamentals, we’ll guide you in applying these skills to individual client needs.

  • Individualized Treatment Plans: You’ll learn to interpret and implement personalized treatment plans developed by our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). These plans are tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs.
  • Precise Data Collection: We’ll train you on our digital data collection systems, ensuring you can accurately track client progress, which is crucial for making data-driven decisions about their therapy.
  • Building Rapport: A key focus is on building positive, therapeutic relationships with our clients and their families. This rapport is essential for creating a fun, engaging, and effective learning environment.
  • Parent/Caregiver Collaboration: You’ll learn how to work collaboratively with parents and caregivers, empowering them to support their child’s progress outside of therapy sessions.

Step 4: Ongoing Support & Professional Growth

Your journey with Centria doesn’t end after initial training. We are committed to your continuous professional development.

  • BCBA Supervision: You’ll work under the direct supervision of a dedicated BCBA who provides regular feedback, guidance, and mentorship. This ongoing support ensures you’re always growing and providing the best possible care.
  • Team Collaboration: You’ll be part of a supportive team, with opportunities to collaborate with other BTs and clinicians, share insights, and learn from diverse experiences.
  • Safety Protocols: We prioritize safety. You’ll receive thorough training on safe practices and procedures when working with clients, and how to report any incidents or concerns.
  • Career Advancement: At Centria, we believe in fostering internal talent. We offer clear career paths and development programs, including our Elevate program, which provides a pathway for BTs to pursue their BCBA certification with paid practicum and mentorship.

Joining Centria Autism as a Behavior Technician means stepping into a role where you are valued, trained, and empowered to make a profound difference. We’re excited to welcome you to our team and support you in building a truly rewarding career in ABA!

Ready to start your journey? Explore our open Behavior Technician positions today!