Hopebridge Behavior Analyst Fellowship Program Provides On-the-Job Training and Career Advancement
December 29, 2020
December 29, 2020
The children we serve at Hopebridge Autism Therapy centers are at the heart of everything we do. These kiddos on the spectrum – and others with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the country – deserve the best possible care, which starts with the behavior analysts and therapists who make the magic happen.
In an effort to provide access to quality applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy) to more children, it’s part of our mission to cultivate our Hopebridge Heroes right here at home in our centers. In addition to focusing on continuing education opportunities for our team members, we developed an unmatched Behavior Analyst Fellowship (BAF) program for Hopebridge employees on their paths to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). The program is set up for students to excel at work and in their studies as they attend graduate school and prepare for the BCBA exam.
The fellowship program is an opportunity for high-performing Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) and other employees to further develop their professional careers in behavior analysis while advancing through the Hopebridge ABA department. We strive to provide best-in-class supervision and create an effective and efficient pathway for students to become top-notch BCBAs … while sparking their enthusiasm about the field at the same time!
7 Key Benefits of the Hopebridge BAF Program
BAF is unlike any other student program in the nation. With help from Hopebridge’s extensive background in the ABA arena and autism community, our hope and vision is to provide a space where budding BCBAs encounter inspiring education experiences with children and colleagues that they won’t find anywhere else.
What is it that sets Hopebridge apart? Beyond all the perks of a paid, full-time RBT position (complete with benefits!) in our centers, here are some of the bonus reasons why students choose to work at Hopebridge while studying to become a BCBA:
Hear from BAF Students
Don’t just take our word for it. Here is what some of our current and recent BAF students had to say about the program:
“As someone paying out of pocket for my master’s degree, it is a huge financial relief to be able to accumulate my supervision hours while working as an RBT. I also appreciate the growth within the company that the BAF program supports. I feel blessed with a super supportive clinic manager and BCBA staff and enjoy working with them, not only as an employee, but as a student.”
Jen F., RBT, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in Mason, Ohio
“The BAF program is unlike any other internship experience. The program allows for supervision hours within the clinic and through specialized assignments and group meetings that utilize the principles of ABA. The program is well organized in tiers based on supervision hours already obtained and bases its monthly assignments on the expectations and experience needed while working in the field as a BCBA.”
Jennifer A., RBT, Hopebridge Autism Therapy in Columbus, Georgia
“Two complaints I have read online from other external BCBA candidates are that it is difficult to accrue indirect hours and that they feel unprepared for the BCBA exam. In my experience, Hopebridge’s BAF program was able to solve both of these dilemmas. Plus, I was able to pass the BCBA exam the first time! One and done! A large portion of the credit was that Hopebridge gave access to BDS Modules and the FIT exam through the BAF program. I have not heard of any other company providing these supports to candidates free of charge. Any company that provides these kinds of resources to each and every person who qualifies and applies for the BAF program is one that is committed to the growth and support of its employees!”
Heather G., RBT Fellow, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in Miamisburg, Ohio
“The BAF program has been the best experience thus far. I was new to this field and halfway into coursework, but had not yet gained any hours and was not sure how to go about it until I joined the fellowship program. There is so much academic refreshment while attending to the applied content. I have found great support in the leaders of the program and highly encourage others to join.”
Daniella G., RBT Fellow, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in Glendale, Arizona
“Having the opportunity to build and grow my skill set in an environment that is welcoming has been incredible. The support I had from all aspects (the families, RBTs, center management and BCBAs) has allowed me to become more confident in my current role and my future role as a BCBA. Being able to practice my behavior analytical skills in my Fellow role while being able to continue providing therapy allowed me to see the ins and outs of programming and see the implementation of it.”
Michelle B., RBT Fellow, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in South Bend, Indiana
“What I found most valuable is having the sense of connectedness that comes from building a work community that is supportive of your success with ABA skills development. It gives you the incentive and focus you need to get through the homestretch of accumulating hours to sit for the exam. Most ABA companies will require non-compete clauses within their contracts or employees may be subjected to a reduction in their hourly rate as a way of ‘compensating’ the company for providing BCBA supervision … Hopebridge has required none of these stipulations; freely allowing employees access to valuable services without the financial burden.”
Mary C., RBT, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in Mason, Ohio
“The Hopebridge team developed an effective program that allows students to gain much-needed unrestricted hours through assignments that are applicable to a career as a BCBA. Students who enroll in the BAF program have the opportunity to practice developing skills such as writing a behavior intervention plan, reading and analyzing articles and collaborating with peers. Having opportunities to gain real-world experience is pivotal to a successful career. Hopebridge offers a well-rounded program that cannot be found from other external programs.”
Cristy B., RBT and ABA Trainer, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in Terre Haute, Indiana
“The BAF program has gone hand-in-hand with my classes. It has given me the hands-on experience and in-depth discussions to advance me in the field of ABA.”
Breelyn P., RBT, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in Glendale, Arizona
“When I decided to pursue a career as a BCBA, I had no idea where to start or what I was doing. Thanks to my leadership team at Jeffersonville and those who had previously been part of BAF, I found my way to this wonderful program and began working on my restricted and unrestricted hours. The thing I love the most about this program is the support system it gave me while on this journey to become a BCBA. Our cohorts are full of people who are driven by the same goals and are willing to help whenever needed. Although the program is a lot of work, you aren’t in it alone and there are so many people rooting for your success.”
Amber D., RBT, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana
Apply to the Hopebridge BAF Program
Does BAF and a job at Hopebridge sound interesting to you? To join the fellowship program, students must first become employees at Hopebridge. This program is designed for students who are also RBTs–we can provide that training, as well, if they are not already credentialed. To be considered for the BAF program, students must have six or more months working with autism in ABA or special education settings, plus submit a transcript, BAF application and résumé. We offer open enrollment every month.
To join the Hopebridge team, check out the open positions in our autism therapy centers throughout the United States to take the next step in your BCBA career.
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