What to Look for in an Autism Therapy Job

Hopebridge Talent Team Shares What Autism Service Clinicians Should Look for in a Company

No matter how they arrived, choosing to work in the autism service industry is usually an easy decision. There may have been a bit of uncertainty, jobs in other industries, or acts of fate along the way, but once they knew, they knew. 

Ask any BCBA, RBT, SLP, OT or psychologist, and they will tell you that deciding to serve people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was the clear choice for them. Supporting these individuals as they shine is why they do what they do.

For those in the field, discovering what their dream job would be is often the easy part, but finding the place to carry it out, on the other hand, can take a bit more effort. Searching for a job in applied behavior analysis (ABA) or other areas of autism therapy is nuanced, as each provider offers something different to its patients and employees.

Remember, your job search is a two-way street. Just as the company wants to find the best person for the job, you also need to find the best “home” for your work.

We recently talked with members of Hopebridge’s Talent Acquisition Team, who have years of experience connecting candidates with their ideal jobs and companies. They shared tips to help you along your job search and find the best company match for you as a clinician.

 

Here are five characteristics they recommend looking for in your future employer:

1. Candidate-centric recruiting approach
A company’s approach should not just be “what’s in it for me?” The organization should be adding value to the community overall, rather than only taking from it. Do they go above and beyond for their employees, and even their job candidates? Take our team, for instance–they even curated Spotify playlists for your drive to the interview! The answer to this question can give you a sneak peek into the company culture.

2. Elements that excite you.
If you’ve done your research and are excited about the things that make this company unique, then it’s a good indicator that you are in the right place. For instance, did learning about opportunities to work with top industry professionals dedicated to clinical excellence perk you up? What about collaborating with other clinicians through Grand Rounds, or taking part in company-hosted CEUs? Then Hopebridge might be the place for you. Or, if you instantly clicked with the recruiter or hiring manager and enjoyed sharing stories behind your “why” for working in the autism community, then the company culture could be a match.

3. Opportunities to learn and grow
In order to give the children you serve the best possible care, continuing to learn and grow is crucial. From advancement possibilities and lateral growth opportunities, to collaboration with interdisciplinary professionals and creative on-the-job training, a strong company will put in the time and effort to develop their employees so they can achieve greatness together.

4. Transparent and friendly demeanor
It is our feeling that a good organization is not a gate-keeper—no elephants in this room! They will be open and honest when answering your questions and will be happy to do so. This includes questions related to compensation during the interview. You should know up front as to whether your targets are on par or way out of range with the company, as well as whether there are opportunities for bonuses, PTO, benefits and more.

5. Supportive atmosphere
Did you feel comfortable on the phone or while meeting with them? What initiatives do they have in place to support their employees, personally and professionally? How do they connect with the community? Ask yourself these questions throughout the process to determine whether they will be able to offer what you are looking for in a company.

Finding a Dream Job at Hopebridge

Now that you have more ideas as to what to look for in an organization, we hope you’ll consider Hopebridge within your list of options. To see if a job at Hopebridge is the next step on your career journey, connect with us and check out the open positions in autism therapy at one of our many centers across the country.

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC.