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
• Mentoring junior clinicians

Benefits

• 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.

Apply today.

The FirstSteps Program Director  

At FirstSteps, we recognize the transformative impact of exceptional clinical leadership. Our Program Directors exemplify these qualities, ensuring that our commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care remains unwavering.

Overview of the Position  

At FirstSteps, our Program Directors are not only highly skilled behavior analysts but also wonderful leaders and clinicians who bring a unique blend of expertise and person-centered compassionate care to their clinical work. They understand the significance of thorough assessment and develop purpose-driven treatment plans that honor the unique needs and aspirations of each child and caregiver we serve. Collaborating closely with caregivers, educators, therapists, and physicians, our Program Directors establish seamless coordination of care, resulting in the highest level of treatment fidelity and enriched learning environments for all our kids.

Our Program Directors also play a pivotal role in shaping our renowned clinical curriculum. Their contributions are instrumental in keeping our intervention approaches progressive, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest research and advancements in the field. 

Leading by example, our Program Directors wholeheartedly embrace the values and mission of FirstSteps. Their dedication to our families and enthusiastic mentorship truly inspires and empowers our entire team to bring their best selves to their work with our kids, ultimately fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and growth within our organization.

 Core Responsibilities

• Client Care: ABA Program Design + Implementation
• Supervision, Management, and Mentorship of our clinical team members 
• Coordination of Care with treating clinicians/physicians and funders
• Leadership, Professional Development, and Contribution to positive company culture

FirstSteps on Diversity & Equity

We are an equal opportunity employer which means that we value diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work - in our service delivery with our clients, in collaboration with families and communities, and in our organizational culture and practices with our staff. We strive to serve a diverse population of children and their families and see a responsibility to address the issue of inequity in access to ABA services across different cultures. 

As a service provider employing hundreds of staff to support our children and their families, we believe that we have a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to social change and a kinder and more compassionate world by living our values of diversity and equity in all our daily operations. When we provide a more diverse learning environment for our clients and their families, we provide a more meaningful experience for all and contribute toward a more equitable future for everyone.

Being part of team FirstSteps affords many opportunities and benefits, including (but not limited to):

• Mentorship and ongoing clinical training and professional development
• Paid time-off for illness and vacation/wellness
• Health Insurance with generous employer contribution
• Access to discounted dental and vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Full company sponsorship of BACB required CEUs
• Tuition discounts for advanced degrees
• Annual Monetary Conference Stipend with PTO allotted for attendance
• Monthly Data Stipend
• Employment Assistance Program
• Wellness Incentives
• Access to discounted Pet Insurance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee discounts on movies, theme parks, hotels, etc.
• Ongoing team building and community events during and outside of work hours
• Fun, team approach and family friendly-work culture

Salary Expectation:

• $85,000-95,000 Annual depending on experience and region: plus significant ongoing clinical bonus opportunities

Please apply for this position if you have:

• A Master’s Degree or Ph.D
• BCBA credential  
• A minimum of one-year prior experience in a similar role with exemplary performance 
• Strong interest in compassionate care treatment model

The FirstSteps Program Director  

At FirstSteps, we recognize the transformative impact of exceptional clinical leadership. Our Program Directors exemplify these qualities, ensuring that our commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care remains unwavering.

Overview of the Position  

At FirstSteps, our Program Directors are not only highly skilled behavior analysts but also wonderful leaders and clinicians who bring a unique blend of expertise and person-centered compassionate care to their clinical work. They understand the significance of thorough assessment and develop purpose-driven treatment plans that honor the unique needs and aspirations of each child and caregiver we serve. Collaborating closely with caregivers, educators, therapists, and physicians, our Program Directors establish seamless coordination of care, resulting in the highest level of treatment fidelity and enriched learning environments for all our kids.

Our Program Directors also play a pivotal role in shaping our renowned clinical curriculum. Their contributions are instrumental in keeping our intervention approaches progressive, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest research and advancements in the field. 

Leading by example, our Program Directors wholeheartedly embrace the values and mission of FirstSteps. Their dedication to our families and enthusiastic mentorship truly inspires and empowers our entire team to bring their best selves to their work with our kids, ultimately fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and growth within our organization.

 Core Responsibilities

• Client Care: ABA Program Design + Implementation
• Supervision, Management, and Mentorship of our clinical team members 
• Coordination of Care with treating clinicians/physicians and funders
• Leadership, Professional Development, and Contribution to positive company culture

FirstSteps on Diversity & Equity

We are an equal opportunity employer which means that we value diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work - in our service delivery with our clients, in collaboration with families and communities, and in our organizational culture and practices with our staff. We strive to serve a diverse population of children and their families and see a responsibility to address the issue of inequity in access to ABA services across different cultures. 

As a service provider employing hundreds of staff to support our children and their families, we believe that we have a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to social change and a kinder and more compassionate world by living our values of diversity and equity in all our daily operations. When we provide a more diverse learning environment for our clients and their families, we provide a more meaningful experience for all and contribute toward a more equitable future for everyone.

Being part of team FirstSteps affords many opportunities and benefits, including (but not limited to):

• Mentorship and ongoing clinical training and professional development
• Paid time-off for illness and vacation/wellness
• Health Insurance with generous employer contribution
• Access to discounted dental and vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Full company sponsorship of BACB required CEUs
• Tuition discounts for advanced degrees
• Annual Monetary Conference Stipend with PTO allotted for attendance
• Monthly Data Stipend
• Employment Assistance Program
• Wellness Incentives
• Access to discounted Pet Insurance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee discounts on movies, theme parks, hotels, etc.
• Ongoing team building and community events during and outside of work hours
• Fun, team approach and family friendly-work culture

Salary Expectation:

• $85,000-95,000 Annual depending on experience and region: plus significant ongoing clinical bonus opportunities

Please apply for this position if you have:

• A Master’s Degree or Ph.D
• BCBA credential  
• A minimum of one-year prior experience in a similar role with exemplary performance 
• Strong interest in compassionate care treatment model
  
  #firststepper

The FirstSteps BCBA Program Director  

At FirstSteps, we recognize the transformative impact of exceptional clinical leadership. Our Program Directors exemplify these qualities, ensuring that our commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care remains unwavering.

Overview of the Position  

At FirstSteps, our Program Directors are not only highly skilled behavior analysts but also wonderful leaders and clinicians who bring a unique blend of expertise and person-centered compassionate care to their clinical work. They understand the significance of thorough assessment and develop purpose-driven treatment plans that honor the unique needs and aspirations of each child and caregiver we serve. Collaborating closely with caregivers, educators, therapists, and physicians, our Program Directors establish seamless coordination of care, resulting in the highest level of treatment fidelity and enriched learning environments for all our kids.

Our Program Directors also play a pivotal role in shaping our renowned clinical curriculum. Their contributions are instrumental in keeping our intervention approaches progressive, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest research and advancements in the field. 

Leading by example, our Program Directors wholeheartedly embrace the values and mission of FirstSteps. Their dedication to our families and enthusiastic mentorship truly inspires and empowers our entire team to bring their best selves to their work with our kids, ultimately fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and growth within our organization.

 Core Responsibilities

• Client Care: ABA Program Design + Implementation
• Supervision, Management, and Mentorship of our clinical team members 
• Coordination of Care with treating clinicians/physicians and funders
• Leadership, Professional Development, and Contribution to positive company culture

FirstSteps on Diversity & Equity

We are an equal opportunity employer which means that we value diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work - in our service delivery with our clients, in collaboration with families and communities, and in our organizational culture and practices with our staff. We strive to serve a diverse population of children and their families and see a responsibility to address the issue of inequity in access to ABA services across different cultures. 

As a service provider employing hundreds of staff to support our children and their families, we believe that we have a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to social change and a kinder and more compassionate world by living our values of diversity and equity in all our daily operations. When we provide a more diverse learning environment for our clients and their families, we provide a more meaningful experience for all and contribute toward a more equitable future for everyone.

Being part of team FirstSteps affords many opportunities and benefits, including (but not limited to):

• Mentorship and ongoing clinical training and professional development
• Paid time-off for illness and vacation/wellness
• Health Insurance with generous employer contribution
• Access to discounted dental and vision Insurance with employer contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Full company sponsorship of BACB required CEUs
• Tuition discounts for advanced degrees
• Annual Monetary Conference Stipend with PTO allotted for attendance
• Monthly Data Stipend
• Employment Assistance Program
• Wellness Incentives
• Access to discounted Pet Insurance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee discounts on movies, theme parks, hotels, etc.
• Ongoing team building and community events during and outside of work hours
• Fun, team approach and family friendly-work culture

Salary Expectation:

• $85,000-95,000 Annual depending on experience and region: plus significant ongoing clinical bonus opportunities

Please apply for this position if you have:

• A Master’s Degree or Ph.D
• BCBA credential 
• Strong interest in compassionate care treatment model
  
  
  #firststepper 

The FirstSteps Program Director  

At FirstSteps, we recognize the transformative impact of exceptional clinical leadership. Our Program Directors exemplify these qualities, ensuring that our commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care remains unwavering.

Overview of the Position  

At FirstSteps, our Program Directors are not only highly skilled behavior analysts but also wonderful leaders and clinicians who bring a unique blend of expertise and person-centered compassionate care to their clinical work. They understand the significance of thorough assessment and develop purpose-driven treatment plans that honor the unique needs and aspirations of each child and caregiver we serve. Collaborating closely with caregivers, educators, therapists, and physicians, our Program Directors establish seamless coordination of care, resulting in the highest level of treatment fidelity and enriched learning environments for all our kids.

Our Program Directors also play a pivotal role in shaping our clinical curriculum. Their contributions are instrumental in keeping our intervention approaches progressive, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest research and advancements in the field. 

Leading by example, our Program Directors wholeheartedly embrace the values and mission of FirstSteps. Their dedication to our families and enthusiastic mentorship truly inspires and empowers our entire team to bring their best selves to their work with our kids, ultimately fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and growth within our organization.

 Core Responsibilities

• Client Care: ABA Program Design + Implementation
• Supervision, Management, and Mentorship of our clinical team members 
• Coordination of Care with treating clinicians/physicians and funders
• Leadership, Professional Development, and Contribution to positive company culture

FirstSteps on Diversity & Equity

We are an equal opportunity employer which means that we value diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work - in our service delivery with our clients, in collaboration with families and communities, and in our organizational culture and practices with our staff. We strive to serve a diverse population of children and their families and see a responsibility to address the issue of inequity in access to ABA services across different cultures. 

As a service provider employing hundreds of staff to support our children and their families, we believe that we have a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to social change and a kinder and more compassionate world by living our values of diversity and equity in all our daily operations. When we provide a more diverse learning environment for our clients and their families, we provide a more meaningful experience for all and contribute toward a more equitable future for everyone.

Being part of team FirstSteps affords many opportunities and benefits, including (but not limited to):

• Mentorship and ongoing clinical training and professional development
• Paid time-off for illness and vacation/wellness
• Health Insurance with generous employer contribution
• Access to discounted dental and vision Insurance with generous employer contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 4% company match
• Full company sponsorship of BACB required CEUs
• Tuition discounts for advanced degrees
• Annual Monetary Conference Stipend with PTO allotted for attendance
• Monthly Data Stipend
• Employment Assistance Program
• Wellness Incentives
• Access to discounted Pet Insurance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee discounts on movies, theme parks, hotels, etc.
• Ongoing team building and community events during and outside of work hours
• Fun, team approach and family friendly-work culture

Salary Expectation:

• $85,000-95,000 Annual depending on experience and region, plus significant ongoing clinical bonus opportunities

Please apply for this position if you have:

• A Master’s Degree or Ph.D
• BCBA credential   
• Strong interest in compassionate care treatment model
  
  #firststepper

The FirstSteps BCBA Program Director  

At FirstSteps, we recognize the transformative impact of exceptional clinical leadership. Our Program Directors exemplify these qualities, ensuring that our commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care remains unwavering.

Overview of the Position  

At FirstSteps, our Program Directors are not only highly skilled behavior analysts but also wonderful leaders and clinicians who bring a unique blend of expertise and person-centered compassionate care to their clinical work. They understand the significance of thorough assessment and develop purpose-driven treatment plans that honor the unique needs and aspirations of each child and caregiver we serve. Collaborating closely with caregivers, educators, therapists, and physicians, our Program Directors establish seamless coordination of care, resulting in the highest level of treatment fidelity and enriched learning environments for all our kids.

Our Program Directors also play a pivotal role in shaping our renowned clinical curriculum. Their contributions are instrumental in keeping our intervention approaches progressive, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest research and advancements in the field. 

Leading by example, our Program Directors wholeheartedly embrace the values and mission of FirstSteps. Their dedication to our families and enthusiastic mentorship truly inspires and empowers our entire team to bring their best selves to their work with our kids, ultimately fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and growth within our organization.

 Core Responsibilities

• Client Care: ABA Program Design + Implementation
• Supervision, Management, and Mentorship of our clinical team members 
• Coordination of Care with treating clinicians/physicians and funders
• Leadership, Professional Development, and Contribution to positive company culture

FirstSteps on Diversity & Equity

We are an equal opportunity employer which means that we value diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work - in our service delivery with our clients, in collaboration with families and communities, and in our organizational culture and practices with our staff. We strive to serve a diverse population of children and their families and see a responsibility to address the issue of inequity in access to ABA services across different cultures. 

As a service provider employing hundreds of staff to support our children and their families, we believe that we have a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to social change and a kinder and more compassionate world by living our values of diversity and equity in all our daily operations. When we provide a more diverse learning environment for our clients and their families, we provide a more meaningful experience for all and contribute toward a more equitable future for everyone.

Being part of team FirstSteps affords many opportunities and benefits, including (but not limited to):

• Mentorship and ongoing clinical training and professional development
• Paid time-off for illness and vacation/wellness
• Healthcare Insurance with generous employer contribution
• Access to discounted dental and vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous company match
• Full company sponsorship of BACB required CEUs
• Tuition discounts for advanced degrees
• Annual Monetary Conference Stipend with PTO allotted for attendance
• Monthly Data Stipend
• Employment Assistance Program
• Wellness Incentives
• Access to discounted Pet Insurance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee discounts on movies, theme parks, hotels, etc.
• Ongoing team building and community events during and outside of work hours
• Fun, team approach and work atmosphere!

Salary Expectation:

• Depending on Experience: $83,000-90,000 Annual, plus significant ongoing clinical bonus opportunities

Please apply for this position if you have:

• A Master’s Degree or Ph.D
• BCBA credential  
• A minimum of one year prior experience in a similar role with exemplary performance 
  
   #firststepper