registered behavior technician

behavior technician

behavioral therapist

entry level supervisor

clinical supervisor

FirstSteps for Kids, Inc

I have been working here for a few months as a full time hire, but to this day have NOT received full time hours on my schedule. The WLA Scheduling department is incredibly unorganized, and expects you to be flexible to same day changes or additions to your schedule. For example, if you check your schedule before bed and there is nothing or just one appointment and you plan your day around that, if they decide to add a cover the morning of for another instructor's client you are expected to cancel your plans to cover. Even if you tell them that you are not available for that cover they will basically shame you for not being available. If I knew that my work schedule was going to be this unbalanced I would have never accepted their employment offer. 

Training lasted about 2 weeks, and the training instructor was very helpful and is determined to make sure we are prepared for working with the children. Unfortunately they are very delayed on scheduling new hires for their RBT exam (I believe it is because they have to increase your pay after being certified), so new instructors are working with children uncertified until the company decides to book your exam. We were told that 2 weeks after training we would take our exam, and it has been almost two months. 

This job also heavily requires you to have reliable transportation. You are not really center based. Most of the time you are driving to a child's school or home, or having a session at the actual center, but in my case after training I was barely at the center. They only compensate for driving if you are going from one session to the next, and not from a session to your home or from your home to a session. During my interview I was told that all drive time would be covered, but I quickly found out that was a lie. 

You are expected to be reachable at 7am everyday or the days you logged for your availability. You are also expected to respond to text messages on their "Teams" app  at all hours of the day including while you are working with a child. You are required to use your phone to record data during sessions, and are not compensated for data or phone usage. 

Overall, this job is far from reliable. I would highly recommend going with another company. The only positive thing was the free training in ABA.

What is the best part of working at the company?
One of the strongest aspects of this company is its leadership. The regional clinical director is kind, professional, and deeply committed to both the clients and the team. The executive team is present and approachable with an open door policy, and they make a real effort to communicate directly with staff and listen to feedback. There is a generous time off and sick hour policy. I was able to change my availability multiple times due to being in school and was accommodated each time. Years ago when I started the starting pay was very low and I worked my way up to the cap as it is an entry level job. I think the new starting pay is fair and there is room to grow within the company along with multiple supports from supervising staff members.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Scheduling and cancellations are an ongoing systematic problem but this company makes it easy to openly converse about any issues of ongoing cancelations. Drive time is also a big stressor but can also be accommodated by asking for sessions to be closer in proximity although living in Los Angeles traffic is always a given.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I never had a problem with any of the staff of supervisors. Everyone is kind, welcoming and overall supportive. Leadership is supportive, ethical, and involved, and there is a genuine commitment to maintaining a positive and professional work environment. Leadership communicates transparently, problem-solves, and makes efforts to support both staff and families. I have made some great friendships within this company.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Having multiple sessions a day, possible drive time between schools, homes and center. Drive time is paid as well as milage. Talking to supervisors or other team members. Possible supervision if needed.

Honestly, FirstSteps can easily be one of the best agencies out there. The supervisors are always pushed to be the best professionals in the field. There is plenty of support when dealing with difficult scenarios, and if you are not confident in specific topics, there is always someone available to help out. They are very knowledgable and truly care about their clients. 

Where they fall short: There are no specific protocols to follow. We are told that we must uphold to the service contract, but there are exceptions made all the time. It seems like when dealing with hard situations, we are pushed to follow certain guidelines until the pressure is put on the RCDs, and then suddenly there can be "exceptions". It is hard to keep up with what we can and can't allow with regards to services. I wish that everything would be more streamlined, and not allowing some families to have privileges over others. Second is the pay: We are losing really good people, people who are making a huge impact in the field all because they are not being paid their worth. Third is burn out: RBTs and BCBAs are burning out. When callouts happen, there is no plan! Whoever is available is pulled to cover, RBTs and supervisors alike. I've not heard of any other agency that pulls their own BCBAs to cover sessions. Yet we are still expected to meet deadlines and complete our job duties, but also cover for half the work day. It would be different if the compensation at least matched the demands. Fourth: I don't agree with pulling RBTs from their normally scheduled sessions to cover others. It seems unfair to families, and ultimately the PDs are the ones dealing with angry parents afterwards.  

Overall, it was a good experience. Training is amazing, most co workers are very friendly and helpful just don't listen to the ones who gives you cons before pros, scheduling is understanding and very flexible etc. I was really hoping to stay with the company for a long time, but before you get to be with clients, you have to pass a written test and evaluation which is totally fine, I just wish they took into consideration the fact that not everyone does well with written test and some not so good on hands on. I was let go of due to the fact that I did not pass the written test, and was not given a second chance. Which is okay, that was their policy. How can it that when failing the written test under 70% you cannot retake it but not passing the skills multiple times you can still retake it? It's just disappointing because we work in an environment where we teach children and help children reach their potentials and help them improve in areas that they lack. So to me, I was hoping that they would at least give us second chances and understand that some get anxiety and panic attacks when given a test or given an evaluation, or the fact that some are better at hands on rather than memorizing things, so to be fired over a test was just so disappointing. But hey, don't get me wrong most of them are very friendly, they train you really well, I learned sooo much from them and it was a wonderful experience. It just wasn't the right company for me I guess

A lot of companies talk about being a family, but First Steps walks the walk. The classroom training is so much more thorough than any online training I've seen, and I felt supported by my peers, by my leads, and my supervisors my entire employment. The compensation might seem low, but for the field and for the area it is extremely competitive, with a chance to earn a raise every few months and lots of room for professional advancement.

I have an invisible disability, and it has caused me to lose jobs in the past - not only did leadership help adjust my schedule to my needs, but they offered personal support. Compassion is the backbone of the company - to the kids/clients, families, and employees. Plus, they are at the cutting edge of ABA science, which makes a huge difference in how you engage with the kids in the best way possible.

The kids are the best part of the job but it can be challenging and it's super important to take care of yourself to avoid burnout. You never know exactly what each day will look like, and sessions take place in schools, in home, or at the center so no two days are alike. I loved this job, and I wouldn't have left if I didn't have to relocate.

Initially when I first started here the training was amazing . I was so hopeful . However , as time went on I seen there was a lot of people quitting all the time and I couldn’t figure out why . Until I did . The supervisors lie to their staff a lot here. They give you the run around for promotions and never follow through. Their raise system is a joke . You have to jump through hoops and most of the time the PD’s always mark it down negatively which make it Impossible for you to get one . Unless you’re a lead or one of their favorites. If there’s a difficult parent they will take their side most definitely and if you dare talk about them being unfair they will shun you and call you unprofessional instead of addressing the issue. They will quickly take you off the case and change numerous staff schedules last minute which in turn affects so many other clients quality of service . There’s no support . You have to put up and shut up. They play favorites here and your work is overlooked and will never get recognized . Your schedule is always changing and their is always last min covers where you go in blind with “cheat sheets”that are not updated . Such a disappointment. 

I have been with FirstSteps for over 16 years; I joined the company soon after I graduated college and have made it my home ever since. Along the way, I decided to lean into ABA as a career and FirstSteps inspired me to get my graduate degree and offered a host of advancement opportunities. I started in somewhat of an entry level position and have moved up to the role of Regional Clinic Director of our Redondo Beach office. This field is not an easy or stress-free one, and the business model is quite complicated. However, FirstSteps holds high clinical standards while focusing on an inclusive and warm culture. I have immense respect for my colleagues and supervisors, and have in fact turned many work relationships into strong friendships. While we are not always perfect, I have unwavering trust that the FirstSteps leadership is always acting in the best interest of all employees and clients and there is integrity and meaning behind all we do. I enjoy the opportunity to mentor and support those I supervise and the ultimate reward is contributing to and witnessing client progress. I appreciate the opportunity to work at a company wherein the company's values align with my own.

FirstSteps for Kids has been my home for the last 6 years now. I was recruited for the instructor position at my university’s job fair and have been happily employed here ever since! I am proud to work for an organization that does such meaningful work and improves the lives of so many children! The company’s mission, the warm people and the inclusive company culture were what drew me to the company and the reason that I am still here so many years later. I have held multiple positions within the company and one thing that I am extremely grateful for is the consistent opportunities for continued growth and development. I’ve been so lucky to have supervisors who not only helped foster my passion for Human Resources but have continued to provide me with an encouraging and supportive environment to cultivate my skills and establish myself as a leader within the company. I am now finishing up my master’s program and eagerly look forward to shifting all my focus back to my career. My goal is to continue helping our organization grow and inviting our newest colleagues to revel in the great company culture we have at FirstSteps! 

I've been working here for over a year and it's such a great company with amazing and kind individuals. I've moved around a lot (4 states + many cities) and worked in many industries. I can honestly say this is the warmest environment and culture I've been a part of. 

Not having previous experience in the field, I never once felt that any of my questions were met with annoyance or frustration. Everyone here will help you no matter what department or office you're in. 

They really invest in employees from the ground floor--especially when it comes to training and upward mobility! If you want to be a BCBA they will help you starting as an Instructor.  If you don't want to go the clinical route like me, there are a lot of areas you can grow into that they will support you in. Impressive tenure as well--a lot of employees I've gotten to know over the past year have been here for 5-10+ years!! Not a lot of companies can say that these days.

Also, the work and the kids are truly incredible! I work next to the clinic and, even though I don't work with them 1:1, I get to see their progress and the impact we make in the communities and the families we serve. 

The training was the best part of the experience. The trainer helps you understand the concepts of ABA and implements role-play examples for learning. There is a high turnout of BTs leaving due to poor treatment of staff and lack of support from supervisors. The supervisors give a false sense of support.  Due to a constant lack of staff, they are overworked and sometimes don't get breaks. The company made me feel like a nanny rather than a healthcare worker because I constantly got tasks that were not in the job description.  The pay isn't enough money for the amount of work the BTs do.  The kids and families are wonderful to work with. There is a slight ability to get advancements, however it is unlikely. The schedule constantly changes even on the day of work and sometimes you are not informed about it. There is also a lack of communication between BTs and supervisors.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Registered behavior technician 147 salaries reported	$21.62 per hour
Behavior technician 12 salaries reported	$24.08 per hour
Behavioral therapist 3 salaries reported	$17.83 per hour
Entry level supervisor 44 salaries reported	$29.28 per hour
Clinical supervisor 12 salaries reported	$86,333 per year

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