board certified behavior analyst

registered behavior technician

behavior technician

board certified assistant behavior analyst

regional clinical director

Step Forward ABA

What is the best part of working at the company?
One of the best parts about working at Step Forward ABA is the collaborative and supportive environment. I truly feel treated like an equal member of the team, and leadership consistently takes staff feedback into consideration when making decisions. Communication across the company is strong, and there is a real sense of teamwork where everyone works together to problem solve and support one another. It feels like a very collaborative approach overall, which makes it a positive and motivating place to work.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
One of the more stressful aspects of working at Step Forward ABA is balancing the fast pace that comes with a rapidly growing company and managing the many moving pieces involved in supporting clients, families, and staff. However, despite the fast-paced environment, the team is very collaborative and supportive, which helps make challenges feel manageable and reinforces that everyone is working toward the same goal.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The culture at Step Forward ABA is very collaborative, supportive, and team-oriented. Employees are encouraged to share feedback and ideas, and leadership genuinely takes staff input into consideration. Communication is strong across teams, and there is a shared focus on problem-solving and supporting one another.

I started working for StepForward ABA when they took over Reach ABA. I was originally apprehensive regarding the switch in ownership; however, all my concerns have been appeased, and I'm beyond content with StepForward's efforts. As an RBT, I heavily rely on my BCBA and other supervisors. I've previously worked at other companies where I felt as if I could not speak my opinion or rely on my supervisors to genuinely have my best interest at heart. StepForward is the complete opposite. Any concern I've had, my supervisors have not only been responsive and helpful, but they have encouraged me to bring my concerns to them. They do not make decisions for me. Instead, they invite me into the conversation because they care about what I think and feel. The members at StepForward truly prioritize their employees. If you show up and do your part, they will always meet you where you are to support and guide as needed.

When you work for StepForward, they accommodate your schedule to ensure you are working in a place that fits yours and your client's needs. The work of course can be challenging at times, but I have never felt defeated. The days when you are working with a client and they finally understand or implement a new skill you have been working with them on reminds you why you entered into this field in the first place. Working as a RBT has its ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

I worked for Step Forward ABA for 4 months as an RBT before relocating to a different area of Chicago. I have had nothing but positive experiences working with the company! All sessions are in-home, which was a little intimidating at first as I had only had previous experience utilizing ABA therapy in a clinical setting; however, working in-home proved to be an enjoyable experience thanks to the supervision of an awesome BCBA. All the BCBAs I had the pleasure of meeting were excellent at communicating and ensuring they provided aid in any area deemed fit.  The supervising staff are not menacing, and they provide excellent feedback and support by contacting you as an RBT to ensure everything goes smoothly. I was studying for a Master's in ABA, and the company was supportive of my academic choices, although I didn't utilize the benefit, they even offered a discounted rate to National Louis University (NLU). The BCBA I worked with was more than happy to supervise me for hours towards my own BCBA-supervised hours. Overall, it was a great experience working with Step Forward ABA and if my circumstances were to change, I would work for them again!

Pros: The founder’s dedication to high-quality clinical services is evident, as they are a BCBA themself and they truly understand the field. Although the company is a large organization, the clinical teams maintain a close-knit and supportive environment. Employees have access to benefits, and while the company does offer a 401K, it would be beneficial if it were increased to at least 3% match to align with industry standards. One of the standout perks is the lump-sum PTO. Additionally, the company offers free CEUs, which is a valuable benefit. I think the pay is average. 
Cons: One of the main challenges is the upper (non-clinical) management. Communication can be inconsistent, and it often feels like new members are added to upper management without any formal introduction to the team. Administrative support is slow to respond, and it does not always seem like a priority for them, more times than not. Additionally, there have been instances where clinicians are asked to conduct evaluations without a behavior therapist already planned or hired, which is unfortunate. I personally would not recommend this role to a fresh BCBA due to the lack of administrative support or slow responding, but a seasoned one who is able to work independently would be able to get by.

Step Forward ABA has continued to impress me in the support they provide their clinicians as well as the open and communicative atmosphere they create. The owners of the company consistently make themselves available to answer any question their team members have. Although SFABA is still growing as a provider, they offer competitive pay ranges to their RBTs, BCBAs and CDs which is extremely refreshing and rare to see.  It is so evident how hard the executive team is working to ensure the company grows in a way that is ethical while putting the team members and clients at the forefront of all decisions that they make. I have been around the block working with a few different providers and this is the first provider I have worked for that truly feels like they care about more than just profit. The executive team is consistently requesting feedback AND implementing the feedback that is provided. It has been SUCH a breath of fresh air working for SFABA.

I was so excited to get a job here. First of all, the hiring process was very slow and they took 1 month to hire me. Clients would leave and staff would leave for unknown reasons. A month in they have a meeting with me, giving me advice on what areas to improve in. About a month later, without any warning, they let me go. Even though I am a quiet person with clients, I genuinely felt like I was making improvements. I would feel like I improved each day, even if it was baby steps. They hardly gave me opportunities to show that within my last 2 weeks because I wasn’t direct, just overlapping. How are you going to tell me that I’m laid off without hardly giving me a chance? I wouldn’t recommend this company. They were slow to help me and make changes to my schedule and overall gave me vibes that they needed to improve their management.

Step Forward ABA is a wonderful place to work especially if you are just starting out in the field of ABA and want to continue gaining the skills required to grow in this field. Personally, I feel fulfilled by making a difference in a child’s life and doing so in a work environment that makes it engaging and exciting for everyone. Management is extremely supportive and there is wide open communication between supervisors and staff. They offer supervision for those trying to meet BACB requirements and provide ongoing guidance and support for professional development.  They truly care about helping you meet your goals and giving you the knowledge and skill set you need to get there. 

When I first started at Step Forward ABA, I had no experience and was trying to get a feel for the field. I have no better words to say than: This company is so welcoming and supportive! Their founder, Diah, was incredibly supportive and helpful when I was navigating my certification, supervision hours, and training and I had such an amazing experience with the clients as well. I highly recommend this company if you are starting out and looking for a company that cares and supports its employees. They are extremely flexible and I have full confidence that this company will help anyone interested in the ABA field to flourish and grow.

I have been at Step Forward for a year and I have enjoyed every moment of my experience.  The Administrative Team works hard to help whenever I need them.  The Clinical Director is supportive and a great resource for providing help for my clients when needed.  The training for the RBT's is comprehensive which allows our clients to get the best support possible to help them succeed and achieve their personal goals.  The RBT Requirements Coordinator directs all of the student analysts to get the necessary experience to transition to become a future BCBA.  The culture at the company is amazing and makes each day a pleasure to come to work.

My experience shadowing left me disappointed.
The last pair I tried to work with were late, and even when they were there, they spent a good portion talking about their own personal issues.
Furthermore, they did not keep the client engaged, nor did they maintain visual contact with the client. This is grossly irresponsible as the client during that time is their responsibility.
I was quite disappointed.
ABA is a solid program for changing behavior, but they should start with their own behaviors.
I cannot recommend working with, or for, Step Forward at all

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Board certified behavior analyst 95 salaries reported	$93,947 per year
Registered behavior technician 55 salaries reported	$23.93 per hour
Behavior technician 27 salaries reported	$23.24 per hour
Board certified assistant behavior analyst 1 salary reported	$80,000 per year
Regional clinical director 18 salaries reported	$97,500 per year

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