What does an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist do?

Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists work with children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), traumatic brain injuries, dementia and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and disorders.

When carrying out the evaluation and therapeutic responsibilities featured in an ABA Therapist job description, they employ an ABA approach. ABA therapy blends research into learning and behavior to address behaviors that pose challenges in everyday life. Through their work, Applied Behavior Analysts can help clients increase their communication, social skills and focus so they can improve their relationships, be more independent and succeed at school or work.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist skills and qualifications

Success in Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist positions requires fundamental skills. Listing the following qualifications in your Applied Behavior Analyst job description may find quality candidates:

• In-depth understanding of ABA theory, techniques and best practices

• Knowledge of developmental and intellectual disabilities

• Verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients and their caregivers

• Observation skills to monitor client behaviors and identify changes over time

• Written communication skills to prepare easy-to-understand reports

• Social perceptiveness and critical thinking skills to understand clients’ motivations and behaviors

• Organizational skills to handle multiple cases at once

• Computer skills to use email, word processing, spreadsheet and client records software

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist experience requirements

As a part of their formal training, Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists typically gain real-world experience through fieldwork. During these placements, they may perform the job duties included in an ABA job description under the supervision of a more experienced therapist. Due to this hands-on experience, an ABA Therapist may not need additional work experience to succeed in your open position, especially if you have a well-established team of therapists available to assist during onboarding.

If you have one ABA Therapist on staff or need your new hire to supervise other therapists, consider hiring candidates with a few years of experience.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist education and training requirements

Many employers prefer to hire ABA Therapists who hold Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) certification, and states may also require this certification to gain a license to practice. Prospective Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists must usually earn a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis or a related field before earning this credential. They may need to complete a minimum number of hours of fieldwork and pass an examination.

Because state licensing requirements vary, research the regulations for your area and tailor the education requirements in your ABA Therapist job description accordingly.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the ABA job description provided above doesn’t adequately reflect your business needs, one of the following closely related job titles may be a good substitute:

• Behavioral Specialist

• Occupational Therapist

• Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)

• Therapist

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist job description FAQs

What’s the difference between an ABA Therapist and a TSS Worker?

Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) Workers and ABA Therapists use ABA methods to administer therapy to clients. However, TSS Workers usually have less education and training, so they don’t conduct evaluations or write treatment plans. ABA Therapists typically carry out these responsibilities and may delegate some therapy-related duties to TSS Workers.

What’s the difference between an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist and a Behavioral Specialist?

Like an ABA Therapist, a Behavioral Specialist helps clients overcome behavioral issues, but their therapeutic methods are different. ABA Therapists employ strategies based on ABA, while Behavioral Specialists may make use of a variety of theories on learning and behavior when developing treatment plans.

What’s the difference between an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist and a Behavioral Technician?

Although their job titles are similar, ABA Therapists and Behavioral Technicians work with different populations. An ABA Therapist provides therapy for individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. A Behavioral Technician assists Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurses and other mental health providers in delivering care to people with mental health conditions or histories of substance use.