Join Us
Do you:
want to make a difference?
consider yourself a lifelong learner?
aspire to join the leading edge of autism treatment?
Then SPARKS might be for you.
WHO WE ARE
At SPARKS, we use data and science to deliver the highest level of contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy—and nurture the potential of children and young adults with autism.
Although we treat clients across northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and southern Maryland, we’re also part of LEARN Behavioral, a progressive and collaborative national organization made up of leading providers in autism treatment—all dedicated to finding success for every child in our care.
Our national team of clinicians, led by Hanna Rue, PhD, BCBA-D, supports more than 5,000 children across 15 states and includes:
More than 30 doctoral-level clinicians
450 behavior analysts
3,700 highly-trained behavior technicians
Equipped with the latest research, the most extensive support and professional development, and one of the largest and most diverse behavioral health data sets in the country, our local team at SPARKS—and our national team at LEARN—are a group of passionate, talented professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of children with autism.
OUR FIVE PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS
We encourage our entire team to follow our five principles of success:
Always remain client-centered.
A healthy obsession with client progress is respected and valued. Stay flexible in your approach and meet clients where they are. That’s always our first, second, and final priority.
Take pride in your competence.
Achieving success is why you’re here. Always strive for that excellence in the services you provide. We want you (and LEARN) to be the best.
Be curious.
Expanding knowledge and sharing with others ignites the intellectual curiosity that’s so important to the professional growth of our team.
Act with integrity.
No excuses on this one. Always do what’s right. Ethical practice is core to our DNA.
Embrace partnership.
Working well with caregivers, colleagues, and others can only make your job and the outcome better. Collaboration and family engagement are key to achieving success for our clients.
START YOUR CAREER—BUT NEVER STOP GROWING
We’re committed to your professional development from day one—and want to help you achieve your career goals, while doing the work you love.
In 2019 alone, our clinical staff at SPARKS and LEARN took part in 16,200 hours of workshops, clinical rounds, and training. But we don’t only participate. Many of us spearhead presentations and trainings, speak at conferences, lead research initiatives, publish in top journals—and help shape the future of autism treatment.
In addition to a competitive salary, SPARKS offers the following benefits:
Comprehensive 60-hour new hire training, with safety training certification
Support for certifications (RBT, BCaBA, BCBA)
Flexible Spending Accounts and 401k
Tablets for all staff
Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for full-time staff
Free BCBA supervision and CEUs
Professional development and research stipends
401k matching
We’re also an approved continuing education (ACE) provider of Type 2 continuing education hours for BCBA and BCaBA certificate holders.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
COMMITTED
TO CLINICAL GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE
Our partnership with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology gives our team at SPARKS and LEARN a chance to continue their education by pursuing a certificate or graduate degree in applied behavior analysis.
With a campus in Washington, D.C., and other major metropolitan areas in the United States, The Chicago School combines theory with hands-on experience—and provides an education rooted in innovation, service, and community.
ROLES
Job Descriptions
Behavior Technician
Entry-level position working one-on-one with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Receive extensive training to deliver applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy (aka registered behavior technician).
Training Technician
Train and support other technicians in direct intervention techniques, while developing coaching skills.
Advanced Behavior Technician
Provide behavioral intervention to children with autism or other developmental disabilities and their families in a variety of settings. Report directly to a program supervisor or behavior analyst.
Lead Technician
Build supervision skills by providing hands-on support to newer technicians and helping BCBAs with their clinical programming. Opportunity to accrue supervision hours towards BCBA.
Clinical Fellow
Work alongside a behavior analyst to build clinical and managerial skills, shortly before or after earning certification as a BCBA.
Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
Work under the direction of a behavior analyst to lead a clinical team. Assistant behavior analysts are eligible for licensure in the state of Virginia, but individuals in graduate school may also opt to pursue this path as they conclude their graduate training.
Behavior Analyst
Lead a clinical team as the BCBA supervisor. Mentor and train behavior technicians and ensure clinical excellence in programming.
Managing Behavior Analyst
Lead a team of technicians in a three-tier supervision model. Provide clinical oversight for all cases and leadership for the entire clinical team.
Assistant Clinical Director
Support one of our clinical directors as a member of our clinical leadership team.
Clinical Director
Serve as the head of a regional office, leading and guiding all things clinical and business related. Work closely with a team of BCBAs to ensure clinical excellence, while connecting with and serving your community.
Start Now
Explore the possibilites.