Zephyr Behavioral Healthcare Early Childhood Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) - Play-Based Hatfield, MA · Full time

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Are You a BCBA Ready for a Progressive Approach to ABA?

At Zephyr, we believe that ABA therapy can be transformative when it’s rooted in connection, creativity, and play. We’re looking for BCBAs who are passionate about creating meaningful, long-term relationships with their clients—BCBAs who thrive in highly active roles where engagement with children happens daily and in real-time. This isn’t a desk job; it’s hands-on, dynamic work where you'll actively participate in play, discovery, and learning every day. 

If you’re ready to move beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all methods and practice a progressive approach that blends structure with natural, playful learning, Zephyr is the perfect place for you. Our center encourages individualized growth through active engagement, allowing you to be part of a child’s journey every step of the way. Here, your expertise and commitment can truly make a lasting impact.

Why Zephyr?

At Zephyr, we believe that every child is unique, with their own personality, strengths, and way of experiencing the world. That’s why we’ve created a nurturing, progressive environment where children with autism can learn, grow, and express themselves freely. Our approach goes beyond traditional methods, focusing on empowering each child to be their authentic self while developing essential life skills through play and natural interaction. Here’s what sets us apart:

• A Focus on Individuality: We celebrate each child’s personality and unique way of learning. Our therapy is not “one-size-fits-all.” We use a child-led approach that honors their interests, preferences, and pace, making sure that therapy feels natural and joyful. Here, we encourage children to explore their creativity, make choices, and express themselves in ways that feel right to them.
• Naturalistic, Play-Based Learning: Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, we create learning opportunities through play, embedding skill-building in everyday activities that children love. Our progressive approach blends structure with freedom, allowing children to engage in meaningful, self-directed learning while working on important developmental goals.
• Supporting Self-Expression: We believe in giving children the tools to communicate, not just with words but through whatever means suits them best—whether that’s gestures, play, or creative expression. We work to help each child find their voice, respecting the way they choose to engage with the world around them.
• A Sensory-Friendly, Inclusive Environment: Our center is designed to be a place where children feel safe and comfortable, with sensory-friendly spaces that adapt to their needs. We ensure that every child, regardless of their sensitivities or preferences, can thrive in an environment that respects who they are.
• Compassionate and Committed Team: At Zephyr, our team is made up of passionate professionals who are as dedicated to the children as they are to each other. We believe that teamwork, mutual respect, and compassion are key to creating a positive work culture, where everyone feels valued and supported.

Key Responsibilities:

Assessment & Program Development

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments to identify each child's skill levels and areas for development.
• Create and oversee individualized treatment plans tailored to the needs, strengths, and learning styles of each child.
• Design Behavior Intervention Plans to address challenging behaviors.
• Develop comprehensive peer interaction and group engagement programs and individualized curriculum that incorporates the child’s interests and preferences.
• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, using data and BT feedback to update goals and ensure continued progress.

Supervision & Staff Support

• Provide supervision and mentorship to a team of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Behavior Therapists, guiding them in delivering high-quality ABA therapy.
• Conduct staff observations, provide performance feedback, and model effective behavior intervention strategies.
• Offer on-the-job coaching to ensure the highest standard of care is being maintained, supporting staff in implementing interventions accurately.
• Lead weekly client team meetings with RBTs to discuss client progress, troubleshoot challenges, and review data collection methods.
• Train new team members in ABA methodologies, ethical practices, and the unique needs of Zephyr’s client population.
• Provide regular performance feedback and formal reviews for Behavior Technicians (BTs), offering constructive support to help them excel in their roles.
• Guide and mentor BTs through the process of obtaining their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, including training, assessment, and ongoing skill development to ensure success.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Oversee data collection and analysis, ensuring that all behavior technicians are accurately recording client performance.
• Review and analyze quantitative data to assess client progress, and adjust treatment plans based on identified trends.
• Prepare and present detailed progress reports for client families, showing clear data on the child’s development over time.
• Maintain compliance with clinical documentation, ensuring accurate, timely, and thorough reports in accordance with ABA best practices.
• Ensure that data informs all decisions related to treatment modifications and improvements to client care.

Family Collaboration

• Actively collaborate with families, providing guidance, emotional support, and educational resources to help families understand and contribute to their child’s progress.
• Conduct family support sessions, teaching behavior management techniques, communication strategies, and ways to reinforce ABA goals at home.
• Facilitate family meetings to discuss data-driven outcomes, answer questions, and empower families to support their child’s growth.
• Help families navigate and implement behavior strategies in natural environments such as home or community settings.

Client Interaction & Behavior Management

• Lead 1:1 and small group sessions with children, engaging in playful, high-energy activities to embed learning opportunities into natural routines.
• Manage challenging behaviors calmly and effectively by implementing individualized BIPs that prioritize positive reinforcement.
• Engage in naturalistic teaching, ensuring that learning opportunities are embedded into play, peer interactions, and daily routines.
• Support children in developing critical skills such as communication, self-care, social skills, and peer interactions.
• Foster an environment that encourages independence, guiding children to take the lead in play and self-expression.

Physical Engagement & Activity

• Engage in high-energy play and interactive activities with children to facilitate learning opportunities and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Incorporate physical movement and hands-on activities into therapy sessions to promote motor skills development and enhance engagement.
• Be physically present, moving around the therapy environment to provide immediate support, guidance, and reinforcement during play and structured activities.
• Organize and participate in outdoor play, ensuring that children are engaged in active, healthy experiences that encourage exploration and social interaction.
• Adjust your physical presence and activity level based on the individual needs and energy levels of each child, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Use enthusiastic language and communication to motivate and engage children, making learning feel joyful and exciting.

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with fellow BCBAs, therapists, and team members [with clear and transparent communication] to design and refine treatment strategies that align with the child’s developmental goals.
• Actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss client progress, troubleshoot challenges, and plan new interventions.
• Work closely with fellow team members to ensure consistency across cases and help maintain a high standard of clinical care.
• Coordinate with school teams and other professionals involved in the child’s development, sharing insights and strategies that foster a cohesive approach.
• Actively contribute to a supportive, positive team environment by bringing an open mind, creative ideas, and a collaborative spirit to the center. Your input will help foster a culture of mutual respect, learning, and collective problem-solving.
• Collaborate with fellow team members by approaching challenges with humility, valuing diverse perspectives, and learning from others' thoughts and expertise.

Center Operations & Client Safety

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, supervising play areas to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment for both clients and staff.
• Conduct regular safety checks of therapy areas, ensuring that toys, materials, and equipment are clean and in good working condition.
• Assist with center setup and maintenance, ensuring therapy spaces are well-organized, engaging, and sensory-friendly for children.
• Respond proactively to any health or wellness concerns, maintaining a safe and healthy environment for children and staff alike.

Professional Development & Growth

• Stay up to date with advances in ABA, attending trainings, conferences, and workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Actively pursue opportunities for continuing education to maintain BCBA certification and expand your expertise in ABA.
• Mentor junior staff, providing guidance and leadership as they develop their skills and grow within the field.
• Be an advocate for the latest best practices in ABA, ensuring that Zephyr remains at the forefront of child development and autism intervention.
• Proactively seek feedback from supervisors, direct reports, and colleagues, applying it to improve your therapy delivery and approach.
• Adapt quickly to changing client needs, therapy environments, and team dynamics - modeling flexibility for clients and team members alike. Be open to adjusting your approach based on new information or unexpected challenges, ensuring that both your clients and team receive the best possible support.
• Contribute to a culture of shared learning by embracing humility and recognizing that growth is a continuous process driven by collaboration and self-awareness.

Ethical & Compliance Responsibilities

• Maintain adherence to the BACB ethical standards, ensuring that all interventions prioritize client welfare and dignity.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations, maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy of all client records and personal information.
• Participate in regular clinical audits, ensuring that all reports, data, and treatment plans adhere to regulatory standards and Zephyr’s internal policies.

Who We’re Looking For

At Zephyr, we’re not just seeking any BCBA—we’re looking for someone who embodies the values of humility, collaboration, and a true passion for helping children grow. You’re someone who sees the world through a child’s eyes and believes that every challenge is an opportunity to create meaningful change. You’re comfortable being part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, where your creativity, expertise, and open-mindedness contribute to impactful, play-based interventions.

If you’re someone who lights up at the thought of building strong, supportive relationships with clients and colleagues alike, and if you’re driven by a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, you might be exactly who we’re looking for. You don’t just embrace challenges—you thrive on them, knowing they’re the key to fostering growth in both yourself and those you support. At Zephyr, we believe that growth happens through joyful engagement, and we need someone who believes in that just as deeply as we do.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.
• Proven experience developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for children with autism.
• Strong leadership, data analysis, and supervision skills.
• Ability to lift, transport, and chase after young children (minimum 30 lbs).
• Ability to engage in active play in a variety of weather conditions
• Passionate about creating a positive, playful learning environment for young children.