| Location | Rockville, Maryland |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Salary | $90,000–$110,000 Per Year |
Changing lives. One child at a time. One professional at a time.
Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM or 8:30 AM–5:00 PM. No nights, no weekends.
Caseload: Small caseloads of 6 children (max 7 for experienced BCBAs)
Base Salary: $90,000–$110,000, based on experience and level
Total Compensation: Up to $130,000–$150,000 annually with quarterly bonus program
ABOUT VERBAL BEGINNINGS
Verbal Beginnings is a leading Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider dedicated to unlocking the potential of children ages 2–18 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With the belief that every child can learn, we promote independence and improve the quality of life for the children and families we serve through individualized, research-based treatment. As a BCBA-owned and operated, ACQ and BHCOE-accredited organization, our leadership understands your role and is committed to the clinical quality, professional growth, and sustainability that allow you to do your best work — for the children who need it most.
WHY BCBAS SHOULD JOIN US
At Verbal Beginnings, you can do the work you trained to do — without the friction that burns you out everywhere else. We were founded in 2011 by two clinicians who believed the people delivering care deserve as much investment as the kids receiving it. Fifteen years later, that's not a slogan — it's built into how we're structured.
We remove the barriers. Dedicated schedulers, billing specialists, and intake staff mean you stay in your area of expertise — clinical work, not paperwork. You focus on your clients; we handle the rest.
We invest in your growth. A network of 100+ BCBAs alongside Speech and Occupational Therapists, with access to mentorship, case collaboration, and special interest groups — plus a defined, tiered career ladder with the competencies for each level spelled out, so you always know what "next" looks like and exactly how to get there.
We reward ambition. Our compensation is transparent and performance-based, with total earnings up to $150K — supported by the infrastructure to help you get there without burning out.
We're built to last. Seven centers across Maryland and Virginia, programs in five states, and still growing — established enough to be stable, growing fast enough that there's real room to rise.
At Verbal Beginnings, you'll find a place where a clinician who cares about outcomes, growth, and craft can build something lasting - not just fill a caseload.
COMPENSATION & EARNING POTENTIAL
Our center-based BCBAs receive a competitive guaranteed base salary of $90,000–$110,000, with the opportunity to earn up to an additional $40,000 annually through our quarterly bonus program. Bonuses are tied to average weekly billable hours across the quarter, with full administrative and scheduling support in place to help you reach your goals without added burnout.
25 billables/week: $90,000–$110,000
27 billables/week: $100,000–$120,000
30 billables/week: $113,000–$133,000
32 billables/week: $122,000–$142,000
34 billables/week: Up to $130,000–$150,000
Estimated total compensation is based on average weekly billable hours and may vary based on performance and schedule.
BENEFITS
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance with low out-of-pocket costs
27 paid days off annually
Paid parental leave
Professional development stipends
Supervision incentive - up to $8,000 annually for BACB supervision of BCBA trainees
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
401(k)
THE ROLE
As a center-based BCBA at Verbal Beginnings, you'll carry meaningful clinical responsibility for a small caseload of children with autism, designing individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that drive real outcomes. Collaboration is central - you'll work alongside RBTs, fellow BCBAs, Speech and Occupational Therapists, and clinical supervisors to uphold the highest standards of care. You'll partner with families to build their capacity to support progress beyond sessions, and as part of a BHCOE-accredited training site, you'll help shape the next generation of behavior analysts.
WHAT YOUR DAY LOOKS LIKE
Conduct comprehensive skills and behavior assessments to deeply understand each child's needs, strengths, and goals.
Develop and continuously refine individualized treatment plans using evidence-based, innovative interventions - ensuring every child's program reflects the most current and effective research.
Train, supervise, and support a dedicated team of RBTs, fostering a collaborative environment where clinical quality is everyone's shared priority.
Partner with families through ongoing education and training, empowering caregivers to become active, confident participants in their child's growth.
Collaborate with colleagues, clinical supervisors, and the quality assurance team to review outcomes and continuously improve the care delivered to every child in your caseload.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or a related field
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification
Licensed (or actively pursuing licensure) in the state you are applying to.
Experience supervising the implementation of ABA-based treatment programs by RBTs
A genuine dedication to providing high-quality, outcomes-based care for children and their families
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to respond quickly and confidently to situations requiring physical intervention, including movements in response to aggressive or self-injurious behavior.
Ability to pursue a child who is bolting, including running and moving quickly in multiple directions.
Successful completion of Safety Care training and annual re-certifications, including pivoting, knee squats, shuffling, and carrying children per Safety Care protocols. Active participation in Safety Care is a condition of employment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Verbal Beginnings prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
Pay Range: USD $90,000.00 - USD $110,000.00 /Yr.