Behavior Technician - ABA Therapist for Children - Indianola, Iowa

Behavior Technician Job Description

Job Title: Jaybird ABA Full-Time Behavior Technician (Clinic-Based)

Location: Indianola, IA

Setting: Clinic-based, and in-home

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:45 am - 4:15 pm

Starting Pay: $17–$21/hour (based on experience and credentials)

Join Our Mission at Jaybird ABA empowered by Finni

At Jaybird ABA, empowered by Finni Health, our mission is to uplift and support individuals and families by increasing access to high-quality, individualized ABA services. We empower children to confidently navigate their world—honoring their voices, choices, and potential.

We envision a world where neurodivergent and special needs children are celebrated for who they are. By partnering with families and communities, we create inclusive, compassionate spaces where every child has the chance to shine.

If you’re kind, dependable, and passionate about helping kids grow, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

This role primarily provides services in our clinic, with the possibility of in-home assignments based on client needs.

• Deliver 1:1 ABA therapy to children, in-clinic or in-home, under BCBA supervision
• Follow treatment plans to build communication, self-help, play, and social skills
• Collect session data and submit clear, timely notes
• Support toileting, hygiene, feeding, and other daily living skills
• Assist with assessments, progress monitoring, and reports
• Create and organize learning materials and visual supports
• Collaborate professionally with families, teachers, and team members
• Build rapport with families while maintaining professional boundaries
• Communicate concerns or needs to supervisors promptly
• Help maintain a clean, safe, organized clinic environment and assist with non-clinical tasks
• Uphold all policies, ethics, and confidentiality standards
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and team meetings
• Show up each day with a caring, energetic, solutions-focused attitude
• Perform other duties as assigned to support our mission
  
  

What we offer

• Competitive Compensation
• Predictable 8am-4pm Monday-Friday schedule at a clinic
• 100% reimbursement for your Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course, application and exam for RBT certification
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability insurance
• Generous PTO Paid Holidays
• 401(k) program
• A supportive team that lives our values: Connect, Empower, Inspire Joy, Communicate, Learn, Grow
• Growth pathways into lead tech or administrative roles
  
  

What You’ll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree a plus)
• Experience working with children or individuals with special needs
• Enthusiasm for learning and helping others
• Ability to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) within 90 days (we’ll help you!)
• CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Reliable transportation to our Indianola clinic and to client homes
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, squat, and move around comfortably throughout the day
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed
  
  

The Spirit of the Jaybird

Our team is guided by six core values:

Connect. Empower. Inspire Joy. Communicate. Learn. Grow.

These values show up in everything we do—from our interactions with kids and families to how we support one another as teammates.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: On-site

Starting Pay: $17.00–$21.00 per hour

Benefits:

✓ Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

✓ Paid Holidays

✓ 60 Hours PTO/Sick Time

✓ Paid Training & Certification

✓ Career Growth Pathways

Apply today to become part of a team that’s reimagining what compassionate, quality autism care looks like—one child, one family, one Jaybird at a time.

What is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional who works directly with children or individuals receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. RBTs implement treatment plans developed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), focusing on teaching skills, reducing challenging behaviors, and improving quality of life.

RBTs are not therapists in the traditional sense—they are hands-on educators and behavior change agents, working at the heart of client progress.

What does an RBT do day-to-day in an ABA clinic?

The job is active, structured, and deeply client-focused. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

• Work 1:1 with a client. You’ll spend your shift with one child at a time, running therapy sessions in a clinic environment. Sessions are usually 2–4 hours.
• Implement a treatment plan. Use specific teaching techniques, like discrete trial teaching, natural environment training, or task analysis, all outlined in the BCBA’s plan.
• Teach new skills. This might include communication, play, social interaction, daily living skills, or coping strategies.
• Collect data. RBTs are responsible for taking precise, ongoing data on everything they teach and observe.
• Manage challenging behaviors. You’ll be trained to use safe, ethical strategies to reduce harmful or disruptive behaviors.
• Collaborate. Regular check-ins with the BCBA to review progress, refine goals, and improve how sessions are run.
• Prepare materials, clean up, and reset. Sessions need preparation and follow-through to keep things organized and effective.
  
  

RBT work is fast-paced, physically active (you may be on the floor, moving, playing, redirecting), and mentally engaging. It’s also emotionally rewarding—you’ll see kids hit milestones and gain independence because of your efforts.

How do you become an RBT?

The RBT credential is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). You do not need prior experience to start—but you do need a strong work ethic, patience, and willingness to learn.

Step-by-step:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete 40 hours of RBT training.
• This covers ABA principles, ethics, data collection, teaching strategies, and behavior reduction techniques.
• Many employers (including us) offer this training for free or as part of onboarding.
• Pass a competency assessment.
• A BCBA will watch you demonstrate the skills you learned and sign off.
• Pass the RBT exam.
• A 75-question multiple-choice exam administered at a testing center.
• Get listed on the BACB registry.
• Once certified, you’ll maintain your credential by completing annual renewal requirements and ongoing supervision.
  
  

Is this role for you?

RBT work is an excellent fit if you:

• Enjoy working with kids in a structured, play-based way.
• Are patient, positive, and unafraid of challenges.
• Want a meaningful job with real impact on families.
• Are looking for a growth path—many RBTs go on to become BCBAs.
  
  

Jaybird ABA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.