FirstSteps for Kids logo
FirstSteps for Kids
Walnut Creek, California

BCBA | Clinical Autonomy + Manageable Caseload

BCBAFull-Time

Listed compensation

$85k-$95k

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 23m ago · Verified live

Job Description

About FirstSteps

The FirstSteps Team is inspired by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.

To that end, our mission is twofold: to provide the best evidence-based, behavior analytic treatment to our children diagnosed with autism and related learning differences, and to offer a positive, collaborative, and dynamic work experience for our team.

We are steadfastly committed to ongoing training and mentorship of our employees, always motivated to support the next generation of clinical leaders in our field and at FirstSteps.

Our greatest reward is witnessing the rapid and joyful learning of our little ones and knowing that together, we are creating more happy days for the kids and families we serve.

You Didn’t Become a BCBA to Manage a Caseload. You Became One to Make an Impact.

You became a BCBA to know your clients, support families, develop your team, and make thoughtful clinical decisions.

  • That’s the kind of BCBA role we’ve built at FirstSteps.
  • We’re a privately owned, clinician-led ABA organization with a center in Walnut Creek, where clinical work stays at the center of what we do.

Stay Close to the Work

Our Program Directors typically support 12–14 children and lead clinical teams of 7–12 RBTs.

That Structure Gives You the Space To

  • Know your clients and families
  • Observe and coach your team in real time
  • Make individualized clinical decisions
  • Collaborate with families, schools, and other providers
  • Mentor developing clinicians

Work Alongside Experienced Clinical Leaders

The best clinical decisions happen close to the child, not far from them.

Clear Expectations. Clinical Autonomy.

Full-time BCBAs have a 115 billable-hour monthly expectation, with additional incentive opportunities for those who choose to take on more.

You’ll know what’s expected, have the support to meet those expectations, and have the autonomy to make thoughtful clinical decisions based on the needs of the children and families you serve.

What You Won’t Find Here

  • Oversized caseloads
  • Supervision primarily through telehealth
  • Pressure to rush clinical decisions

One-size-fits-all Treatment

  • What you will find: thoughtful supervision, strong relationships, clinical mentorship, and a team that genuinely cares about doing good work.
  • $85K–$95K DOE + Clinical Performance Incentives

Plus

  • Health, dental & vision with generous employer contribution
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Company-sponsored BACB CEUs + CASP membership
  • Annual conference stipend + paid attendance
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
  • Monthly data stipend
  • EAP + wellness incentives
  • Employee referral bonus
  • Team-building events and a collaborative, family-friendly environment

Looking for Your Next Clinical Home?

If you’re a BCBA looking for manageable caseloads, meaningful clinical autonomy, strong mentorship, and a team that values your expertise, we’d love to meet you.

  • Join us in Walnut Creek and practice ABA with a team that puts clinical work first.
  • Apply today or start a conversation with our team.

For more information about FirstSteps for Kids, we encourage you to visit our website at www.firststepsforkids.com.

Key Responsibilities

The Program Director will manage a caseload of 12-14 children and lead a clinical team of 7-12 RBTs. Responsibilities include providing evidence-based treatment, coaching staff in real-time, and collaborating with families and schools.

Requirements

Candidates must be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The role requires strong clinical leadership skills and the ability to provide effective supervision and mentorship to developing clinicians.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Applied Behavior AnalysisClinical supervisionCaseload managementTeam leadershipData analysisClinical decision makingStaff coachingCollaboration

Applied Behavior Analysis Career Context

In California, the Applied Behavior Analysis weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$95k (71 salary observations; 166 listings), vs ~$92k nationally (524 salary observations; 1,373 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-02-01 through 2026-09-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.

Of the 50 active Applied Behavior Analysis listings this role was benchmarked against, 74% are remote, 22% have no call, 60% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$90k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $81k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Behavior Analyst Jobs

48 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution48 jobs · 32 employers

19
<$100k
5
$100k-110k
11
$110k-120k
13
$120k-130k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks45 jobs · 32 employers

CME allowance
93% this job
401k / retirement match
91% this job
Sign-on bonus
71% this job
Loan repayment
29%
Relocation assistance
24%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

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Action Behavior Centers · South Shore, Texas

$127k
#2

Senior Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | 21K + Bonus | Hybrid Flexibility

Autism Learning Partners · Alamance, North Carolina

$105k-$127k
#3

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

$84k-$127k
#4

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Cl

$97k-$123k
+ 46 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

3.0/ 10
Listing-based score

Living in Walnut Creek

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$1.16M
Typical market rent
$2,959/mo
Residents’ average commute
31 min
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

FirstSteps for Kids logo

About FirstSteps for Kids

Individual and Family Services
Redondo Beach, California
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

Health, dental & vision with generous employer contribution
401(k) with generous company match
Company-sponsored BACB CEUs + CASP membership
Annual conference stipend + paid attendance
Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
Monthly data stipend
EAP + wellness incentives
Employee referral bonus