BCBA Retention: Overcoming Recruitment and Retention Challenges Recruiting and retaining BCBAs has become one of the most pressing challenges for ABA businesses. With a high demand for skilled professionals and a competitive job market, how can ABA companies address this ongoing issue? In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies to not only recruit but also retain quality BCBAs for the long term. The Current Challenges in BCBA Recruitment The demand for BCBAs is at an all-time high, and the limited supply often leaves employers struggling to find qualified candidates. Some common barriers include: Geographic Limitations: Certain states or regions have fewer BCBAs, making recruitment particularly difficult. Competition: BCBAs have numerous opportunities, giving them the flexibility to choose employers that best align with their goals. Time Constraints: Credentialing and onboarding processes can take months, delaying when new hires can start providing services. Proven Strategies to Recruit BCBAs To stand out in a competitive market, it’s crucial to adopt innovative approaches to recruitment. Consider the following strategies: Maximize Online Platforms: Platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn remain valuable tools. Use their messaging features and expand your search radius to attract out-of-state candidates. Offer Relocation Incentives: Provide competitive sign-on bonuses or relocation assistance to attract candidates willing to move. Highlight Flexibility: Emphasize flexible work schedules and other benefits that set your company apart. Retention: Supporting BCBAs Beyond Recruitment Recruitment is only the first step; retention is where the real work begins. Retaining skilled BCBAs requires ongoing effort and investment. Here’s how to create a supportive environment: Clear Onboarding Processes: Ensure new hires know what to expect by providing detailed onboarding plans, training schedules, and clear communication. Opportunities for Growth: Offer professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear career paths to show employees their potential within your company. Training Platforms: Leverage tools like the ABA Business Leaders Training Platform to provide high-quality training and skill development for BCBAs and RBTs. Why Growing Your Own BCBAs Is a Long-Term Solution One effective way to overcome recruitment challenges is by investing in your current staff to help them become BCBAs. Here’s how to start: Partner with Universities: Collaborate with nearby ABA programs or online universities to create internship opportunities and recruit future BCBAs. Provide Supervision: Offer quality supervision and support to employees pursuing their BCBA credentials. Set Clear Expectations: Use tools like training platforms to outline paths for growth, from mastering RBT tasks to transitioning into BCBA roles. The Role of RBT Training in ABA Practices Regardless of payer requirements, providing RBT certification training can elevate the quality of your services. The ABA Business Leaders Training Platform includes a 40-hour RBT training module, making it easier to onboard and upskill new employees. Call to Action - Struggling with hiring and retention? Download our free startup list here. - Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and gain access to exclusive resources for ABA business leaders. Click here. Closing Thoughts BCBA retention is a challenge, but it’s one that can be addressed with the right strategies and tools. By focusing on clear communication, professional development, and meaningful opportunities for growth, your ABA practice can stand out as an employer of choice. Reach out to us for guidance or to explore our tools designed to support your journey! © 2025 3 Pie Squared. All rights reserved.

Aligning Leadership with Values: Behavioral Intelligence in ABA with Dr. Paul Gavoni In the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), leadership and organizational culture play a critical role in the success of practices. In our latest episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Paul Gavoni (Dr. Paulie Gloves), a renowned expert in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT). Dr. Gavoni brings decades of experience in education, human services, and even combat sports, where he has mastered the art of aligning leadership strategies with core values to foster meaningful change and sustainable growth. Embedding Values into Leadership Dr. Gavoni emphasizes the importance of defining and embedding organizational values into every layer of an ABA practice. He introduces the concept of the Behavioral Alignment Compass, a practical framework designed to help leaders align daily operations with their core values. According to Dr. Gavoni, values should not be empty slogans on a wall but actionable principles measured through specific goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). This alignment ensures consistency in client care, staff support, and overall organizational success. Overcoming Challenges in ABA Practices One major challenge for ABA business owners is maintaining staff engagement and reducing turnover. Dr. Gavoni highlights that employee burnout often stems from a lack of positive reinforcement and misaligned systems. To address this, leaders must design systems that deliver consistent positive reinforcement for value-driven behaviors. This not only improves staff morale but also ensures the delivery of high-quality client services. Dr. Gavoni also underscores the difference between being a skilled clinician and an effective business owner. Many ABA practitioners struggle with scaling their practice because they lack the systems and leadership skills needed to manage growth. Integrating OBM principles allows for the development of systems that support staff performance, foster leadership at all levels, and drive sustainable growth. Applying OBM and ACT in Leadership By combining OBM strategies with ACT principles, Dr. Gavoni provides actionable insights into how leaders can stay aligned with their values. He encourages setting clear, measurable goals that reflect these values and using data to track progress. This method ensures that behaviors within the organization are consistently producing valued outcomes, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. About Dr. Paul Gavoni Dr. Paul Gavoni, Ed.D, BCBA-D, is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, leadership consultant, and former Golden Gloves heavyweight champion. Known as Coach Paulie Gloves in the combat sports world, he has dedicated his career to applying behavior analysis to improve performance across diverse industries. His work in OBM and ACT empowers organizations to create systems that align with their values and achieve meaningful results. Sponsored by MarginKeepers Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! MarginKeepers understands the unique financial needs of ABA practices. Their expertise in the field allows you to focus on providing exceptional care while they manage your accounting needs. Learn more here: MarginKeepers

Leadership, Transparency, and Collaboration in ABA Organizations, with Jennifer Heidt Running a successful ABA practice requires effective leadership, transparent communication, and strong collaboration across all team levels. In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Heidt, Director of Training at Above and Beyond Therapy. Jennifer shares her expert strategies for empowering RBTs and BCBAs, addressing challenges in the field, and building supportive workplace environments. Key Takeaways from the Podcast Challenges in the ABA Field: Jennifer highlights the recurring challenges faced by ABA professionals, including isolation in in-home settings, lack of mentorship, and communication gaps between staff and leadership. Empowering Staff through Training and Mentorship: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of mentorship programs and realistic onboarding processes to prepare RBTs for the field. Providing RBTs with a clear understanding of expectations and company support sets them up for success. Building Transparent and Collaborative Cultures: A critical aspect of leadership is creating open lines of communication. Jennifer encourages leaders to listen actively to staff concerns, provide actionable solutions, and foster a culture where feedback is welcomed without fear of retaliation. Balancing Business and Compassionate Care: Jennifer also discusses the importance of balancing operational goals (like billable hours) with a focus on delivering high-quality, ethical care. The key lies in attaching quality outcomes to goals to avoid burnout and support both staff and clients effectively. Self-Awareness and Leadership Development: Effective leadership starts with self-awareness and vulnerability. Jennifer shares strategies for building these skills, including seeking feedback, recognizing patterns, and approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset. About the Guest Jennifer Heidt is the Director of Training at Above and Beyond Therapy and a BCBA with over a decade of experience across clinical and leadership roles. She is passionate about mentorship, cultivating future leaders, and ensuring staff feel prepared and supported. Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-heidt-8746b938 Sponsor This blog is sponsored by MarginKeepers. Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! We have in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field. Learn more: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers   © 2024 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders. All rights reserved.