Behavior Technician Trainee in Spartanburg, South Carolina at Project Hope Foundation

Build a Meaningful Career in ABA with Project Hope Foundation!

Position Type: Full-Time or Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday–Friday, between 7:30 AM and 6:00 P
Starting Pay: $18.00/hour
Career Pathway: Eligible for promotion to BT 1 at $22.00/hour after passing the RBT exam and meeting role requirements

Why Choose Us:

Project Hope Foundation provides a lifespan of services for the autism community. Our team is committed to compassion, dedication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a Behavior Technician, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day while building a career in a growing field with real opportunities for advancement. We are seeking Trainees to provide one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis services to children and individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. This role is the first step in our Behavior Technician Pathway and is designed for individuals who are ready to grow in the ABA field while doing meaningful, hands-on work. While we provide ABA-specific training, we are looking for candidates who bring experience from fields such as childcare, education, healthcare, human services, caregiving, coaching, camps, direct support, or other roles that require patience, professionalism, communication, and the ability to work directly with others. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants a clear career path, strong earning potential, and the chance to make a lasting impact — without working nights or weekends.

Your First Step --> Trainee to BT 1:

• The Trainee role is a temporary developmental position, generally not expected to exceed 60 days. During this time, employees complete required training, learn the foundations of ABA, and prepare for the Registered Behavior Technician exam.
• After passing the RBT exam and meeting role expectations, Trainees are promoted to Behavior Technician 1 and moved to $22.00/hour (approximately) 60 days after hire)

Grow in ABA - With or Without Becoming a BCBA!

• At Project Hope Foundation, we know career growth looks different for everyone. For employees who want to continue in a direct-care, client-facing role, our Behavior Technician Pathway offers opportunities to advance and increase pay while continuing to work directly with clients. Our Behavior Technicians can earn up to $34.00/hour through the pathway.
• Raises are based on completed client-facing hours. For full-time employees, this means you can earn approximately $1.00 more every 6 months.
• For employees interested in becoming a BCaBA or BCBA, we also offer a career path with apprenticeship opportunities and support for continued growth in the ABA field.

What You'll Do:

As a Behavior Technician Trainee, you will receive training and support while learning to:

• Provide 1:1 ABA Therapy: Work directly with clients to support communication, social, academic, leisure, behavioral, and daily living skills.
• Implement Treatment Plans: Follow individualized plans developed by supervising BCBAs or BCaBAs.
• Support Positive Behavior Change: Help teach replacement skills and support behavior-reduction strategies in a safe, ethical, and supportive way.
• Create Fun and Engaging Sessions: Use each client’s interests and motivation to create meaningful learning opportunities.
• Collect Track client progress during sessions using provided tools such as tablets or electronic data systems.
• Collaborate with the Team: Communicate with fellow therapists, supervisors, and program leadership to support consistent, high-quality care.
• Model Skills for Families and Caregivers: Support generalization of skills by modeling appropriate interactions when needed.
• Participate in Training: Complete required training, maintain certifications, and continue learning best practices in ABA.

What We're Looking For:

This role may be a great fit for someone who:

• Has prior experience working with children, individuals with disabilities, students, patients, clients, or others in a direct-support role.
• Enjoys active, hands-on work.
• Is dependable, professional, and open to feedback.
• Can stay engaged, positive, and patient during challenging moments.
• Communicates well and works effectively as part of a team.
• Wants a long-term career path in ABA.
• Is interested in either advancing in direct care or eventually pursuing a BCaBA or BCBA pathway.
• Can meet the physical requirements of the role, including sitting, kneeling, standing, moving quickly, and lifting up to 50 pounds when needed.

What We Offer:

• Paid ABA Training: Start as a Trainee while preparing for the RBT exam.
• Clear Pay Growth: Start at $18.00/hour, move to $22.00/hour after passing the RBT exam and meeting role requirements, and continue progressing through the BT Pathway.
• Strong Earning Potential: Behavior Technicians can earn up to $34.00/hour through continued client-facing experience and pathway advancement.
• Multiple Career Paths: Grow as a direct-care professional or pursue advancement toward BCaBA or BCBA opportunities through our apprenticeship pathway.
• Work-Life Balance: Monday–Friday schedule with no nights and no weekends.
• Generous Flex Time Off for Full-Time Employees: Full-time employees receive up to 160 hours of FTO each year, with the ability to earn more on anniversaries.
• Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team that helps families, opens minds, promotes inclusion, and expands potential.

Physical Requirements:

This is an active, client-facing role. Employees must be able to engage with clients in a variety of settings, which may include sitting, kneeling, standing, lifting up to 50 pounds, moving quickly, and responding promptly to clients who may run or engage in high-risk behaviors. Employees may be trained to use physical intervention techniques when necessary for safety.

Additional Role Information:

The Trainee role is a temporary developmental position and is generally not expected to exceed 60 days. Continued placement in this role is based on successful progress in training, professionalism, attendance, compliance, and certification requirements. Eligibility for promotion to Behavior Technician 1 is based on successful completion of required competencies, passing the RBT exam, and meeting company policy and career pathway criteria.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Project Hope Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by statute and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Project Hope Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by statute and to promote the full realization of an inclusive employment and service policy.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.