Autism Spectrum Therapies Advanced Behavior Interventionist Reviews

Pros

Thoroughly enjoyed my time at AST. Great mentorship by my supervisor and directors. Loved the toy room and level of support on all front.

Cons

Hours were tough as I worked the late-late shift, but that's where most of the needs are with the kids and families.

Pros

Training was amazingly thorough and professional. Company ensures you have as many hours scheduled as you have available.

Cons

Supervisors provided no consistent supervision, no feedback, and were very rude and unprofessional when asked questions to receive feedback on job performance. During BCBA observations, supervisors and BCBA's gossiped about other employees and did not engage with the BI or the client.

Pros

I have been with AST for almost one year. I have worked both part-time and full-time to accommodate client needs as well as my own. I have always been able to have enough clients to fill my schedule. I had no problem with scheduling working around my school schedule. The OC staff is AMAZING! Anytime I have had a question or concern it has been answered or addressed in a timely manner. The Senior Mgmt team, including the President of the comany, have made a mission to find out what the employees want and don't want and have actively implemented programs based on our feedback. ("Our" - meaning the behavior interventionists out in the field on the front line.)

Cons

The only con for me was shift I was hired for. I willingly and knowingly accepted a 2:00-8:00 shift. After working this shift for almost a year I realized that those hours are not for me. I also missed working with the younger (0-3) clients. So that is why I am leaving - The majority of the clients available are a little older and afternoons and evenings. If you are okay with a later schedule then I'd highly recommend AST to you.

Pros

AST provides excellent training and development. They are committed to being a top service provider. They also make changes to policies when appropriate to benefit the employees. Supervisors are on your side and will do what they can to help you if you are struggling. They support growth within the company to employees looking to become supervisors and board certified behavior analysts. Very professional and organized organization. Open door policy. Most everyone is very friendly.

Cons

Raises are nearly non-existent (one every 2-3 years). If you do get a raise, it will be very little (about .50 an hour). This job is not for everyone; it can be filled with very difficult clients; it can be as equally rewarding as it is challenging. Unless you want to become a supervisor, there is no real room for growth. You can become an advanced behavior therapist; but the increase in pay is negligible. Hours of work can be extremely low in the summer and when school is on break for the winter. It is not uncommon to have 10 hours or less per week during the summer. There will also be times when you are on your way to work and you will receive a call that your session has been cancelled because your client is sick; you will then be paid less than half your regular rate. If they are sick for a few days and there aren't cases that need coverage, you will not get paid.

Pros

I have been a behavior interventionist with AST for the past 3+ years and love my job! I have felt very supported over the time I've been with the company and appreciate those I work with. As a demanding job, it can be physically and emotionally draining, but I feel confident in my abilities due to the rigorous training and my managers have always made a point to ensure that I am happy. Recently, they have also created positions to enable professional growth, that I feel many other companies lack. I am also working towards my BCBA, and because their model is already set up to meet the standards, it has been extremely beneficial. My supervisor has also been proactive in ensuring that I gain experience in various areas, helping me grow professionally in order to service our clients better.

Cons

Lack of hours at times, and some parents or client staff may be difficult to work with. Definitely depends on your caseload.

Pros

Pros: Friendly atmosphere, supportive supervisors, good schedulers. There is on going training for all staff and BCBA supervision for those who need it. They have good health benefits and standard PTO accrual.

Cons

Cons: When I was leaving there seemed to be big corporate changes happening (as in a possible buy out of AST by their new partner). Lower staff were not informed of the changes and changes in management. Also, clinical directors were not always supportive of respecting earned PTO or requested changes in schedules.

Pros

AST provides excellent training and professional development opportunities. AST provides services based on current research for Applied Behavior Analysis and each program is individualized for the client and family. Supervisors provide excellent support to staff in the field and provide opportunities to grow professionally. The management is supportive and listens to staff feedback and concerns when they arise. The services provided are extremely rewarding and there is not a better company I would recommend to work for.

Cons

Due to circumstances outside of AST control the hours may be variable and not consistent. The scheduling department works hard to provide opportunities to re-route when these unforeseen events occur and make-up time is available.

Pros

Flexible schedule Paid mileage and drive time Your drives in between clients are kind of like breaks and it’s nice to be outside. Everyday is different, you may be assigned sessions that are indoors, some outdoors, some school sessions.

Cons

The job gets lonely Not enough supervision and guidance when one first starts the job. Not much thought is put into the location/distance between clients. You might end up driving for an hour in traffic to get from one client to another.

Pros

Building rapport and feeling support from the families I worked with Obtained supervision hours, thank you!

Cons

Low employee morale High turn-over Constant changes to supervision with employees and families. No consistency Snobby management Minimal pay raises Families and Clients are not their number 1 priority...all about making money for the company. Pushed hours on families (to make money) Lack of staff performance monitoring and reinforcement systems Act like they encourage professional development, yet had no empathy for when scheduling to take BCBA exam

Pros

I was offered cases constantly. I had full-time hours. Organized teaching methods for children and parents.

Cons

Lacked communication with scheduling and behavior interventionist. Scheduling department will make changes to behavior interventionist scheduling with a one day notice. Poor communication with HR. When I placed my two week notice I human resources department did not inform me that they had mailed my last paycheck via FEDEX while I was still working for AST. I had to call FEDEX ask them to hold it at a station so I can pick it up myself.