Board Certified Behavior Analyst

What If ABA Could Look Different?

At LEEP Forward, we're not moving away from the science of behavior analysis. We're expanding how we apply it—through connection, play, developmental understanding, and meaningful participation.

We're looking for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who is excited to bring their clinical expertise into a creative, collaborative, and child-led environment.

This isn't a traditional ABA position, and that's intentional.

Our approach combines evidence-based behavior analysis with developmental, naturalistic, and relationship-based interventions that honor each child's strengths, interests, communication, and individual differences.

Who We Are

LEEP Forward is a multidisciplinary pediatric therapeutic organization serving children with autism and other developmental differences through integrated clinical, educational, and community-based programming, including Quantum LEEP Academy.

Our team of behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, mental health professionals, and educators works collaboratively to support the whole child.

We value clinical curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and the willingness to challenge traditional approaches while maintaining high standards of clinical care.

Our Approach to ABA

Our clinical model integrates Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) and related evidence-based approaches, including:

• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
• Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and Incidental Teaching
• Functional Communication Training (FCT)
• Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), when developmentally appropriate

We also incorporate developmental and relationship-based frameworks, including DIR/Floortime, to support a comprehensive understanding of each child.

Our practice emphasizes child-led engagement, meaningful communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, naturalistic learning, and individualized, data-informed intervention.

Being child-led doesn't mean being without structure, clinical intention, or measurable outcomes. It means creating meaningful learning opportunities while respecting each child's autonomy and developmental needs.

What You'll Do

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized, strengths-based behavior-analytic treatment plans.
• Integrate NDBI principles, naturalistic teaching strategies, and functional communication interventions into play, daily routines, and educational experiences.
• Collaborate with speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, and educational professionals to provide coordinated care.
• Provide clinical direction, coaching, and support to behavior technicians and assistant clinicians.
• Support children in developing communication, emotional regulation, flexibility, social connection, adaptive skills, and independence.
• Analyze data, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and make clinically appropriate protocol modifications.
• Partner with caregivers to develop practical strategies that support growth across environments.
• Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation and participate in interdisciplinary planning and professional development.

Who Will Thrive Here?

We're looking for a BCBA who:

• Values evidence-based ABA while embracing child-led, playful, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
• Enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration and recognizes the value of different clinical perspectives.
• Is creative, flexible, curious, and open to continued learning.
• Can balance data-driven decision-making with developmental understanding and clinical judgment.
• Values connection, engagement, and meaningful participation over compliance-based outcomes.
• Is excited to contribute their expertise within LEEP's established clinical philosophy.

You don't need to know everything about our model. You do need to be genuinely interested in learning and practicing within it.

Qualifications

Required

• Current BCBA certification and Illinois LBA licensure or eligibility.
• Experience conducting assessments and developing individualized behavior-analytic treatment plans.
• Strong clinical reasoning, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to ethical, evidence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming care.

Preferred

• Experience with or interest in NDBI, PRT, ESDM, NET, FCT, or related naturalistic ABA approaches.
• Familiarity with DIR/Floortime and developmental, relationship-based interventions.
• Experience supporting children with complex developmental, communication, sensory, or behavioral needs.
• Experience providing clinical direction to behavior technicians.

Why Join LEEP Forward?

• Collaborative Clinical Environment: Work alongside professionals across multiple disciplines who share a commitment to supporting the whole child.
• Professional Growth: Expand your clinical expertise through interdisciplinary learning and exposure to developmental and naturalistic approaches.
• Creative, Meaningful Work: Apply behavior-analytic principles through play, relationships, and everyday experiences.
• A Clear Clinical Philosophy: Be part of an organization committed to child-led, neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based care.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, accident coverage, and retirement plan options, subject to eligibility.
• An Opportunity to Make an Impact: Help advance how behavior analysis is applied within integrated pediatric therapeutic settings.

Our Practice Philosophy

LEEP Forward's child-led, playful, developmental approach is foundational to our clinical practice.

We welcome clinical expertise, different perspectives, and thoughtful discussion. However, all services must align with our established practice policies and commitment to interdisciplinary, neurodiversity-affirming care.

We're looking for clinicians who are excited to strengthen this model—not replace it with traditional ABA programming.

Ready to Practice ABA Differently?

If you're a BCBA who values science, creativity, collaboration, and meaningful relationships, we'd love to meet you.

Bring your expertise. Bring your curiosity. Help us move ABA forward.

Apply today!

LEEP Forward is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $72,122.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 4% Match
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• BCBA Certification and IL Behavior Analyst License (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60613