Pros
ALP has offered me opportunities to grow personally and professionally and to be on the cutting edge of our field. There is certainly never a dull moment around here but I enjoy the energy. While it is true that we expect alot from our team members I feel like my efforts have been awarded in ways that are valuable to me. ALP is a place that values employee engagement so when the ask is too big or isnt understood the expectation is that the team member speaks up. In my experience, my manager has always been willing to adjust deadlines or clarify the expectations until I am clear. The leadership team is second to none; I have learned more about the intersection between compassionate and high quality care, staff engagement, and sustainable business practices at ALP than anywhere else I am aware of. ALP places a value on stewardship so transparent discussion and resources are afforded to this topic with all employees, Behavior Technicians included. ALP has a Support Center that houses just that, teams of highly specialized folks that support the clinical work that happens in the field. Intake, Authorizations, Billing/Collections, Compliance, HR/Onboarding, IT, and Clinical Development to name a few are here to serve the treating clinical teams and local Directors. This is further evidence in their comittment to getting "it" right. These teams allow BCBAs to be BCBAs...there is not an expectation that Clinicians understand and help a family through the intricacies of their particular insurance plan or understand their EOB, for example. Clinical Development provides resources related but not limited to training (for Supervisors and BTs), assistance with treatment planning, Supervision best practices, opportunties to particiate in research and CEUs. These resources are intended to support our BCBAs and Clinical Supervisors in the field. If you're looking to expand your understanding of ABA principles beyond clinical work with children on the spectrum ALP is the place to be! There is a ample opportunity to participate in research and to learn from leading experts on the intersection of ACT, ABA, and OBM, effective Supervision and mentorship, daring leadership, diveristy and inclusion in management to name a few. If you're a Behavior Technician looking for a place to call home while you accrue your BACB experience hours we have the opportunity to participate in weekly sheltered mentorship in many of our regions. I know this has been one of my favorite responsibilities as a Director. There is a comittment to you here @ ALP! It has been my experience that your Direction and Supervisor will meet you where you are and are more than willing to invest in YOU!
Cons
ABA is tough work, not unlike many other helping professions. Burn out is a real challenage...one that ALP is fully invested in figuring out. Not all BCBAs are cut out to be Directors. It can be challenging to fully convery just how much is required of a Director at ALP but again I have seen efforts to address this for incoming leadership. Sometimes there is a disconnect between Support Center departments and the field. With that said, ALP is a family and it is evident that every effort is made to work through challenges direcly and with respect.