Senior BCBA at Opal Autism Centers in Wilmington, NC

Burned out by unrealistic caseloads, excessive administrative demands, or unstable ABA environments?

At Opal Autism Centers, we’re intentionally building a different kind of BCBA experience — one centered on clinical quality, sustainable workloads, strong operational support, and long-term clinician growth.

As an independently owned, center-based ABA organization, we provide dedicated scheduling, operations, administrative, and clinical leadership support so our BCBAs can focus on meaningful client outcomes — not excessive non-clinical burdens.

Position: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) - Senior Level

Location: 503 Covil Ave., Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28403

Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person | Center-Based

Base Salary: $90,000–$102,000 (DOE)

Optional retention bonus up to $5,000

Quarterly Bonus Opportunities: Earn up to ~$26,000 annually without PTO penalty

Total Earning Potential: High-performing BCBAs may exceed $100,000 annually through a combination of competitive base salary, quarterly bonus opportunities, retention incentives, and ongoing investment in professional development and clinical support.

Why BCBAs Choose Opal:

✔ Independently owned organization — not private equity backed

✔ No restrictive employment agreements or bonus repayment clauses

✔ Center-based early intervention model (ages 2–6)

✔ Dedicated operations, scheduling, and administrative support

✔ Work from Home & Flex days built into scheduling structure

✔ Sustainable caseload management philosophy

✔ Quarterly bonus opportunities up to $26,000 annually

✔ Collaborative, clinician-led culture

✔ Leadership growth and mentorship opportunities

✔ Intentional, stable organizational growth

✔ Dedicated clinical quality and compliance leadership focused on ethical care, evolving funder requirements, and sustainable clinical practices

🌱 Our Care Model

At Opal Autism Centers, we provide assent-based, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming care- prioritizing learner autonomy, emotional safety, and dignity through compassionate, non-coercive, and individualized ABA practices.

What You’ll Do:

• Maintain clinically appropriate caseloads and productivity expectations aligned with quality care and evolving payer requirements

• Conduct ongoing treatment integrity observations and protocol modification to support individualized clinical outcomes

• Provide supervision and caregiver collaboration consistent with medical necessity, treatment intensity, and payer expectations

• Maintain timely, accurate, and audit-ready clinical documentation in alignment with state, funder, and ethical requirements

• Support caregiver training and skill generalization across settings to promote long-term client success

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or related field
• Current and active BCBA certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• Certified as a BCBA for 3 or more years to be eligible for this senior level role
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a BCBA working directly with individuals with autism
• Current CPR & First Aid certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supervising RBTs and clinical teams
• Strong collaboration, mentorship, and coaching skills
• Experience with EMR systems and clinical documentation platforms
• Behavior Analyst Licensure "LBA" (per state requirements)

Customized Transition Support:

We understand that transitioning into a new BCBA role can involve financial, logistical, and career-planning considerations. Depending on experience, location, and organizational need, individualized employment packages may include relocation support, sign-on or retention incentives, assistance navigating previous employment-related financial obligations, and contingent offers for future BCBAs preparing to sit for their certification exam.

We’ve intentionally built a compensation and support structure that prioritizes sustainability, growth, clinician well-being, and ethical clinical practice.

Compensation & Growth:

• Individualized employment packages

• Competitive base salary based on certification tenure and experience

• Quarterly performance bonus opportunities- up to $26,000 of annual bonus potential

• Leadership growth pathways into Assistant Clinical Director and Clinical Director roles

• Annual professional development, CEU stipend, and certification reimbursement opportunities

• Referral bonuses up to $2,000 per referral — no cap!

Work-Life Balance & Support:

• Protected breaks and workplace accommodations, including: Lactation accommodations (PUMP Act compliant), ADA and religious accommodations

• Work from Home & Flex days built into scheduling

• 120 hours PTO annually (increases with tenure)

• 9 paid holidays

• Paid bereavement leave

• Balanced bonus structure- PTO, holidays, and bereavement still count toward quotas (no penalty for time off)

• Protected & Extended Leave Options: FMLA (12 weeks job-protected leave), Military leave (USERRA-protected), etc.

• Full administrative and operational support teams

• Sustainable caseload philosophy

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) and additional investment options

• Life and disability insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)

• Pet insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Cell phone stipend (if applicable)

• Travel reimbursement (if applicable)

Professional Development:

• 30/60/90-day onboarding feedback

• Clinical tools & technology provided

• Support for continued clinical growth through conferences, CEU platforms, webinars, and specialized trainings

• $1,000 annual CEU stipend

• Certification reimbursement opportunities

• University tuition discounts through partnerships with: Ball State, Capella, Northeastern, Purdue Global and more!

• Ongoing mentorship and career advancement opportunities

About Opal Autism Centers:

At Opal, we are committed to delivering ethical, high-quality ABA services that prioritize dignity, compassion, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes for the children and families we serve.

We are intentionally building an organization where clinicians can grow long-term without sacrificing quality care, clinical integrity, or personal well-being. As the ABA landscape continues to evolve, our leadership team remains proactive in adapting to changing clinical, ethical, state, and payor requirements to help create sustainable clinical practices that support and protect both our clients and clinicians.

At Opal, we believe clinicians do their best work when they feel supported practicing with confidence, integrity, and long-term stability.

Opal Autism Centers is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree to the above statement.