Graduate Behavioural Therapist (ABA Training Programme) in Aberdeen

Graduate Behavioural Therapist (ABA Training Programme) in Aberdeen

Aberdeen Trainee 28000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Team Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support an 8-year-old non-verbal autistic child through structured ABA therapy.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team in a supportive, professional environment in Aberdeen.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, funded training, and clear career progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours with a strong emphasis on professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while developing your skills in ABA therapy.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Psychology or related field; passion for autism and behavioural science.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Start Date: September 2026

Hours: ~35 hours/week

Role Purpose & Context

We are seeking a high-potential ABA Therapist (graduate or early-career) to join a structured, and clinically supervised, home-based programme in Aberdeen, Scotland supporting an 8-year-old non-verbal autistic child. The child was diagnosed with autism prior to age three and has additional diagnoses of ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and epilepsy (well controlled with medication). He is a kind, energetic, and affectionate child who benefits greatly from structured support, particularly in functional communication, self-regulation, and adaptive life skills.

In summer 2025, he completed an 8-week intensive ABA program in Orlando, Florida, and a further six weeks in March / April 2026. The ABA therapies were also integrated with occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language therapy (SLT). Progress was significant, including successful toilet training and the adoption of a speech-generating AAC device, now a core part of daily life.

Building on this success, the family is implementing a continuity-of-care model, with clinical oversight provided by the team at PediaBloom (including experienced BCBA;s and psychologists) based in Orlando, FL, in order to support in-home ABA delivery in Scotland. This role now aims to build on an established ABA programme and is designed to operate to a high professional standard aligned with leading UK and US clinical practice. This is not a typical home-based role. It is a structured clinical position designed as an accelerated development pathway toward becoming a Lead ABA practitioner.

Treatment Model & Clinical Oversight

  • Existing ABA programs designed and overseen by Orlando-based clinical supervisors
  • Ongoing remote supervision and case review throughout the assignment, provided remotely on a weekly basis from the team in Florida.
  • Weekly BCBA supervision during Year 1 (high-support phase)
  • Transition to fortnightly BCBA supervision thereafter (based on demonstrated competency)
  • Structured weekly internal clinical review (data, goals, planning)
  • Session recording (where appropriate) to support supervision and feedback
  • Focus on:
    • Functional communication (AAC-based)
    • Emotional regulation and coping strategies
    • Adaptive and daily living skills
    • Skill generalisation across home, school, and community settings
    • Strong emphasis on assent-based, child-centred, ethical ABA practice

Core Responsibilities

  • The therapist will operate as the primary on-the-ground practitioner responsible for delivering and supporting the programme.
  • Deliver 1:1 ABA therapy aligned with the child's existing treatment plan
  • Implement and adapt behaviour support and skill-acquisition programme
  • Adapting programmes in collaboration with supervising clinicians
  • Collect, analyse, and review accurate daily treatment data
  • Participate in:
    • Weekly reviews with parents
    • Regular clinical check-ins with supervising team
    • Support generalisation of skills across settings
    • At the appropriate time, deliver parent training ('train-the-parent' model) to ensure consistency and sustainability
    • Maintain clear documentation and contribute to periodic progress reports

Professional Environment

This is a structured and professional working environment with clear expectations and boundaries.

  • Defined working hours and responsibilities
  • Therapist operates as a clinical practitioner within the programme
  • Strong emphasis on consistency, professionalism, and respect

Dedicated Therapy Environment:

A dedicated therapy room within the home is established and designed specifically for ABA delivery and related therapies. This provides:

  • A structured, distraction-controlled setting for sessions
  • Consistency in programme delivery
  • Clear separation between therapy and family living space

The therapist will have ownership of this space during working hours, supporting a focused and professional environment.

Career Progression Framework

Progression is structured, competency-based, and clearly defined.

  • Year 0–1: Trainee Therapist
  • Year 1–2: Developing Therapist
  • Year 2–3: Senior / Emerging Lead
  • Year 3–5: Lead Therapist

Working Model & Schedule

Target therapy hours: 25–30 hours of direct and indirect clinical work

Total working hours: ~35 hours/week (including direct therapy, planning, collaboration, previews, supervision, training and general support with child)

Outside School Term

Monday–Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Indicative Schedule During School Term (to be agreed with successful candidate)

Scheduling is flexible and collaborative, responsive to the child's needs and therapist guidance. There is a need to be flexible during school terms, where the child will be in school under reduced hours three days per week, and therapies will work around that.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

  • Degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, Social Care, Education, or related field OR relevant experience
  • Strong interest in autism and behavioural science
  • Professional, reliable, and coachable
  • Ability to work within a structured, high-standard environment

Preferred

  • Experience with school-aged children and/or SEN
  • Exposure to ABA or behavioural approaches
  • Confidence working within hybrid / remote supervision models

Professional Standards & Safeguarding

  • Commitment to ethical, assent-based ABA
  • Respectful, child-centred practice
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries

Parental Collaboration

Parents are highly engaged, supportive, and motivated.

  • Expect: Bi-weekly or agreed progress reporting
  • Occasional school collaboration to support consistency

Compensation & Benefits

Starting salary: £28,000–£35,000 (with progression based on skills development)

Funded supervision and training (significant additional value)

Structured international training exposure (USA)

Candidate will need to complete a mandatory 40 hour RBT (Registered Behaviour Technician) training course, through Relias Academy only (this will be funded by the employer)

Clear professional working environment

Values & Culture

The family values:

  • Evidence-based intervention
  • Open communication and teamwork
  • Therapist wellbeing and autonomy

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • CV / Resume
  • Brief cover note outlining interest in opportunity
  • References will be required

Graduate Behavioural Therapist (ABA Training Programme) in Aberdeen employer: Team Recruitment

PediaBloom is an exceptional employer, offering a structured and clinically supervised environment for Graduate ABA Therapists in Aberdeen. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from funded training, weekly supervision, and a clear career progression framework that supports their growth into lead practitioners. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, prioritising therapist wellbeing and open communication, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with autism.

Team Recruitment

Contact Details:

Team Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Behavioural Therapist (ABA Training Programme) in Aberdeen

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Practice your interview skills with friends or family. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Graduate ABA Therapist. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it counts!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and interests. When you find a role that excites you, tailor your approach to show why you're a perfect fit for their team.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Behavioural Therapist (ABA Training Programme) in Aberdeen

Behavioural Analysis
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Functional Communication Skills
Emotional Regulation Strategies
Adaptive Life Skills Training
Data Collection and Analysis
Parent Training

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight relevant experience, especially any work with children or in behavioural science. Tailor it to show how your skills align with the role of an ABA Therapist.

Write a Personal Cover Note:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Use this space to express your genuine interest in the position and the impact you hope to make. Share why you’re excited about supporting the child and working within a structured programme.

Showcase Your Passion for ABA:In your application, let us know why you’re passionate about ABA therapy and working with children with autism. Mention any relevant training or experiences that have shaped your understanding and commitment to this field.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Team Recruitment

Know Your ABA Basics

Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these techniques in real-life scenarios, especially with children who have autism and other related conditions.

Showcase Your Passion

Let your enthusiasm for working with children and your interest in behavioural science shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this career path, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing challenging behaviours or collaborating with parents. Practise your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to different circumstances.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the programme, supervision structure, or the child you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.