Behavior Technician Jobs for OPT Students
Behavior Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in psychology, education, or applied behavior analysis. Most positions are full-time and community-based, which satisfies the OPT employment requirement. RBT certification strengthens your application and signals clinical readiness to employers evaluating OPT candidates.
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Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $24.00
ORGANIZATION
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders is seeking highly motivated professionals to join our team. As a member of our growing, founder-owned organization, you’ll have the opportunity to join a well-established, mission-driven industry leader focused on helping people with autism live their best lives. CARD offers a dynamic work environment where your talents and skills will be valued and rewarded. The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is among the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. CARD treats autistic individuals using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method addressing the behaviors and deficits commonly associated with autism. With locations throughout the US, CARD’s mission is to provide top-quality services that help every patient fulfill their potential and live joyful lives. Through its network of trained behavior technicians, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and researchers, CARD develops and implements quality, comprehensive, and individualized treatment programs that lead to success.
5656 S Power Rd. Building B, Suite B-121 Gilbert, Arizona 85295
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Behavior Technicians implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment programs with CARD patients and families under the direction of a Clinical Supervisor. Treatment plans are designed to address skill acquisition as well as challenging behavior reduction and may occur in a variety of settings including the CARD center, patient’s home, school, community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians report to the CARD Operations Manager. This position has no direct reports.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide direct treatment to patients under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor in a 1:1 or group environment
- Provide treatment that exceeds CARD’s clinical quality standards
- Collect and record data on patient progress with high fidelity
- Review and implement Clinical Supervisor feedback during each treatment session
- Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, families, and colleagues
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for patients, families, and colleagues
- Seek personal growth and training opportunities to ensure clinical excellence
- Maintain accurate and timely records
- Always maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements
- Represent CARD professionally and ethically to internal and external stakeholders
- Adhere to CARD policies and procedures
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Must pass initial CARD Behavior Technician Training program, including passing a comprehensive written exam and field evaluation
- Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Empathetic and compassionate individual with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
- Ability to work collaboratively with team members while maintaining a positive and solution focused attitude
- Ability to work independently while providing direct treatment to patients
- An effective communicator in both verbal and written formats
- Demonstrate excellent time management skills and the ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment
- Desire to continuously learn and develop skillsets
- Willingness to work in a variety of locations (center, patient home, etc.)
- Willingness to work with a variety of patients
- Reliable means of transportation with proof of auto insurance for some locations
- Ability to commit to at least six months of employment without major changes in schedule or location
- English proficiency, both verbal and written, is required
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Treatment may occur in a variety of settings including the patient’s home, the CARD center, the patient’s school, the community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians work in environments that are both indoors and outdoors and may move between different locations throughout the course of the workday.
Physical Requirements:
- Be able to work with patients who are seated on the floor, in small chairs, or other home, school, community and clinic environments
- Move frequently throughout the therapeutic setting to gather materials, anticipate, and respond to the movement of a patient, and/or provide instruction in a variety of settings, such as school, playground, clinic, or community locations
- Constantly position oneself to participate and respond to the movements and behaviors of patients, including but not limited to bending to assist a patient, kneeling/crouching to teach a play skill, hurrying to block an open doorway, or reaching to prevent a patient from entering a traffic congested street
- Be able to utilize continuous visual tracking to monitor the movement of patients, as well as the items and circumstances in the surrounding environment
- Occasionally move to evade aggressive behaviors and/or physically block attempts to aggress towards others. Responding to behaviors may occasionally require bearing weight of a patient who is leaning, pushing, etc.
- Frequently teach patients to use vocal speech. Must be able to articulate sound and model speaking clearly, as well as listen to and shape vocal communication of patients
- Occasionally use modeling to teach gross motor skills, such as climbing or jumping, and fine motor skills such as clapping or opening a container
- Work in both indoor and outdoor settings as they relate to the patient’s natural environment, which may include being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (e.g., community skills, recess in a school setting, etc.)
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs. while assisting patients
Qualified Applicants with arrest or Conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $24.00
ORGANIZATION
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders is seeking highly motivated professionals to join our team. As a member of our growing, founder-owned organization, you’ll have the opportunity to join a well-established, mission-driven industry leader focused on helping people with autism live their best lives. CARD offers a dynamic work environment where your talents and skills will be valued and rewarded. The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is among the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. CARD treats autistic individuals using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method addressing the behaviors and deficits commonly associated with autism. With locations throughout the US, CARD’s mission is to provide top-quality services that help every patient fulfill their potential and live joyful lives. Through its network of trained behavior technicians, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and researchers, CARD develops and implements quality, comprehensive, and individualized treatment programs that lead to success.
5656 S Power Rd. Building B, Suite B-121 Gilbert, Arizona 85295
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Behavior Technicians implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment programs with CARD patients and families under the direction of a Clinical Supervisor. Treatment plans are designed to address skill acquisition as well as challenging behavior reduction and may occur in a variety of settings including the CARD center, patient’s home, school, community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians report to the CARD Operations Manager. This position has no direct reports.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide direct treatment to patients under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor in a 1:1 or group environment
- Provide treatment that exceeds CARD’s clinical quality standards
- Collect and record data on patient progress with high fidelity
- Review and implement Clinical Supervisor feedback during each treatment session
- Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, families, and colleagues
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for patients, families, and colleagues
- Seek personal growth and training opportunities to ensure clinical excellence
- Maintain accurate and timely records
- Always maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements
- Represent CARD professionally and ethically to internal and external stakeholders
- Adhere to CARD policies and procedures
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Must pass initial CARD Behavior Technician Training program, including passing a comprehensive written exam and field evaluation
- Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Empathetic and compassionate individual with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
- Ability to work collaboratively with team members while maintaining a positive and solution focused attitude
- Ability to work independently while providing direct treatment to patients
- An effective communicator in both verbal and written formats
- Demonstrate excellent time management skills and the ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment
- Desire to continuously learn and develop skillsets
- Willingness to work in a variety of locations (center, patient home, etc.)
- Willingness to work with a variety of patients
- Reliable means of transportation with proof of auto insurance for some locations
- Ability to commit to at least six months of employment without major changes in schedule or location
- English proficiency, both verbal and written, is required
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Treatment may occur in a variety of settings including the patient’s home, the CARD center, the patient’s school, the community, or via telehealth. Behavior Technicians work in environments that are both indoors and outdoors and may move between different locations throughout the course of the workday.
Physical Requirements:
- Be able to work with patients who are seated on the floor, in small chairs, or other home, school, community and clinic environments
- Move frequently throughout the therapeutic setting to gather materials, anticipate, and respond to the movement of a patient, and/or provide instruction in a variety of settings, such as school, playground, clinic, or community locations
- Constantly position oneself to participate and respond to the movements and behaviors of patients, including but not limited to bending to assist a patient, kneeling/crouching to teach a play skill, hurrying to block an open doorway, or reaching to prevent a patient from entering a traffic congested street
- Be able to utilize continuous visual tracking to monitor the movement of patients, as well as the items and circumstances in the surrounding environment
- Occasionally move to evade aggressive behaviors and/or physically block attempts to aggress towards others. Responding to behaviors may occasionally require bearing weight of a patient who is leaning, pushing, etc.
- Frequently teach patients to use vocal speech. Must be able to articulate sound and model speaking clearly, as well as listen to and shape vocal communication of patients
- Occasionally use modeling to teach gross motor skills, such as climbing or jumping, and fine motor skills such as clapping or opening a container
- Work in both indoor and outdoor settings as they relate to the patient’s natural environment, which may include being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (e.g., community skills, recess in a school setting, etc.)
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs. while assisting patients
Qualified Applicants with arrest or Conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Behavior Technician
Pursue RBT certification before you apply
The Registered Behavior Technician credential is a 40-hour training requirement that most employers expect. Completing it before your job search signals clinical readiness and removes a common hiring barrier, especially for employers unfamiliar with OPT authorization.
Target ABA therapy clinics and home health agencies
Behavior Technician roles are concentrated in ABA clinics, home-based therapy programs, and school districts. These employers hire regularly and often support OPT students, since demand for trained technicians exceeds supply in most U.S. metro areas.
Emphasize supervision hours toward BCBA licensure
If you're working toward a BCBA credential, frame your job search around roles that offer documented supervision hours. Employers who invest in your licensure path are more likely to sponsor you long-term, making them stronger OPT targets.
Check whether your degree field qualifies under STEM OPT
Psychology and education degrees sometimes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your program is on the STEM designated degree list. Confirm with your DSO before applying, since this significantly extends your authorized work period.
Browse OPT-friendly Behavior Technician listings on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters job listings by visa sponsorship willingness, so you can identify Behavior Technician employers already open to OPT workers. This saves time and focuses your applications on companies where authorization is not a disqualifying factor.
Behavior Technician jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Behavior Technician on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Behavior Technician roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field, such as psychology, education, or applied behavior analysis. You must have an active EAD card before your start date. Part-time positions count, but full-time employment is easier to document for OPT compliance and future visa sponsorship.
Does a Behavior Technician job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your undergraduate degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as psychology with a research focus or a behavioral science program listed on the official STEM designated degree list, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting a role.
Do Behavior Technician employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Some do, particularly larger ABA therapy networks and healthcare systems, but it varies by employer size and familiarity with the visa process. Smaller clinics may be willing but lack the infrastructure. Starting the conversation during your OPT period gives you time to build a case before your authorization expires. Migrate Mate lists employers who have indicated sponsorship openness for roles like this.
What degree do I need to qualify for Behavior Technician OPT jobs?
Most Behavior Technician positions require a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, social work, or a related behavioral science. Your OPT job must be directly related to your degree field, so a social work or psychology background aligns well. Some employers accept candidates still completing their degree on pre-completion OPT, though post-completion OPT is more common for this role.
How does the RBT certification affect my OPT job search as an international student?
The RBT credential does not change your OPT authorization, but it meaningfully improves your competitiveness. Employers are often hesitant to navigate visa paperwork for unproven candidates. Holding an RBT certification demonstrates you've met the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's training standards, which reduces perceived hiring risk and makes employers more likely to extend offers to OPT students.
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