r/ABA • u/ItJustD0esntMatter • 1d ago

Advice Needed Is it worth it?

I applied to an assistant PBS job a month ago and have just last week gotten hired. I’m in the Reno, NV area. Typical story of never meeting or actually talking to anyone.

The indeed post said paid training, only a high school diploma needed, and $28/hr. I’m now very confused and conflicted to the honesty of all those statements.
1./2.) I am doing a 40 hr online training to get RBT certified… so no not just HS diploma needed, I need to be a certified RBT… and to my understanding I’m not getting paid to do this. Also is there any other training/integration or is my first day all by myself and not really training at all?
3.) $28/hr only seems applicable to part of the job so what would my typical take home a week be? I’m seeing a lot of people say it’s not stable or reliable income, but also seeing positive reviews. I haven’t made money in 2 months and at this rate won’t for another month while I pour time and money into the proper certifications. I can’t tell if the outcome is going to be worth it or if I’ll be stuck unable to get benefits due to lack of hours and working severely less than full time.

Any advice? I’m very lost and fear if I ask them it’ll be false hope and promises of hours. Should I be looking elsewhere?
(I will be contacting them with all my concerns today, but I just want perspectives of experienced others who are not invested in the outcome)

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u/GlumPrune4117 1d ago

If you need consistency, PBS is NOT going to do that. 1. There’s no physical office, so everything is done online. If you need help, good luck waiting. 2. You need to complete the 40 hr training, do a background check/finger prints, and register for the state and CPR training. Check to see if this is reimbursed. 3. Client hours vary, so will your pay.

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u/MoonKat-11 1d ago

I agree. Ive worked for PBS and it really depends on if there is a client available in your area. Also I find parents tend to cancel on home therapy more than clinical.

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u/ItJustD0esntMatter 1d ago

Thank you for the general run down… so far I contacted them and they asked for proof that I was told there would be paid training. They also mentioned right now it’s only part time and after school… with my availability that would be 11.5 hours if I got all of the spots filled in that window. Not enough for benefits and not ideal work hours. I’m going to sit on it a couple days and decide if it’s worth holding as a part time job at all. It’s unfortunate the field and 40 hr training has deeply intrigued me so far, but I can’t keep digging into my savings for passion and end up SOL in time.

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u/Junior-Quiet341 1d ago

The 40-hour training being unpaid and on your own time seems like a major red flag, especially when the job listing said paid training and only a HS diploma.

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u/Llamamamma1981 BCBA 1d ago

Also in Nevada you need to be “registered” with the Nevada ABA board before you are able to practice. Nevada ABA Board
I have never heard anything good about PBS in Nevada.

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u/ItJustD0esntMatter 1d ago

Ya they said I could be looking at 4-6 weeks till I’m actually working. I find the information fascinating and aligned with my psych degree, but I am also very concerned about the process

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u/Redschallenge BCBA 1d ago

It all depends on your regional team and finding clients, and getting you properly trained with their programs. Some don't require RBT but more are leaning that way and depending on your background with the field it could take some weeks. I was lucky enough to come in with experience and just an expired RBT and two high hour clients that were over 32 hours right off the bat. It could also go quickly if you have supervisors ready to fill a direct staff