Growth & Career Paths
Build Your Future With Training, Education, and Career Advancement
From paid training and tuition reimbursement to clear career pathways and apprenticeships, we invest in your growth—helping you advance and thrive in a meaningful career.
Foundations for Success
We set you up for success from day one with structured onboarding and foundational training tailored to your role.
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Paid orientation and training for direct care staff
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Role-specific training for clinicians and support staff
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Certifications included: CPR, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Direct Care Professional core curriculum
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Access to a fully staffed training team for ongoing support
Education & Skill Advancement
We help you grow your knowledge and credentials through financial support and paid development opportunities.
- Tuition reimbursement and scholarships for degrees and certifications
- Paid professional development and CE opportunities
- Apprenticeships aligned with national standards
Leadership & Career Growth
Wherever you see your future, we offer pathways and programs to help you get there — from mentorship to leadership development.
- Clear career paths across departments
- Emerging Leaders programming for rising professionals
- Monthly Leadership Roundtables for skill-building and networking
Career Paths
Grow Your Skills. Build Your Future.
Your work changes lives — your career should grow, too. At Heartspring, we support your development with mentorship and clear career paths. We help you build a future that fulfills your personal and professional goals.
Career Path for Direct Care Professional to Residential Manager
Residential Managers lead and support a team of Home Supervisors to create a safe, structured, and enriching environment. You’re key to ensuring Heartspring delivers world-class residential care.
Step 1
Direct Care Professional
Lead by Example
- DCP Requirements
- DCP Core Curriculum
- Heartspring Coach Badge
Step 2
Home Assistant Supervisor
Supervise & Support
- DCP 4 Requirements
- Heartspring Supervisor Training
Step 3
Home Supervisor
Manage Daily Operations
- Home Assistant Supervisor Requirements
- 1+ year working with similar population in supervisory position
Step 4
Residential Manager
Oversee & Lead Teams
- Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, behavioral science or related field preferred
- Home Assistant Supervisor Requirements
- 5+ years working with similar population, 3+ as supervisory
Career Path for Behavior Technician to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, you’ll provide exceptional support and evidence-based interventions that empower children with neurodevelopmental disorders to reach their full potential. You’ll play an essential role in shaping and implementing these interventions, working alongside our multidisciplinary team.
Step 1
Behavior Technician 1 & 2
Support Behavioral Interventions
- High School Diploma
- Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
- CPR Certification – acquired on-job
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification – acquired on-job
Step 2
Registered Behavior Technician
Implement ABA Therapy
- Behavior Technician 1 & 2 Requirements
- Registered Behavior Technician Certification – may acquire on-job
- May advance to ABA Therapy Program Coordinator with 6 months of full-time experience
Step 3
Autism Specialist & Certified Autism Specialist
Provide Expert Autism Support
- RBT/BT Requirements
- Master’s or higher degree that meets the requirements for obtaining a certification of
- Consultative Clinical and Therapeutic Services as an Autism Specialist
To become certified: Completion of certification of Consultative Clinical and Therapeutic Services as an Autism Specialist
Step 4
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Develop & Lead Behavioral Plans
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA):
- Bachelor’s or higher degree meeting BACB certification requirements
Kansas LBA - CPR Certification – acquired on-job
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification – acquired on-job
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- BCaBA Requirements
- Master’s or higher degree meeting BACB certification requirements
"I received multiple scholarships in undergrad through Heartspring. I was then able to participate in the education assistance program Heartspring offers, so they paid for a portion of my grad school tuition. The organization and leaders were very supportive and instrumental in helping me obtain my degree."
Ashly E., MA, CCC-SLP
Interdisciplinary Therapies Clinical Manager
"Heartspring has opened an incredibly rewarding world I have not been exposed to before and has provided me with advancement opportunities through my desire to serve. Along with the leadership and guidance of mentors, Heartspring provides education assistance. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and I strive to uphold these gifts by living the Heartspring values."
Isaac W., BCBA
Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst
"I am incredibly thankful to Heartspring for supporting my educational journey through their education assistance program. This program allowed me to pursue my PhD, helping me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve been able to apply the knowledge learned during my educational journey to better serve our Heartspring students and contribute to the community."
Holli M., PhD, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
"Since working at Heartspring, I have felt supported on so many levels with my growth in the company. Part of that growth involves my schooling. School is a significant financial burden. The education reimbursement program that Heartspring offers, shows the dedication to the employees while in school as well as the investment in our future. I am very grateful for the support Heartspring has shown me throughout the years."
Chris F.
Behavior Technician II
"Education reimbursement helped me complete both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working part-time and full-time. I gained over 2,000 hours of hands-on experience at Heartspring, implementing 1:1 sessions and learning the work of a BCBA and Autism Specialist. These opportunities reduced my stress and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m truly grateful for the investment in my future."
Angela M.
Certified Autism Specialist
Related Links: Careers at Heartspring
Main Careers Page
Your main landing page for all things careers at Heartspring.
Impact & Culture
We lead with integrity, serve with excellence and celebrate progress. Possibility lives in every child and career built here.
Holistic Benefits
Wellbeing isn’t an afterthought. It’s essential. From free primary and mental health care to flexible schedules, we invest in you.
Observations & Internships
Get real-world experience in clinical, educational, or administrative settings while learning from professionals who are passionate about helping you grow.