Green Flags vs. Red Flags: What to Actually Look for in a Clinic

Every BCBA job posting says the same things: "supportive team," "growth opportunities," "we're like a family." None of that tells you anything. Here's what actually matters when you're sizing up a clinic.

Green flags

• Caseload numbers they can actually explain. If a clinic can tell you exactly how many clients you'll carry and why that number, that's a good sign they've thought about sustainability.
• Supervision that shows up on a calendar. Not "we'll figure it out," an actual recurring time.
• Leadership who answers hard questions directly. Ask about turnover. Watch how they respond.

Red flags

• Vague answers about caseload "it depends" with no follow-up.
• Supervision framed as a formality instead of a real clinical relationship.
• Any version of "we're like a family" used to explain away boundaries.

If you wouldn't accept these answers from a partner, don't accept them from an employer either.