Look beyond the setting label
Two center-based roles can have very different schedules and support structures. Use the setting as a starting point, then ask about the population, daily routine, team, and responsibilities of the particular opening.
Understand time and movement
For in-home and hybrid positions, clarify the service area, travel expectations, and how schedule changes are handled. For every setting, discuss where documentation, meetings, and consultation take place and how the week is organized.
Ask who you will collaborate with
Explore access to peers and leadership, caregiver involvement, and coordination with other professionals. In a school-based role, ask how the position fits into the school team and calendar. Confirm responsibilities with the employer rather than assuming the setting defines them.
Bring your priorities into the comparison
Decide which factors matter most to you: continuity, collaboration, schedule, travel, professional growth, or a particular clinical focus. Keep a short list of unanswered questions and use it in follow-up conversations.
Use the setting to guide your questions.
A setting label is useful context. The employer’s actual service model, team, and expectations determine what the position will be like. Use these questions to begin the comparison.
| Setting | Questions to bring to the conversation |
|---|---|
| Center-based | How are spaces, schedules, and clinical resources shared? What access will I have to colleagues and leadership? |
| In-home | What is the service area? How are travel, cancellations, caregiver communication, and clinical support handled? |
| School-based | How does the role work with the school team and calendar? What are the expectations for meetings, consultation, and coordination? |
| Hybrid | How is time divided between settings? Which duties can be completed remotely, and which require attendance at a location? |
Build a comparison around your own priorities.
Choose the factors that will most affect your working week. For each role, note the confirmed arrangement and any remaining questions. A setting you have not considered before may be worth exploring when the support and responsibilities align with your goals.
A hybrid position is not automatically a fully remote role. Ask the employer to explain the location and attendance expectations before making plans.
Then use our BCBA interview questions to explore workload, clinical decision making, and professional development in more detail.
Talk through what matters in your next role.
You can start a conversation while you’re still exploring. Share your preferred setting, location, and the questions you want answered.