Behavior Interventionist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a behavior interventionist. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a behavior interventionist.
Who is a Behavior Interventionist?
A Behavior Interventionist is someone who helps with plans and support to correct negative behaviors in people.
The behavior interventionist helps people develop coping mechanisms when they are experiencing behavioral problems, figure out coping mechanisms for changes during the school day, or help people improve their ability to focus on different tasks. An interventionist recognizes the triggers that may lead to harmful behavior and either help the person avoid them or work through the triggers with them.
They observe and engage with people, groups, and communities to support the harmonious operation of those present. They recognize behavioral issues and offer assistance to lessen and remedy these behaviors. Additionally, they evaluate customers using interviews, observations, and psychological exams. They also monitor the client, analyze progress, and adjust behavioral plans. They also develop goals for behavioral improvements.
A behavior interventionist evaluates the difficulties a person has in daily life using their primary specialty in education, social work, psychology, counseling, or another similar subject. Behavior interventionists gather data through psychological testing, observation, and interviews with clients and their support networks to create an effective intervention strategy. They establish expectations for behavioral changes, keep tabs on the client, gauge their success, and, if necessary, alter their behavioral plans. A behavioral interventionist formulates a strategy to deal with any hazards or dangers during a crisis and decides whether long-term treatment is required. They might refer you to another expert if the case calls for it.
The goal of the behavior interventionist is to address the child’s behaviors utilizing the programs that an intervention specialist has carefully planned.
In each session, the behavior interventionist will gather information and record any modifications to behaviors, both good and bad. The student’s educational support team will authorize the sequence, which they will adhere to while giving the teacher or parent a daily report.
If a student has special needs or psychological issues, other professionals will be added to the team to explore how it is affecting their behavior and what further support they need to ensure the child’s success.
Due to its high likelihood of co-morbidity, autism is classified alongside other medical conditions like ADHD or dyslexia.
Behavior interventionists can significantly impact the lives of their clients and those around them regardless of whether their clients are children with autism spectrum disorders, adults with addiction issues, or any of the numerous other possibilities. It is rewarding to assist clients in changing their behavior and observing them make progress.
Depending on their contract, behavior interventionists may work at a single school or several schools around a school district. The school district’s home support might also work with parents at home. These kinds of initiatives serve the students by ensuring continuity of treatment across a range of settings.
Behavior Interventionist Job Description
Below are the behavior interventionist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a behavior interventionist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
Some of the responsibilities Behavior Interventionists handle regularly are:
- Assist in the creation, execution, modeling of behavior, and implementation of individualized education plans to match the needs of each student and reinforce learning activities.
- Assist in training staff, parents, and kids through specialized instructional tactics and procedures to exchange knowledge and methods for behavior intervention.
- Help with data gathering and assessment for behavior support services to track and report advancement toward specified targets.
- Implement alternative communication intervention techniques and serves as a role model to teach pupils how to communicate successfully.
- Implement behavioral plans created by the IEP team for children with behavior problems or other special needs to satisfy their needs and create a consistent learning environment for special education kids.
- Modify activities, tasks, and materials to provide an opportunity to engage in learning activities.
- Monitor students’ development in specified areas to record information about their academic performance and behavior.
- Use and exemplify social skill development strategies like social tales, peer facilitation, and peer training to help students reach their academic, social, emotional, and behavioral objectives.
Qualifications
- High school certificate or GED
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, nursing, psychology, or relevant course
- Experience in a similar role
- Possess a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCABA) certification
Essential Skills
There are skills you require to excel in the role as a behavior interventionist, they are;
- Communication
Communication is the act of delivering information to other people. You might have to interact with parents, teachers, and other staff members as behavior interventionists. You can utilize your communication abilities to answer queries, give updates on the student’s progress, and explain the behavior intervention strategy. Effective communication is crucial while working with students. You can utilize your communication abilities to applaud the student for their progress, clarify the goal of the intervention, and respond to any queries they may have.
- Collaboration
Behavior interventionists frequently collaborate with other professionals, such as teachers, parents, and administrators. Collaboration skills like active listening, empathy, and compromise are needed to establish and carry out an intervention plan. Behavior interventionists can use their abilities for teamwork to develop a plan that notes the requirements of both the school and the student.
- Critical thinking
Critical thinking skill is the ability to evaluate circumstances and make choices with available data. Behavior interventionists use this skill to choose the most effective strategy for changing a student’s behavior.
- Data Collection
Data are used as the basis for behavior control programs that are evidence-based. You will keep track of any behavior frequency, duration, successes, and failed efforts by observing, measuring, and recording them.
You will be held accountable as a behavior interventionist for consistently gathering and reporting accurate data.
- Great Listening
The ability to fully engage with someone while they are speaking is known as active listening. Maintaining eye contact, nodding to demonstrate understanding, and politely asking questions to understand their viewpoint are all examples of how to do this. You can better comprehend the student’s viewpoints and assist them by actively listening to them.
- Empathy
Empathy is the ability to feel for someone and understand the person’s situation. This skill is crucial for behavior interventionists to possess while working with students. It helps you understand someone’s motivations and emotions when they exhibit troublesome behavior. You may use this to develop a more successful intervention strategy.
- Friendly
Try to establish a relationship with your clients since, without it, they will not be able to benefit from your support. Building trust requires sincere effort, patience, understanding, and occasionally letting someone take the lead. Learn about each person’s peers, instructors, administrators, and family. If they believe you are a part of the learning environment and are not singling them out, which can draw attention to their impairment, they will feel more at ease in your company.
- Observatory
Functional behavior analysis and your interactions with clients in their natural surroundings are the foundations of behavior management. The success of the clients and your capacity to meet their requirements depend on how observant you are.
- Professional but friendly
You are there to help the student with their behavioral, academic, social, and emotional requirements. It’s crucial to treat each student as a whole, concentrate on their talents, keep your cool at all times, and avoid taking things personally. When they are comfortable and having fun, students learn more effectively.
- Rapport
Keep in constant contact with the staff as behavior interventionists to know how they meet each client’s needs. Collaboration and information sharing are essential, in addition to developing rapport. Give the details of the behavior plan to the supervisor. When new behaviors appear or when you have suggestions that could support the behavior support plan for the client, let your supervisor know. The behavior support plan is not your job to decide, but your opinion is very relevant.
How to Become a Behaviour Interventionist
Behavior interventionists must possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Nevertheless, most employers want at least a bachelor’s degree.
Although the education and experience of a behavior intervention specialist can vary, they are all typically certified by a national board. The steps to becoming a behavior interventionist are as follows:
Achieve a Bachelor’s Degree
Get a bachelor’s degree in psychology, nursing, early childhood development, or a similar subject to work at higher behavior intervention levels. Coursework in behavior analysis might help you become ready for upcoming certification tests. You might look specifically for courses on interventions for behavioral adjustment and applied behavioral analysis.
Advance your Education
Next, earn a master’s degree to become a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. You can qualify for the BCBA exam using behavior-analysis courses, faculty teaching, coursework, or experience.
Gain Certification
A behavior interventionist can operate in various settings and levels. Find out what levels of education and experience are needed where you can work before starting a certification.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) establishes the benchmark credentials for the industry. The certification levels are as follows:
Registered Behavior (RBT): The sole educational requirement for an RBT is a high school diploma. An RBT is usually supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst while at work.
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCABA): With this accreditation, which calls for a bachelor’s degree, you are qualified to provide analysis services under the supervision of a BCBA.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): You require a master’s degree for BCBA accreditation, which gives you the freedom to work independently without supervision.
You can start the certification procedure by sending in an application and fee after completing your schooling and gaining experience.
A certificate program from a university differs from being certified by the BACB. The BACB certification levels are accepted by most employers nationwide. You might be able to get a job with a university credential, but it might not be widely recognized.
Acquire Expertise
For any certification, you must complete a specific number of hours of fieldwork under supervision in a field related to the work you want to do. Choose a supervisor who is structured and experienced after choosing your specialty. Try to maintain accurate fieldwork records because the BACB may utilize an audit procedure to confirm this experience. The amount of required fieldwork depends on your certification path. It can be between 500 and 2,000 hours, depending on the level you’re striving for and the training or experience you already have.
The level of the Registered Behavior Technician is an exemption to this fieldwork requirement. This level involves an initial competency exam but does not require fieldwork to obtain the initial certification because it is for persons without specific experience or education.
Apply for Jobs
A behavior interventionist may work in residential settings, behavioral treatment facilities, or educational settings. If you choose to work in a school, your location will determine your income and follow the teachers’ pay schedule.
If you pursue a career as a psychologist, you can also work as a behavior intervention specialist with adults. Treatment for adult addictions to drugs, alcohol, and gambling sometimes involves the involvement of behavior intervention specialists.
Renew your Certification.
Depending on the type of certification you have, you might have to renew it after a specific period. A BCBA or BCABA must renew their certification every two years, while an RBT must do so yearly. If you meet the requirements for continuing education and uphold ethical standards, you are qualified to renew.
It’s also crucial to keep up with improvements in psychology, such as new methods and academic developments. These courses give you the experience you need to renew your certification and can even be required by your employer. Keeping up with the most recent research can help you deliver better services and make you a more compelling prospect for upcoming employment or educational possibilities.
Where to Work as a Behavior Interventionist
Behavior interventionists frequently work for governmental or non-profit institutions. They can work in any environment where there may be people with behavioral problems hurting themselves and others and where the organization is concerned about the welfare of the people in question. Behavior interventionists may work in healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, educational institutions, and other places. Many behavior interventionists work for independent agencies and conduct their interventions directly in their clients’ homes, making multiple client visits daily. Work schedules are frequently flexible depending on the needs of the client.
Behavior Interventionist Salary Scale
In the United States, behavior interventionists earn $42,000 annually. Some earn as low as $28,600 annually, while the top may make $62,370 or more.
In the United Kingdom, a behavior interventionist makes an average annual pay of £33,115.