Behavior Specialist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a behavior specialist. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a behavior specialist.
Who is a Behavior Specialist?
A behavior specialist creates behavior management strategies to assist people with impairments or mental health concerns to live more independent lives. Children who exhibit behavioral issues but do not fit into one of these groups may also benefit from their support.
A behavior specialist’s job is highly hands-on; they spend most of their time working one-on-one or in small groups with clients. They assist clients in learning new skills and overcoming obstacles to live as independently as possible.
As more parents explore strategies to support their kids’ particular learning requirements, customized learning is becoming more popular. This impacts the education industry as schools start using new teaching strategies that emphasize the development of each student. As a behavior specialist, you may capitalize on this by mastering individualized learning strategies. Then you may apply your expertise to assist schools in creating programs better tailored to the requirements of each kid.
Technology is increasingly being employed in classrooms to improve student learning opportunities. This covers using computers, tablets, and other technology to provide students with rapid and simple access to information. Behavior specialists may benefit from this by learning how to use the newest technological tools in the classroom. They can collaborate with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans that make the most use of technology.
Behavior Specialist Job Description
Below are the behavior specialist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of the Behavior Specialist include the following:
- Aid in the facilitation of behavioral interventions by carers.
- Assemble and analyze test data to determine whether a pupil qualifies for special services and to diagnose their issues.
- Check the progress of behavior support plans’ goals and objectives to ensure they are being fulfilled.
- Collaborate with parents and teachers to put behavioral interventions into place.
- Notify the appropriate authorities about potential child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
- Develop and carry out Affiliated Education Programs Services evaluations for kids enrolled in special education programs.
- Create lessons, plans, and specific curricula to suit each student’s requirements.
- Determine a student’s ability to behave appropriately at home and school.
- Determine the effectiveness of behavioral therapies through analysis.
- Help pupils recognize incorrect actions and come up with healthier behavioral alternatives.
- Make plans for student behavioral interventions.
- Put behavior support programs into practice.
- Share information on the progress of the pupils with parents and case managers.
- Keep track of the development of kids getting special education programs.
- Maintain records of the services offered, behavioral information, and special education reports for kids.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social service, human resources, or something similar
- A master’s degree in a relevant field (compulsory in some firms)
- Solid experience through internship or practice
- Have at least one relevant certification like Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCABA)
Essential Skills
Here are the skills you require to excel in your career as a Behavior Specialist:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Communication
- Creativity
- Crisis Management
- Data Gathering and Analysis
- Functioning Behavioral Analysis (FBA)
- Flexibility
- Observation
- Problem-solving
- Professional Development
- Patience
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Report Writing
- Special Education
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a technique that a behavior specialist may employ to assist clients in learning new skills and overcoming obstacles. Although ABA is frequently used to treat autism spectrum disorders, it can also be used to treat other behavioral or developmental abnormalities. This skill set includes developing a specific plan for each client such as rewards for exhibiting desirable behaviors and punishments for not doing so.
Communication
The ability for clear and succinct information transfer is referred to as communication. Behavior experts frequently interact via email, phone conversations, or in-person meetings with clients, coworkers, and supervisors. Additionally, they outline therapy programs and client goals in writing. Strong communication abilities are crucial for behavior specialist because they enable them to convey information clearly and guarantee that everyone participating in a client’s treatment knows what to do.
Creativity
The ability to come up with original ideas and solutions is creativity. When creating individualized treatment programs for their patients, behavior specialists frequently deploy creativity. They could also be creative in their day-to-day job, for example, when they experiment with a new activity with a client or think of strategies to promote good conduct. Being creative may assist you in coming up with original solutions to challenges and promoting change.
Crisis Management
A behavior specialist must be able to spot when a situation is getting out of hand and intervene to stop it from turning into an emergency. Behavior specialists must understand how to respond to crises that might harm kids with special needs, such as fires or natural disasters.
Data Gathering and Analysis
The process of gathering and analyzing data includes keeping track of details on a student’s behavior, such as the causes, responses, and results. You may use this information to understand how to serve pupils with behavioral problems. This will help them control their behavior in the future. You may monitor your success in promoting kids’ social and emotional development with data analysis.
Functioning Behavioral Analysis (FBA)
Functional behavioral analysis is a thorough examination of the elements that influence a person’s behavior. Behavior specialists use FBAs to identify what motivates particular behaviors, how those behaviors impact the individual and people around them, and what the person can do to modify their behavior. By gaining insight into the reasons behind a client’s behavior through a functional behavioral assessment, behavior analysts may develop more successful treatment strategies for their patients.
Flexibility
Being flexible is having the capacity to change course when necessary. Behavior specialists frequently need to be flexible in their work since each client presents a unique set of difficulties. For instance, when the kid’s school schedule changes suddenly, a behavior expert treating a child on the autistic spectrum may need to adapt their treatment strategy. An adaptable behavior expert can change their strategy and keep giving successful treatment.
Observation
Observation is keeping a close eye on something or someone to learn more. As a behavior specialist, you can utilize observational skills to assess a student’s academic development, see how they perform in class and observe how they interact with their classmates. By keeping tabs on how your customers’ behavior evolves, you may also employ observational skills in your work with them.
Problem-solving
Having the capacity to recognize and address problems is problem-solving. Behavior specialists frequently utilize problem-solving techniques since they may run into difficulties when trying to change or integrate new habits when dealing with clients. The behavior specialist can assist them in finding solutions to these problems so they can focus more successfully.
Professional Development
The process of learning new talents and honing your current ones is known as professional development. To increase your understanding of behavior analysis, you may read books, attend seminars, or take courses. Your career can progress and you can become a more valuable addition to a company if you pursue professional development. Maintaining current with industry norms is also crucial if you want to serve patients successfully.
Patience
The ability to wait is known as patience. When dealing with clients, behavior specialists frequently need patience because customers may not perceive benefits immediately. It could take time for a client to feel comfortable speaking in front of people if, for instance, their behavior expert teaches them methods to minimize their anxiety about public speaking. Working with the client until their worry is gone takes patience.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
You can utilize a collection of techniques called a positive behavior intervention plan to assist pupils in altering their behavior. As an illustration, you may advise a student who struggles in class to take breaks and listen to music while studying. Additionally, you may make a chart with stickers or other awards for the student’s good behavior. This is an illustration of how you may utilize your expertise as a behavior specialist to create strategies that motivate children to act more appropriately.
Report Writing
Writing a report involves compiling information into a written form to describe an observation or evaluation. The ability to create clear, succinct reports is crucial for behavior specialists since they utilize them to describe their methodology and findings. This ability aids them in interactions with other experts who might need information on a student’s development.
Special Education
A collection of talents and knowledge that enable you to interact with pupils with learning difficulties or other disorders that call for particular care are collectively referred to as special education. Working with kids individually, creating lesson plans tailored to their needs, and supporting students in their regular classroom settings are all parts of special education.
How to Become a Behavior Specialist
Below are the steps to becoming a Behavior Specialist:
Step One: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Getting an undergraduate degree is the first step toward becoming a behavioral expert. Although some universities offer specific degrees in behavioral studies, those who already work in the sector can also pursue related courses. Some of the disciplines to consider are psychology, sociology, social service, human resources, and psychology education.
Step Two: Achieve an Advanced Degree
Particularly if they work with children, most firms demand that behavior specialists hold a master’s degree. Typically, a master’s program lasts two years to finish. Some programs could combine a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree. Some employers could let professionals work during the day and take classes part-time. The main area and academic program can influence the degree type. Possible academic degrees include cognitive psychology, behavior evaluation, education, and psychology.
Step Three: Obtain Experience by Practicing
Professionals must undergo a training program before working as behavioral specialists. This can count toward your education depending on your degree. For instance, master’s degree programs in applied behavioral analysis frequently have a training component that allows students to get hands-on experience. As an alternative, some businesses provide training as a component of licensing or certification programs.
Step Four: Get a License
When deciding on a vocation, it’s important to remember that each country and state has unique licensing regulations. As part of the licensing procedure, some may need documentation of education, training, and experience. If the professional intends to work with children, they could also run a background check on them.
Step Five: Be Certified
Some behavioral experts choose to obtain further qualifications. Usually optional in the industry, however, it could assist job hopefuls to land a competitive position or be paid more. Two levels of certification are available.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB):
With a master’s degree in behavioral science or analysis, one can become a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). A behavior expert can obtain this degree with an extra distinction if they hold a Ph.D. in the relevant discipline (BCBA-D).
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst: This certification demonstrates that a candidate possesses a bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis or a closely related subject. Professionals who wish to get these credentials must provide documentation of their training and education. The next step is to pass a test demonstrating their abilities and expertise. The certifications for which behavior specialists are responsible must be renewed every two years. This can entail finishing further training or continuing your study.
Where to Work as a Behavior Specialist
Behavior specialists can work in places like public and private schools, medical facilities, clinics, and community mental health facilities. They could also work in private practice, offering advice to individuals, companies, and other groups. Although some work part-time or have flexible hours, most behavior specialists are full-time employees. Some may visit families or go to various treatment centers or schools. The task can be demanding since they need to be able to manage complex behavioral issues while maintaining a high level of impartiality. However, because they can assist people in overcoming challenging obstacles and improving their lives, most behavior specialists find their work extremely fulfilling.
Behavior Specialist Salary Scale
The salary range for behavior specialists ranges from $40,258 to $56,264, with the average income being $47,009 in the USA.
In the UK, the average income for a behavior specialist is £28,452 per year or £14.59 per hour. Most experienced professionals earn up to £46,519 yearly, while entry-level roles start at £24,198.
The average gross salary for behavior specialists in Canada is CA$56,301 yearly, or CA$27 an hour. At the entry-level, they earn around CA$40,780, while at the senior level, they earn an average of CA$69,189.
In Germany, the average gross pay for behavior specialists is €53,232 or €26 per hour. The average salary for an entry-level behavior specialist is €39,208, while for a senior-level behavior specialist is €64,931.
In Australia, a behavior specialist can expect to make AU$95,977 per year on average.
The average gross pay for behavior specialists in Ireland is €38,751, €19 per hour. Additionally, they receive a €581 bonus on average. The typical income of an entry-level behavior specialist is €28,076, while for a senior-level behavior specialist is €47,635.
Salary ranges can vary significantly based on various crucial aspects, including education, credentials, skills, and the length of time working in a given field.