As a behavior specialist, you are the primary resource for students with emotional or behavioral issues. In addition to supporting these students directly, you also ensure that the classroom is a safe environment for the entire classroom. You play a critical role for your students and your focus should be on that and you can be sure that Blazer Jobs will be focusing on putting you in the right position to find jobs that fit your qualifications and interests.
If you’re a behavioral specialist looking for school based travel jobs, Blazer Jobs can help you find many exciting opportunities across the country.
Behavior Specialist Responsibilities
Behavioral specialists in schools evaluate and develop treatment plans for students who may be a danger to themselves or who need help adjusting and coping after experiencing significant trauma. They can also help students with learning disabilities and behavioral problems develop strategies to succeed in the classroom. A behavioral specialist has many responsibilities, though they vary depending on the student population. Some general responsibilities in the behavior specialist job description include:
- Providing support for students to grow and develop appropriately for their grade level
- Working with an interdisciplinary team to create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student
- Helping students develop communication, socialization, and self-help skills
- Providing intensive behavioral analysis for autistic students and their families
- Maintaining appropriate records following state laws and professional standards
- Providing progress records and adjusting IEPs as needed
BCBA Job Description
A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or BCBA works one-on-one with students to develop strategies and ensure that they are implemented correctly, though they are not always the ones working with the student directly. This role takes more of a supervisory position, ensuring that other members of the team are following the plan that is put in place. They oversee all treatment and take on a leadership role in the department.
ABA Job Description
An Applied or Assistant Behavioral Analyst or ABA focuses on improving specific behaviors, like reading, academics, communication, or social skills. They work with children who have a range of psychological issues, including autism. For best results, ABA therapists need to do intense treatment programs with continuous evaluation and heavy monitoring, so they spend a lot of time working directly with students.
RBT Job Description
A Registered Behavioral Technician or RBT is a technician who works as a part of the behavioral team. They are responsible for the practical and hands-on work needed to help students meet their behavioral goals, implementing the plan developed by the BCBA. RBTs handle a lot of direct contact with students. Although they are not responsible for creating treatment plans and work under the supervision of certified analysts, RBTs are an essential part of the team and instrumental in helping students progress.
Behavior Specialist Requirements
Each of the roles outlined above has different educational and certification requirements.
BCBAs must complete a graduate program in psychology that covers topics like ethics, child development, behavioral assessment, and applied behavioral analysis. Most programs have a field experience component where you get experience working under a licensed professional, and you must complete a certain number of field hours to be eligible to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. This certification is highly recommended as it is likely to make it easier to work as a licensed professional across state lines.
To work as an ABA, you must complete a bachelor’s program focusing on behavioral analysis. This degree also has a fieldwork component where you work with a licensed professional in a real-life setting to get experience working one-on-one with students. After completing your degree, you must sit for the BACB exam to get certified. Some states regulate this role and require a license, but many states do not. Having a certification from the BACB will help you when looking for school based travel jobs.
RBTs must meet several requirements. To be an RBT, you must be 18 years old, pass a background check, have a high school diploma, and complete a 40-hour training course before applying for RBT certification.
We have jobs in schools nationwide for professionals with your unique skillset. Check out our BCBA, ABA, and RBT jobs and apply today!