Behavior Professional
Job level: Advanced
Sarah Ramirez, Independent Behavior Professional Consultant, Creative Solutions Consulting LLC, Salem, OR“This job requires an ability to see things as they are, objectively, without passing judgement or being biased. Eighty-five percent of this job is proactive and preventative, which means adjusting my behavior to meet the needs of those I support to minimize or eliminate their need to engage in challenging behavior to get their needs met. This job requires a significant understanding of why people behave the way they do and a belief that people will do well when they have the tools to do so.”
You may be a Behavior Support Professional if you…
- Enjoy interacting with people and helping others connect to information and resources they need
- Have experience with Trauma-Based Supports
- Can teach new skills and concepts with empathy and understanding
- Can handle a good challenge with quality, at times creative, problem solving
- Embrace collaboration and commitment to your team and clients you serve.
As a Behavior Support Professional...
As a Behavioral Professional, you'll be responsible for implementing and tracking plans and systems that help support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may present with challenging behaviors.
You will create a Positive Behavior Support plan that will provide tools to individuals to assist them to successfully engage in areas ranging from health and safety, desired lifestyles, creating independence, enhancing productivity, and improving social and physical comfort and confidence. You will develop supports in a person's environment to promote positive interactions with caregivers, other team members and the community at large.
Additional services provided by the Behavior Support Professional can include a behavioral assessment, coaching of the client's caregivers on the behavior support plan, and follow-up monitoring and reassessment to assure that the plan is and remains effective.
Average Wage Range
$35,000-$55,000 annual salary
To become a Behavior Support Professional
You must have one of the following:
- BCBA certification
- A Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, human services, education, social work or the equivalent
- A Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, human services, education, social work or the equivalent
- A minimum of six years of experience performing professional behavior services using positive behavior support services prior to January 1, 2021.
As you move forward as a Behavior Support Professional, you will complete at least 12 hours of continuing education.