A Behavior Technician is a professional who plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with behavioral challenges and developmental disorders. They work closely with clients, families, and a team of professionals to implement behavior intervention plans and promote positive change. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities of a Behavior Technician, as well as the most in-demand hard and soft skills that contribute to their success in the field.

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Main Responsibilities of a Behavior Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Behavior Technician:

Accompany

Accompany patients on outside medical appointments to ensure their safety as directed by the RN.

Acquire

Acquire and maintain technical knowledge by attending and completing required trainings.

Adapt

Adapt intervention strategies to accommodate individual learning styles.

Address

• Address challenging behaviors with supervision from a supervisor.

• Address clients challenging behaviors.

Adhere to

Adhere to all company policies and procedures.

Assist in

• Assist assigned participant with toileting and personal hygiene as needed.

• Assist Clinical Team as needed in other behavioral support assignments and projects.

• Assist in daily cleaning protocols when working at the center.

• Assist in providing a safe environment for all patients and staff.

• Assist in the collection of behavioral data to support children's success.

• Assist in unit based Quality Assessment activities.

• Assist the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

• Assist with assessments, program materials, or other responsibilities as needed.

• Assist with data collection and clinical reporting of child learning progress.

• Assist with problem solving to improve efficiency and morale within the clinic.

• Assist with skill acquisition in areas such as academics, self-help, and daily living.

Attend

• Attend all ABA sessions as scheduled.

• Attend all training as directed by supervisor (this may include webinars or video training).

• Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops to acquire further knowledge.

• Attend professional development workshops and training sessions to enhance skills.

• Attend regular supervisory meetings with a BCBA.

• Attend required supervisions and meetings.

• Attend team meetings, and staff meetings as scheduled.

• Attend weekly meetings and training as requested.

Build

Build a rapport with the child.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with clinical and support teams to enhance client progress.

• Collaborate with colleagues to exchange ideas and share best practices.

• Collaborate with families and caregivers to generalize skills to various settings.

• Collaborate with families and team for continuity of care.

• Collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists, to address client needs holistically.

Collect

• Collect accurate and reliable data.

• Collect accurate data on a daily basis.

• Collect accurate ongoing data on client's programs.

• Collect all necessary session documentation, per company policies.

• Collect behavioral data to support children's success and bring the data to weekly team meetings.

• Collect behavior and skill acquisition data during sessions.

• Collect daily electronic data.

• Collect data and document sessions.

• Collect data and all records accurately following Boundless procedures.

Communicate

• Communicate effectively in both written and oral formats and enjoy being part of a team.

• Communicate in a professional manner with individuals, team members, and parents.

• Communicate with parents, teachers and BCBAs about client progress and concerns.

Complete

• Complete all administrative and billing responsibilities by due dates.

• Complete all data sheets, programming sheets, and progress notes daily.

• Complete all programing requests from BCBAs and Program Coordinators in a timely manner.

• Complete any documentation needed for the individual when assigned by supervisors.

• Complete daily acquisition skills, maintenance, and mastered skills as directed by BCBA.

• Complete data collection as directed.

• Complete initial contact to referred families.

• Complete progress notes and other daily paperwork.

• Complete required trainings as assigned.

Conduct

• Conduct assessments and collect data on client behavior.

• Conduct discrete trials, implement behavior support, and treatment plans.

• Conduct therapeutic services within the home or community.

Continue to

Continue to improve your professional performance through the feedback of your BCBA.

Demonstrate

• Demonstrate empathy and patience when working with individuals with special needs.

• Demonstrate problem-solving skills to address challenging behaviors effectively.

Develop

• Develop and implement activities that support student treatment goals.

• Develop a positive working relationship with assigned participant and family / caregiver.

• Develop new skills and prepare yourself for new opportunities in ABA.

Display

Display flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic therapy environment.

Engage

Engage in and ensure client safety.

Ensure

Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all individuals.

Enter

Enter all program data on a daily basis.

Execute

Execute ABA therapy programs as prescribed by the patient's treatment plan.

Facilitate

• Facilitate social skill 'play dates.

• Facilitate teaching of communication, self-help, social-skills, and other targeted treatment goals.

Follow

• Follow behavior plan, individualized treatment plan, and reinforcement schedule as prescribed.

• Follow Butterfly Effects on Social Media.

• Follow ethical guidelines and professional standards in all interactions.

• Follow individual behavior intervention plans.

• Follow reinforcement schedule and use reinforcement appropriately.

• Follow skill acquisition programs.

• Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Foster

Foster a positive and trusting relationship with clients and their families.

Identify

Identify concerns with program goals and interventions and communicates this to supervisors.

Impact

Impact the day to day development of clients and celebrate their successes.

Implement

• Implement ABA treatment programs as written by the Clinical Supervisor.

• Implement appropriate behavior management strategies and techniques.

• Implement appropriate teaching strategies and behavior modification approaches.

• Implement appropriate teaching strategies as prescribed by the patient's treatment plan.

• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).

• Implement behavior intervention plans developed by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

• Implement crisis interventions as needed to maintain safety.

• Implement crisis intervention strategies, if necessary, to ensure safety.

• Implement individualized instructional programs based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.

• Implement strategies for student independence.

• Implement strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and promote self-regulation.

• Implement the programs created by your supervisor.

• Implement treatment goals under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst.

• Implement written behavior plans to decrease mild to severe aggression.

Integrate

Integrate support services activities into the program's curriculum and the school day.

Involve

Involve individuals to whatever capacity possible in community events and activities.

Keep

Keep the children motivated to learn.

Learn

Learn how to positively change the behavior of individuals with Autism!.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of client progress and behavior data.

• Maintain and submit weekly progress notes and required paperwork.

• Maintain a singular focus on your client making progress as defined by their treatment program.

• Maintain cleanliness of center and ensure it looks presentable at all times.

• Maintain clear lines of communication and professional boundaries.

• Maintain client confidentiality.

• Maintain communication with PM's and PD's as required.

• Maintain complete and accurate participant program files using our database.

• Maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA guidelines.

• Maintain confidentiality of all clients and professional conduct at all times.

• Maintain organization of patient binder and ensure proper storage of binder at the end of each day.

• Maintain professional conduct with parents and staff.

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all client interactions.

• Maintain professionalism with all staff and children during challenging situations.

Make

• Make a difference for families adjusting to life on the Autism spectrum.

• Make a difference with us at Patterns Behavioral Services, Inc!.

Manage

• Manage behaviors, including physical and self-injurious behaviors.

• Manage conflict resolution effectively.

• Manage problem behaviors and follow behavior intervention plans developed by supervisors.

Meet

Meet our requirements but don't have the required training.

Mentor

Mentor new team members as they launch their applied behavior analysis (ABA) careers.

Modify

Modify intervention strategies based on client needs and progress.

Monitor

• Monitor and report any changes or concerns regarding client behavior or well-being.

• Monitor client performance and record relevant data to assess progress.

• Monitor individual's health and reports any concerns to nursing staff and / or supervisor.

Observe

• Observe and collect data on the child's behavior.

• Observe confidentiality and safeguard all patient-related information.

Organize

Organize and maintain residential and instructional area / materials.

Participate in

• Participate in children family team (CFT) conferences.

• Participate in field supervision with the Clinical Supervisor.

• Participate in ongoing assessment and evaluation of the family's goals.

• Participate in on-going training in order to further develop skills and working knowledge.

• Participate in reflective supervision.

• Participate in team meetings and provide input on client progress and treatment plans.

Performance

Performance Incentive Program with choice of rewards, such as a variety of e-gift cards and bonuses!.

Perform

• Perform duties within home including, but not limited to cooking.

• Perform first aid and other procedures as trained and designated.

Practice

• Practice active listening to understand client needs and concerns.

• Practice patient confidentiality and respect for patient rights utilizing HIPAA standards.

Prepare

Prepare and keeps reinforcement and needed program materials organized and accessible.

Promote

Promote a safe and supportive environment for clients.

Provide

• Provide adequate feedback regarding progress to supervisor.

• Provide a direct implementation of programs and strategies in a one on one or group setting.

• Provide behavioral interventions and physical interventions as needed.

• Provide behavioral therapy with individuals in their home, school, and / or community.

• Provide direct Applied Behavior Analysis services to clients in a pediatric clinic setting.

• Provide direct support services, repositioning and daily care support.

• Provide family advocacy as needed.

• Provide feedback and progress reports to the BCBA and other team members.

• Provide hands-on, direct care while following the principles of ABA.

• Provide mobility monitoring and / or training, as needed.

• Provide necessary resource and support system development.

• Provide one-on-one support and assistance to individuals during therapy sessions.

• Provide positive interaction with patient in a calm environment.

• Provide regular written and verbal progress on treatment goals.

• Provide safe environment for patient.

• Provide treatment in center, home, and school settings as needed.

Purchase

Purchase program with discounts to rentals, moving services, excel, and more!.

Receive

• Receive and work towards goals developed by supervisors.

• Receive supervision from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) / clinical supervisors.

• Receive support and supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

• Receive Support, Mentorship, and Training to advance your career.

• Receive Support, Mentorship, Training, Growth, and Career Advancement.

Remain

Remain alert and within arms reach of the patient.

Report

• Report observations of changes in the patient's condition or behavior to professional staff.

• Report unusual incidents and communicates unusual medical situations as required.

• Report updates and progress to the supervisor on the case.

Review

Review and implement IEP or treatment plan.

Seek

Seek, receives, and applies feedback appropriately and professionally.

Show

Show a commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in applied behavior analysis.

Submit

Submit behavioral intervention forms to LEAs (MCPS, DCPS, charter schools, etc.).

Supervise

Supervise students in classes, in the home, and / or in the community.

Support

• Support children in the classroom who may be in crisis.

• Support the TNP teaching and clinical staff in the classroom.

Take

• Take data and write session notes for each session.

• Take on meaningful cases in a variety of settings.

Teach

• Teach and reinforce appropriate social and communication skills.

• Teach child the specific behavior skills called for in the treatment plan.

• Teach, learn and play with our clients to help them reach their highest potential.

Track

Track client progress and program data.

Transport

• Transport individuals as needed.

• Transport patients to and from different areas according to patient schedules.

Understand

Understand and adheres to Company Policy and Procedures.

Uphold

• Uphold company policies whether present in school classrooms and / or in-home.

• Uphold the company mission and core values.

Use

• Use a company-provided tablet to collect data on programs and ensure clinical quality.

• Use effective communication techniques to convey instructions and expectations clearly.

• Use professional language when describing the individuals and / or behaviors.

• Use visual aids and assistive technology to support learning and communication.

Utilize

• Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors.

• Utilize written documentation to record patient behavior information on an hourly basis.

Work

• Work as part of a collaborative team towards changing the lives of kids and their families.

• Work cooperatively with other professionals.

• Work in the clinical (office) setting, in schools, the community and in client homes.

• Work one-on-one with kids with special needs / developmental disabilities.

• Work with case manager in case management and coordination of services.

• Work with child and family on the goals set forth in the behavior plan.

• Work with the lead teacher in the development and preparation of materials needed for classroom use.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Behavior Technician:

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and techniques.

2. Behavior assessment and data collection methods.

3. Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) and naturalistic teaching strategies.

4. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) procedures.

5. Behavior intervention plan implementation and modification.

6. Verbal Behavior (VB) techniques for communication development.

7. Task analysis and prompting strategies.

8. Reinforcement and motivation techniques.

9. Data analysis and graphing skills.

10. Crisis prevention and intervention strategies.

11. Familiarity with assistive technology and visual supports.

12. Knowledge of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.

13. Understanding of ethical guidelines and professional standards.

14. Proficiency in using computer software for data tracking and documentation.

15. Basic understanding of neuroscience and behavior principles.

16. Ability to interpret and apply research literature in the field.

17. Collaborative team approach and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.

18. Knowledge of instructional strategies for skill acquisition.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Behavior Technician:

1. Empathy: Demonstrating empathy and understanding towards individuals with behavioral challenges.

2. Patience: Maintaining patience during challenging situations and allowing individuals to progress at their own pace.

3. Communication: Effectively communicating with clients, families, and team members to ensure clear and concise information exchange.

4. Collaboration: Working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support and interventions.

5. Flexibility: Adapting to changes in client needs, therapy plans, and environments to ensure optimal outcomes.

6. Problem-solving: Employing problem-solving skills to address behavioral obstacles and find effective solutions.

7. Active Listening: Actively listening to clients and their families to understand their concerns and needs.

8. Adaptability: Being open to new techniques and approaches, and adjusting strategies based on individual progress.

9. Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor, ethics, and boundaries in all client interactions.

10. Continuous Learning: Engaging in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of current research and best practices in the field.

Conclusion

Behavior Technicians play a vital role in supporting individuals with behavioral challenges and developmental disorders. Their primary responsibilities revolve around implementing behavior intervention plans, teaching essential skills, collecting data, and collaborating with clients, families, and professionals. In addition to technical skills in applied behavior analysis and intervention techniques, Behavior Technicians also require soft skills such as empathy, patience, and effective communication.