What does a behavioral specialist do?
Behavioral specialists play a key role in providing mental health care to people with behavioral disorders. Their job is to evaluate a patient’s needs and mental state, then develop a treatment plan based on that evaluation and work with other care providers to execute the treatment plan. They fit into multiple health care settings, including emergency mental health response teams and social work and behavioral health treatment centers, among others.
Behavioral specialist skills and qualifications
Successful candidates for any behavioral specialist careers will need to have the following skills and qualifications:
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Excellent communication
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High level of professionalism and bedside manner
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Organizational skills and attention to detail
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Ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations
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Rounded understanding of behavioral health conditions and treatments
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Ability to pass a background check and drug test
Behavioral specialist experience requirements
Work experience requirements for behavioral specialists may include a background in education or experience working with individuals with certain behavioral challenges. Experience working with children may be required for positions within schools or childcare settings, while a specialist with experience in the criminal justice system may be well-suited to a position working with incarcerated individuals.
Behavioral specialist education and training requirements
Necessary qualifications depend heavily on what type of behavioral specialist you’re posting a job to hire, but the right hire should have a four-year degree in behavioral health, social work, nursing or a related field. Many behavioral specialists have Master’s or doctorate degrees in these fields in addition. Candidates may obtain certifications from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) depending on their level of education. Graduate-level candidates applying to work with autistic individuals should have a Board Certified Autism Professional (BACP) certification from the Behavioral Intervention Certification Council.
Behavioral specialist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a behavioral specialist is $132,982 per year. Salary expectations may depend on the location of the job and the cost of living, the candidate’s experience and the company with which the candidate is applying.
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Behavioral specialist job description FAQs
What is the role of a behavioral specialist in schools?
In a school setting, a behavioral specialist’s role is to work one-on-one with students who have behavioral disorders or difficulties, teaching those students social skills and providing behavior support. The school behavioral specialist works closely with the student’s family and teachers to design a plan for the student’s continued academic and social success.
Do behavior specialists have different responsibilities in different industries?
Yes, multiple industries have a need for behavior specialists and those roles will differ between environments. While a school behavior specialist works with school-age children, a specialist in a health care environment (for example, an emergency mental health response team) may work with a variety of age groups from children to adults. Some behavior specialists are trained to respond to crisis situations on a regular basis, while others receive crisis training that they may only have to use a few times in their careers. Be sure to clearly state what the expectations and duties of the behavioral specialist in your workplace are when posting a job.
What qualities make a good behavioral specialist?
Patience, empathy and compassion are must-have qualities for a behavioral specialist. They are likely to encounter unpredictable behavior on a daily basis, so they must also have the ability to think on their feet and make good decisions under pressure. They should also have a strong ability to collaborate and work well with others while staying organized.
What is the difference between a behavioral specialist and a mental health technician?
A behavioral specialist is involved in the long-term treatment of an individual with a behavioral disorder, while a behavioral or mental health technician treats the individual in a health care setting. A technician may administer medication or help determine next steps, but they do not oversee a long-term treatment plan.
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