Elements of a school-based behavior technician job description.

A behavior technician job description provides the competencies and job duties required to directly support people experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges, helping them succeed socially and academically.   

As a leading provider of school-based therapy solutions, Pediatric Therapeutic Services, a Kelly company, contracts behavior technicians, sometimes called behavior interventionists, for districts across the country.   

Essential responsibilities found in a school-based behavior technician job description: 

• Review & understand behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and skills programming 
• Provide individual and group intervention to students based on BIPs and goal guidance from BCBAs, LBSs, and other case managers 
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interventions  
• Deliver crisis intervention and support, as needed  
• Collaborate with teachers, case managers, and administrators to support students' holistic development   

Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, our goal is always to help students achieve success by understanding the root causes of concerning behaviors and developing individualized strategies to address them. 

Which students do behavior technicians support?

School-based behavior technicians support many types of students, especially those with mental health or behavioral needs that make it harder to manage daily routines. They work with students in both regular and special education settings. 

The behavior technician job description typically spells out how the role helps students adopt better ways to express their needs or emotions. As a result of the intervention, students can address unique needs related to the following: 

• Emotional disturbances, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or other behavioral needs  
• Behavioral regulation challenges, like withdrawal, defiance, outbursts, or aggression 
• Mental health conditions, such as depression, trauma-related responses, or anxiety 
• Difficulties with social skills, like communication, conflict resolution, or peer relationships 
  

Since emotional and behavioral challenges are possible at any age, behavioral health technicians may specialize in specific conditions or age groups. Autism spectrum disorders, early childhood interventions, and adolescent behavioral issues are some common focus areas. Specializing in a particular age group or diagnosis can help you to tailor approaches to offer the most effective support for each student. 

Behavior technician job duties: individual support. 

Individual support is one of the fundamental behavior technician job duties. When students struggle emotionally or behaviorally, behavior interventionists step in to understand what’s happening and how best to help. A behavior technician may help a student identify the cause and effect of their actions and teach replacement strategies.  

Behavior technicians play an essential role in providing direct observation & quantifiable data to the BCBA, LBS, or other case manager responsible for conducting FBAs and developing individualized intervention plans. This open communication & collaboration is key for ensuring the plans in place provide the most effective support to the students you serve.  

Working with the school community.  

Behavioral technicians in schools also provide support within entire classrooms or schools. In these broader roles, they help cultivate positive learning environments, promoting mental well-being on a universal level.  

Much of this work includes implementing initiatives to strengthen school culture, build awareness, and proactively address common behavioral and emotional challenges before they escalate. In these settings, behavioral therapists might do things like:  

• Participate in implementation of school-wide reinforcement systems. 
• Provide modeling and coaching to new staff in the classrooms. 
• Assist in addressing escalated behaviors throughout the building. 
• Partner with teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to identify changing needs for individual students. 

We're here to help you make a difference. 

At Pediatric Therapeutic Services, a Kelly Company, we're here to help you move your career forward. We hire behavior technicians, registered behavior technicians, behavior specialist consultants, BCBAs, school social workers, and LSW or LCSW for behavioral & mental health therapy.

If you’re interested in working with students in the behavioral health field within a school-based environment, we invite you to learn more about joining our team.