Pursuing a career as a school behavior specialist is not just rewarding—it’s crucial in fostering supportive environments in schools across the country. The career is deeply impactful, as it helps students navigate difficulties, build self-regulation skills, and enhance their overall well-being.
This career is essential in today’s schools, especially as more and more students of diverse needs require tailored interventions. In this report on the State of School Behavior Specialist Careers from ProCare Therapy, learn everything you need to know about the current job outlook, demand, and key aspects of the important role today.
What is a School Behavior Specialist?
School behavior specialists work with students, teachers, and families to address and improve students’ behavioral issues in the school setting. They often work with students who have behavioral disorders, autism, ADHD, or other special needs, and they aim to improve classroom behavior, reduce disruptions, and foster a positive learning environment for all students.
Types of Behavior Specialists
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst): A BCBA is a professional with advanced certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA). BCBAs develop behavior intervention plans, supervise ABA services, and work with students to address behavioral challenges.
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analyst): An ABA is a trained professional in applied behavior analysis who uses ABA techniques to promote positive behaviors and reduce negative ones. ABAs often work with children on the autism spectrum or those with developmental disorders.
- RBT (Registered Behavior Technician): An RBT is a paraprofessional certified in applied behavior analysis who works under the supervision of a BCBA or an ABA therapist. RBTs provide direct one-on-one interventions and implement the BCBA’s behavior plans.
Responsibilities of School Behavior Specialists
The primary goal of all school behavior specialists is to help students with behavior challenges develop the necessary skills to thrive academically and socially. Some job responsibilities might include:
- Assess and identify behavioral challenges in students.
- Develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIP).
- Collaborate with teachers to provide classroom support and strategies for managing student behavior.
- Conduct one-on-one or group sessions to teach students social and emotional regulation skills.
- Work with parents to support behavior improvement strategies at home.
- Support the creation of inclusive classroom environments that accommodate students with behavioral needs.
Job Outlook for School Behavior Specialists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of behavior specialists is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, about 48,900 openings for these roles are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
According to data from the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), the top 10 states with the highest projected increase in behavior specialist job openings from 2022 to 2032 include:
- Utah (56.1%)
- Arizona (39.1%)
- New Mexico (34.3%)
- Idaho (33.7%)
- Tennessee (32.5%)
- Iowa (31%)
- Montana (29.6%)
- Florida (29%)
- Colorado (27.9%)
- Oregon (27.4%)
Demand for School Behavior Specialists
The demand for behavior specialists in schools has grown rapidly in recent years. The pandemic played a major role in this demand, as it had a lasting impact on student behavior and mental health. With schools seeing higher rates of anxiety, stress, and behavioral issues in students returning to in-person learning, more specialists are needed to help students readjust and address the pandemic’s impact emotional and social impact on young children.
Similarly, the recent increase in the number of students diagnosed with conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and depression has required more schools to seek behavior specialists who are trained in tailored behavioral interventions.
Explore Careers as a School Behavior Specialist
Helping students overcome their challenges is immensely fulfilling. Behavior specialists serve as advocates for students, providing the support children need to become resilient, confident learners who can thrive both in school and beyond the classroom.
As a trusted provider of educational staffing, ProCare Therapy connects professionals like you with schools in need of behavior specialists. We invite you to browse ProCare’s current openings for behavior specialists today and discover how you can make a difference in schools that need you most!