What Does it Mean to be a Behavioral Technician?

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If you like working with kids, making an impact, and getting paid for it, a job as a Behavioral Technician could be for you!
Behavioral Technicians (BTs) use a science-based technique called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help people on the autism spectum develop essential life skills and work through behavioral issues. The support is provided in one-on-one encounters with the person with autism and other important people in their lives.
As a BT, you'll be helping people with autism in areas such as
- Communication
- Self-care
- Play
- Socialization
Who Does a BT Service?
Although most cases involve working with children on the Spectrum, a BT also assists teens and adults. These will be your "clients."

Where Do Behavioral Technicians Work?
The idea of ABA is to help implement behaviors not at a clinic or a therapist's office but in the client's usual settings. A BT works one-on-one with a client in a variety of settings: usually at the client's home (with parents there,) but it could also be at the park, or learning center, or school.
What Does a Behavioral Technician Do?
The signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affect each person differently. However, ASD generally affects how people communicate, socialize, maintain relationships, manage emotions, and react to difficult situations. Therefore, your work will usually involve helping clients in these areas. Don't worry, though; you won't be improvising. On the contrary, you'll follow treatment guidelines created by a supervisor. These supervisors are often Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA's), and their job is to provide specific treatment goals that will be practiced and developed during sessions.
Each goal comes with a treatment plan with specific instructions for teaching that skill. During the session, you would collect data to help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and guide future treatment plans.
How Can I Tell If My Work Is Making a Difference?
During the session, the BT will note down what the client gets right or wrong or if they need additional help mastering a skill. Then, over time, a graph of the client's learning and growth can be created, allowing you to visualize their progress.
How Will Being a BT Impact My Life?
Most BTs express a deep sense of satisfaction in helping their clients grow and learn. You'll be a vital part of another persons development, and your path will be filled with meaning and purpose.
If a career as a Behavioral Technician sounds like the right fit for you, browse our openings, and apply for a job today!
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