What's it like to work as a behavior technician?

I'm really curious about the role of a behavior technician. What skills do you need, and what's the job actually like day-to-day? I'm considering a career change after high school and want to know more about this field.

A behavior technician, sometimes known as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), works in a supportive role providing behavioral therapy, usually for children with autism or other behavioral conditions. It's important to note that behavior technicians typically work under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) or a similar role. This relatively new professional role has gained popularity noticeably within the last several years as the need for and understanding of behavioral therapy has grown.

A significant part of the daily job involves implementing treatment plans designed by a BCBA. These plans are highly personalized to each client and could include anything from teaching basic life skills like how to tie shoes or brush teeth, to addressing more complex behavioral issues.

The technicians often employ techniques and strategies like reinforcement, distraction, or redirection to help children change their behaviors. They also focus on social, motor, verbal, and reasoning skills development using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.

As for skills, you generally need to have strong active listening and social perception skills for understanding the needs and responses of clients and managing sensitive situations. Good communication and patience are also vital as behavior technicians regularly coordinate with other professionals and parents, and the progress with behavioral therapies can be slow and require consistent, repetitive reinforcement in daily interactions.

Typical daily duties may include teaching appropriate behaviors, reinforcing positive behaviors, recording the progress of a client, keeping parents informed of progress, and participating in professional team meetings to review and plan client programs.

You might be required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs of clients and their families. It can be both physically and emotionally challenging, as the work involves dealing directly with behavior that can be difficult to manage and change. But many behavior technicians find the job incredibly rewarding, particularly when you get to aid in the progress and development of your clients.

As for education, you usually don't need a higher degree to start work as a behavior technician, although employers typically require a high school diploma and you'll need to complete a 40-hour training and pass an exam to become certified as a Registered Behavior Technician. Some behavior technicians are college students studying psychology or a related field, while others opt to make it their full-time career.

Overall, the field of a Behavior Technician is a great option for those genuinely enthusiastic about making a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with behavioral issues.