Melissa Robertson 11/13/15

BEHAVIOR ANALYST

What is a Behavior Analyst and what do they do?

A behavior analyst is someone who monitors behaviors and helps to fix problematic behaviors.

They monitor progress within the individual and help to create and manage short term and long term goals.

Behavior analyst usually work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, and community centers.

Behavior analyst typically work with young children, mental health patients, children with autism, and developmental disabilities.

Important Skills

Attention to detail

Must be able to work quickly

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Experience writing functional behavioral assessments

Ability to form strong positive relationships with clients

Good problem solver

Ability to work in different settings

Good at negotiating

Able to work with various databases, word processing software, and other technology

Training and Education

Must have at least a Bachelor's degree but employers prefer a master's degree.

Degree must be in behavior analysis, natural science, education, or psychology.

Many states require board certification in order to be hired.

A minimum 1500 hour work experience in the field is required in order to be hired as a behavior analyst.

Hofstra university offers an 18 hour semester program that provides training and education. Usually takes one year to complete.

Once you have a masters degree and appropriate training you must pass the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certified Board) 150 question exam.

Working Conditions, Wages, & hours

~ Usually work in schools, psych hospitals, community centers, homes, and government agencies.

~Typically work 40 hour work week, however, may occasionally be called in for emergencies after hours.

~Behavior analyst usually earn a median salary of $53,000.

PROS

Potential high salary ($37,000 - $95,000)

Variety work settings

Make living while helping people with behavioral problems

opportunity to supervise associates

CONS

● Requires about 6 years post secondary education

● Job usually requires 2-5 years related work experience

● Employers usually prefer analyst with board certification

● Some jobs require you to be on call for 24 hours a day

Employment opportunities and Trends

Expected 11% opportunity growth between 2012- 2022 for clinical, counseling, And school psychologist.

ABA psychological services, P.C in New Hyde park NY, has a job opening for an applied behavior analyst.

Achieve Beyond in Melville is looking for an applied Behavior analyst.

There are many other job opportunities throughout Long Island and in New York City.

Related Jobs and Careers

Direct Social Worker- As a direct social worker you have to opportunity to help people with not only behavioral problems but other problems such as divorce, poverty, unemployment, and abuse. Social workers work within schools, homes, agencies, and community centers. The minimum degrees required is a bachelor's.

Behavior Disorder Counselor - Create programs that help public and clients avoid destructive behaviors, refer patients to support groups, and help patients find jobs. Factors such as state laws and work settings determine education level. Some settings require a high school diploma while private practices require a master's degree, clinical experience and a state license.

More Information and Sources

http://learningpath.org/articles/Becoming_a_Behavior_Analyst_Job_Description_Salary_info.html

Behavior Analysis Certified Board 8051 Shaffer ParkwayLittleton, CO, 801227 USA

bacb.com

http://study.com/articles/Behavior_Analyst_Job_Description_and_Education_Requirements.html

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Behavior_Analyst/Salary

Melissa Olive, Ph. D, BCBAP.O box 3957New Haven CT. 06525(203)(903)(9363)FAX (203)(513)(3352)missy@appliedbehaviorstratagies.com