Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Behaviour Therapist

🎯 Role Definition

A Behaviour Therapist provides evidence-based assessment and intervention for individuals with challenging behaviours, developmental differences, or mental health needs. This role uses Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and other validated behavioural strategies to design and implement individualized behaviour intervention plans (BIPs), conduct functional behaviour assessments (FBAs), collect and analyse data, and train caregivers and multidisciplinary teams. The Behaviour Therapist delivers direct therapy, monitors progress against measurable goals, ensures ethical and accurate documentation, and collaborates with schools, families, and clinical supervisors to improve functional outcomes and quality of life.

Keywords: Behaviour Therapist, behaviour intervention, Applied Behaviour Analysis, ABA, functional behaviour assessment, autism support, caregiver training, behavioural data, behaviour management, behaviour therapist job description.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) or Behavioural Support Worker transitioning into a clinical role.
Support Worker or Teaching Assistant with experience supporting children with developmental differences.
Graduate with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or related field entering clinical services.

Advancement To:

Senior Behaviour Therapist / Clinical Lead
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) / Clinical Supervisor
Programme Manager or Service Manager for behavioural health services

Lateral Moves:

Special Education Coordinator or Inclusion Specialist
Autism Specialist or Early Intervention Therapist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive functional behaviour assessments (FBAs) using interviews, direct observation, data analysis, and standardized assessment tools to identify antecedents, functions, and patterns of challenging behaviour and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
Develop individualized, evidence-based behaviour intervention plans (BIPs) that include measurable goals, data-driven strategies, antecedent modifications, replacement behaviours, reinforcement systems, and crisis prevention measures tailored to each client’s needs.
Deliver one-to-one therapeutic sessions using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) methodologies (including discrete trial training, natural environment teaching, task analysis, and shaping) to teach adaptive skills, communication, social skills, daily living tasks, and reduce maladaptive behaviours.
Systematically collect and accurately record behavioural data (frequency, duration, intensity) during sessions and across settings, use visualisation tools and charts to analyse trends, and adjust interventions based on objective progress monitoring.
Provide caregiver and family training to ensure generalisation and maintenance of skills across home and community environments; model strategies, coach caregivers in-session, and create easy-to-follow home programmes and resources.
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams—teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, clinical supervisors, and physicians—to integrate behaviour plans with educational and clinical goals and ensure consistency of approaches across settings.
Supervise, mentor, and provide performance feedback to paraprofessionals (e.g., RBTs, behavioural technicians) including delegation of tasks, observation of session fidelity, corrective coaching, and support for professional development.
Conduct ongoing treatment reviews and case formulation meetings with families and clinical supervisors; update goals, revise intervention plans, and document outcomes in treatment summary reports and progress reviews.
Implement proactive positive behaviour support strategies and environmental modifications to prevent escalation, enhance engagement, and increase independence while reducing reliance on restrictive practices.
Deliver structured social skills groups and small-group interventions that target peer interaction, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and pragmatic language skills with clear session plans and measurable objectives.
Create and maintain high-quality clinical documentation including session notes, consent forms, progress reports, assessment summaries, and behaviour support documentation in accordance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.
Respond to and manage crisis situations using de-escalation techniques, safety planning, and team-based interventions while ensuring client and staff safety and documenting incidents in compliance with safeguarding standards.
Liaise with schools, local authorities, and external agencies to coordinate supports, attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) or multidisciplinary planning meetings, and advocate for reasonable adjustments and service continuity.
Adapt interventions and teaching methods to the client’s developmental level, cultural background, communication style, and sensory needs to maximise engagement and respect individual differences.
Use technology and electronic health record systems to schedule sessions, log session data, generate reports, and communicate securely with families and the clinical team while maintaining confidentiality and data protection.
Prepare comprehensive written assessment reports, behaviour support plans, and clinical recommendations that are accessible to non-clinical stakeholders and meet professional standards for clarity and evidence.
Facilitate transition planning for clients moving between services, classrooms, or home settings by preparing transition guides, coordinating training, and monitoring transfer of skills to new environments.
Participate in regular supervision and reflective practice with clinical leads to ensure fidelity to evidence-based models, maintain clinical competence, and address complex cases with appropriate oversight.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current research, evidence-based practices, and legislative requirements relevant to behaviour support and special education; integrate new learning into practice and share insights with colleagues.
Contribute to quality improvement activities, audits, and service evaluations by providing frontline feedback, participating in audits of intervention fidelity, and implementing recommended practice improvements.
Foster positive therapeutic relationships by building rapport, maintaining professional boundaries, demonstrating empathy, and communicating progress and challenges clearly and respectfully to families and stakeholders.
Support intake and assessment triage by reviewing referrals, conducting initial interviews, recommending appropriate levels of support, and setting realistic expectations for outcomes and timelines.
Promote inclusion and participation by identifying opportunities for clients to access community resources, recreational activities, vocational supports, and age-appropriate peer interactions.
Assist with programme development by creating therapy materials, visual supports, social stories, schedules, and task analyses that enhance learning and independence across environments.

Secondary Functions

Support service administration tasks including scheduling, billing documentation, invoicing for therapy sessions, and maintaining caseload records as required by the service.
Contribute to curriculum or programme design by piloting new interventions, developing training modules for staff, and creating resource libraries for families and educators.
Participate in outreach and community education efforts, delivering workshops or presentations to schools, parent groups, and community organisations to increase awareness of behaviour support strategies.
Assist with recruitment and onboarding of new behavioural staff, participating in interviews, training plans, and initial competency assessments.
Support data-driven programme evaluation by collating aggregate outcomes, preparing summary dashboards, and contributing to internal or external reports on service effectiveness.
Engage in process improvement initiatives by identifying operational bottlenecks, suggesting workflow optimisations, and trialling new approaches to increase efficiency and client access.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) techniques and protocols (discrete trial training, task analysis, natural environment teaching).
Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) and Behaviour Intervention Plan (BIP) development and implementation.
Systematic behavioural data collection, visualisation, trend analysis, and outcome measurement.
Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) / clinical documentation systems and secure communication tools.
Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, and comorbid mental health conditions.
Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, positive behaviour support and safety planning.
Design and delivery of caregiver training, parent coaching, and transfer-of-skill strategies.
Report writing for clinical, educational, and funding purposes—including clear recommendations and measurable goals.
Ability to design and run small-group interventions and social skills programmes with measurable outcomes.
Familiarity with legal, ethical, and safeguarding standards applicable to therapy, confidentiality, and consent.

Soft Skills

Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and analytical thinking for interpreting behavioural data.
Excellent verbal and written communication to explain complex clinical concepts to families, educators, and non-clinical stakeholders.
Empathy, patience, and cultural competence to build trusting relationships with diverse clients and families.
Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Problem-solving and adaptability to modify plans responsively based on client progress and environmental constraints.
Time management and organisational skills to manage caseloads, documentation deadlines, and multi-setting interventions.
Coaching and mentoring ability to support and upskill paraprofessional staff.
Professional boundaries, resilience, and reflective practice to manage emotionally demanding work.
Advocacy and negotiation skills when liaising with schools, agencies, and commissioners for client needs.
Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Special Education, Social Work, Nursing, or related field.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Clinical Psychology, Special Education, or related discipline.
Postgraduate certification in ABA or behaviour analysis (e.g., coursework towards BCBA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Psychology
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Special Education
Social Work
Speech & Language Therapy / Occupational Therapy (relevant clinical collaborations)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of direct experience delivering behaviour support, ideally with children or adults with autism or developmental disabilities.

Preferred:

2+ years of experience implementing ABA-based interventions, conducting FBAs, and supervising paraprofessionals.
Professional credentials such as Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) and/or Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) or progress toward BCBA certification.
Relevant training in safeguarding, first aid, positive behaviour support, and mandated reporting as required by local regulations.