BEHAVIORAL TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

When behavior intervention plans go unimplemented, or data goes uncollected, treatment decisions lose their empirical foundation. Behavioral Technicians work under the direct supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to deliver ABA-based services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and co-occurring behavioral health conditions. They carry out skill acquisition programs, document progress against clinical benchmarks, and manage milieu safety in both outpatient and residential settings. CPR and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification are standard entry requirements.

As the Behavioral Technician, you implement individualized behavior intervention plans and collect session data that BCBAs use to adjust treatment protocols and demonstrate clinical outcomes. You work within a multidisciplinary care team spanning BCBA supervisors, licensed clinicians, family members, and educational staff, supporting a caseload that spans assessment, active treatment, and discharge planning.

Career Impact: Completing RBT certification and accumulating supervised fieldwork hours in ABA positions puts you on the clearest credentialed path toward BCBA candidacy in one of behavioral health's fastest-growing specializations.

Business Impact: Accurate data collection and consistent plan fidelity are the mechanisms by which treatment programs meet insurance billing requirements and demonstrate clinical effectiveness to families and payers.

Growth Opportunity: Experience across ASD populations, IEP implementation, and inpatient milieu management builds a clinical profile that supports advancement into lead technician, program supervisor, or BCBA trainee roles.

• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans under BCBA direction to reduce problem behavior and build adaptive skills.
• Collect session and skill acquisition data accurately to support clinical decision-making and treatment plan revisions.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups and structured milieu activities according to the program schedule and treatment plan.
• Document patient progress, shift notes, and group notes in the medical record within required timeframes each shift.
• Support patients through admission, daily living routines, community outings, and discharge preparation.
• Coordinate with BCBAs, licensed clinicians, educational staff, and families during curriculum and treatment team meetings.
• Provide crisis intervention using approved protocols and immediately notify supervisory staff of any significant behavioral incidents.
• Maintain a safe, organized environment and adhere to confidentiality and BACB ethical guidelines throughout all interactions.

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, human services, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, or behavioral health populations, with demonstrated data collection skills.
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, or eligibility to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Current Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), SAMA, or equivalent certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to implement behavior analytic teaching strategies and model intervention techniques for families and trainees.
• Demonstrated documentation and computer proficiency sufficient to maintain compliant medical records.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record, as patient transport may be required.

• Prior experience in residential, inpatient, or school-based behavioral health settings supporting IEP implementation.
• Familiarity with Behavior Analyst Certification Board ethical guidelines and insurance billing documentation standards.
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain, where required by program setting.
• Experience facilitating psychoeducational or skills-based groups within a structured treatment milieu.

• Session data accuracy rate, reflecting completeness and reliability of ABA data collected per shift.
• Behavior plan fidelity score, measuring implementation consistency against BCBA-prescribed protocols.
• Documentation timeliness, tracking percentage of shift notes and group notes completed within required windows.
• Incident response rate, reflecting speed and protocol compliance when behavioral crises require intervention.
• CPR and CPI certification currency, ensuring uninterrupted eligibility for patient-facing clinical work.
• Typical tools: data collection platforms (commonly CentralReach or Catalyst); EHR systems (commonly Theralytics or similar behavioral health records platforms).

• Base Salary Range: $18 to $26 per hour, depending on RBT certification status and setting
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus uncommon; shift differentials for overnight or weekend rotations typical
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by organization size
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus paid holidays; accrual-based plans common
• Common Perks: Paid RBT certification training, clinical supervision hours toward BCBA candidacy, mileage reimbursement for patient transport

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including criminal history and, where applicable, drug screening, are a condition of employment for all positions involving direct patient care. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the performance of job duties. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Behavioral Technician delivers direct patient care and milieu safety under Program Manager direction, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and standards of care. Working alongside healthcare team members, this role shapes the treatment environment by monitoring client whereabouts, documenting shift notes, and supporting quality care outcomes across each shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver appropriate patient care as directed by a program manager.
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to plan and promote quality patient care.
• Monitor client whereabouts and document significant issues in daily shift notes.
• Notify Operations of any significant client issues by the end of the shift.
• Ensure safe patient care in adherence to policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Perform basic housekeeping duties during the course of each shift.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalency.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Current SAMA, CTI, or CPI certification.
• 1 year of work experience in chemical dependency or behavioral health, or Recovery Coach Certification within six months of hire.
• Experience as a Resident Aide, Direct Care Staff, or Mental Health Technician in behavioral health preferred.
• Valid Class C Texas driver's license with a clear driving record, required for patient transport.

Embedded within an ABA services team, the Behavioral Technician implements behavior intervention plans and ABA-based teaching strategies for assigned clients under BCBA, program supervisor, or teacher direction. Working closely with supervisors, co-workers, and clients, this role builds client independence through skill development and crisis intervention while maintaining accurate session documentation and confidentiality compliance.

Core Functions

• Follow instructions from the BCBA, program supervisor, or teacher.
• Provide behavior assistance, interventions, and support services to assigned clients.
• Perform ABA-related teaching strategies and implement behavior management techniques.
• Review and implement behavior intervention plans and behavioral goals found within IEPs.
• Assist students in developing independent skills through self-care activities such as toileting, clothing routines, and personal hygiene.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Collect data accurately and efficiently per session.
• Document sessions in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Adhere strictly to confidentiality requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Board or State Certification/Licensure as a Registered or Certified Behavior Technician, where applicable.
• Current CPR certification.
• Current PPD or Chest X-Ray, as applicable per state or client requirements.
• 2 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Strong communication skills to effectively exchange information with supervisors, co-workers, and clients.

Reporting to clinical leadership, the Behavioral Technician supports patients through admission, milieu management, and comprehensive treatment plan implementation within an inpatient mental health setting. Partnering with all members of the treatment team, this role leads psychoeducational groups, supervises community outings, and maintains thorough documentation to advance patient progress and a safe therapeutic environment.

Primary Duties

• Support patients through admission, including checking belongings and acclimating to the program and milieu.
• Complete admission-related tasks and medical record notes within 24 hours of admission.
• Assist patients with daily activities including waking routines, hygiene, meals, and free time.
• Provide milieu management and communicate with all team members throughout the treatment experience.
• Assist in implementing the comprehensive treatment plan within the milieu.
• Serve as a positive role model and conduct brief check-ins to support coping skill use.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups per the program schedule and supervise patients on community outings.
• Document patient progress, shift notes, group notes, and all required records by end of shift.
• Maintain an organized and safe environment and manage scheduling coverage and on-call rotations.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or 1 year of experience in mental health treatment.
• CPI certification required within 90 days of hire.
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification, required within 90 days of hire.
• ServSafe certification, required within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional rapport with patients and communicate effectively with families.
• Valid driver's license in good standing.