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Behavior interventionist vs social services assistant

The differences between behavior interventionists and social services assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a behavior interventionist, becoming a social services assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a behavior interventionist has an average salary of $38,908, which is higher than the $37,445 average annual salary of a social services assistant.

The top three skills for a behavior interventionist include applied behavior analysis, autism and behavior analysis. The most important skills for a social services assistant are social work, patients, and rehabilitation.

Behavior interventionist vs social services assistant overview

Behavior InterventionistSocial Services Assistant
Yearly salary$38,908$37,445
Hourly rate$18.71$18.00
Growth rate14%12%
Number of jobs70,115152,760
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age3943
Years of experience612

What does a behavior interventionist do?

A behavior interventionist, or sometimes called behavior intervention specialist (BIS), is an individual who provides support and training for students with behavioral challenges through behavior management techniques and coping skills. Behavior interventionists must assist in implementing Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) or Individual Education Programs (IEP) to students who have difficulties in learning and advancing with their class. They are required to travel between different schools to attend case review meetings and meet with teachers who need assistance for managing problems in their classrooms. Behavior interventionists also consult with both medical and psychological professionals to develop and implement BIPs.

What does a social services assistant do?

A social services assistant is responsible for supporting the social needs of citizens within society. Social services assistants work within the community office or health institutions to assist patients and their families in processing their needs and obtaining medical information. They also coordinate with other organizations to gather additional resources and financial assistance to plan community programs that will be beneficial for society. A social services assistant provides counseling to the families to identify the services and referrals they needed.

Behavior interventionist vs social services assistant salary

Behavior interventionists and social services assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavior InterventionistSocial Services Assistant
Average salary$38,908$37,445
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $29,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYTacoma, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaWashington
Best paying companyCrescent City SchoolsResearch Foundation of The City University of New York
Best paying industryEducationGovernment

Differences between behavior interventionist and social services assistant education

There are a few differences between a behavior interventionist and a social services assistant in terms of educational background:

Behavior InterventionistSocial Services Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorPsychologySocial Work
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversitySUNY at Binghamton

Behavior interventionist vs social services assistant demographics

Here are the differences between behavior interventionists' and social services assistants' demographics:

Behavior InterventionistSocial Services Assistant
Average age3943
Gender ratioMale, 27.5% Female, 72.5%Male, 17.0% Female, 83.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 6.7% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%
LGBT Percentage12%11%

Differences between behavior interventionist and social services assistant duties and responsibilities

Behavior interventionist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and target behaviors using the ESDM, ABA, PRT and SCERTS model.
  • Complete all require documentations including collecting data, graphing, IEP, and quarterly notes.
  • Focus on improving behavior and communication in children with autism and developmental disabilities by providing in home behavioral services.
  • Implement behavior programs design as directed for children with autism spectrum disorders, and children with other developmental disabilities.
  • Report infractions to the district as information to better understand the needs of at-risk kids.
  • Implement behavioral therapy programs design specifically for a client's needs under the supervision of a BCBA.
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Social services assistant example responsibilities.

  • Initial triage of members, administrative intake of members and managing the admission/discharge information post-notification.
  • Assist individuals and families in need with applications for food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, cash assistance and housing.
  • Develop, organize and conduct programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships and rehabilitation.
  • Verify Medicare coverage/ benefits/ obtain prior authorization.
  • Process specialize Medicaid applications receive from government agencies and social service organizations which require urgent processing.
  • Establish, maintain and generate military and community contacts structure to address various services available to respective patients.
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Behavior interventionist vs social services assistant skills

Common behavior interventionist skills
  • Applied Behavior Analysis, 19%
  • Autism, 18%
  • Behavior Analysis, 9%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 8%
  • ABA, 7%
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder, 5%
Common social services assistant skills
  • Social Work, 17%
  • Patients, 15%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Discharge Planning, 6%
  • Term Care, 6%
  • Community Resources, 3%

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