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Behavior interventionist vs treatment specialist

The differences between behavior interventionists and treatment specialists 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 treatment specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a treatment specialist has an average salary of $53,673, which is higher than the $38,908 average annual salary of a behavior interventionist.

The top three skills for a behavior interventionist include applied behavior analysis, autism and behavior analysis. The most important skills for a treatment specialist are social work, mental health, and rehabilitation.

Behavior interventionist vs treatment specialist overview

Behavior InterventionistTreatment Specialist
Yearly salary$38,908$53,673
Hourly rate$18.71$25.80
Growth rate14%-
Number of jobs70,11567,604
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age3944
Years of experience64

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 treatment specialist do?

The duties of a treatment specialist depend on their line of work or industry of employment. In the medical industry, a treatment specialist is primarily responsible for developing treatments according to the needs and conditions of a patient. They gather and analyze a patient's medical history and records, conduct extensive tests and examinations, coordinate with other medical experts, and discuss the extent of treatments to patients. Furthermore, a treatment specialist must maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Behavior interventionist vs treatment specialist salary

Behavior interventionists and treatment specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavior InterventionistTreatment Specialist
Average salary$38,908$53,673
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $34,000 And $82,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWashington, DC
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyCrescent City SchoolsDelaware State Government
Best paying industryEducationNon Profits

Differences between behavior interventionist and treatment specialist education

There are a few differences between a behavior interventionist and a treatment specialist in terms of educational background:

Behavior InterventionistTreatment Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Behavior interventionist vs treatment specialist demographics

Here are the differences between behavior interventionists' and treatment specialists' demographics:

Behavior InterventionistTreatment Specialist
Average age3944
Gender ratioMale, 27.5% Female, 72.5%Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage12%10%

Differences between behavior interventionist and treatment specialist 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.
  • Show more

Treatment specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
  • Med aid, CPR, and a certified.
  • Med train, CPR certify.
  • Provide administrative oversight to several projects, including a provider incentive program and the drafting of the Medicaid request for qualifications.
  • Work with students within the classroom and develop interventions to increase progress towards IEP goals.
  • Retain proper certifications for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, first aid, driver's license and insurance.

Behavior interventionist vs treatment specialist skills

Common behavior interventionist skills
  • Applied Behavior Analysis, 19%
  • Autism, 18%
  • Behavior Analysis, 9%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 8%
  • ABA, 7%
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder, 5%
Common treatment specialist skills
  • Social Work, 18%
  • Mental Health, 12%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Criminal Justice, 8%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Substance Abuse, 6%

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