Post job

Behavior interventionist vs youth advocate

The differences between behavior interventionists and youth advocates 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 youth advocate takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a behavior interventionist has an average salary of $38,908, which is higher than the $33,924 average annual salary of a youth advocate.

The top three skills for a behavior interventionist include applied behavior analysis, autism and behavior analysis. The most important skills for a youth advocate are mental health, social work, and foster care.

Behavior interventionist vs youth advocate overview

Behavior InterventionistYouth Advocate
Yearly salary$38,908$33,924
Hourly rate$18.71$16.31
Growth rate14%9%
Number of jobs70,11578,437
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age3942
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 youth advocate do?

Youth advocates are individuals who responsible for maintaining the human rights of youth while assisting them in developing their skills in all areas of life, such as education, health, employment, and relationships. These advocates are required to discuss youth development and involvement with various leaders in the community. They must provide crisis interventions by performing one-on-one and group meetings with young adults. Youth advocates must also work with mental health professionals within the community so that they can guide teenagers with drug or alcohol problems and mental health issues.

Behavior interventionist vs youth advocate salary

Behavior interventionists and youth advocates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavior InterventionistYouth Advocate
Average salary$38,908$33,924
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSyracuse, NY
Highest paying stateAlaskaNew Jersey
Best paying companyCrescent City SchoolsFirst Place for Youth
Best paying industryEducationAutomotive

Differences between behavior interventionist and youth advocate education

There are a few differences between a behavior interventionist and a youth advocate in terms of educational background:

Behavior InterventionistYouth Advocate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Behavior interventionist vs youth advocate demographics

Here are the differences between behavior interventionists' and youth advocates' demographics:

Behavior InterventionistYouth Advocate
Average age3942
Gender ratioMale, 27.5% Female, 72.5%Male, 38.6% Female, 61.4%
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, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage12%10%

Differences between behavior interventionist and youth advocate 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

Youth advocate example responsibilities.

  • Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent compliance.
  • Assist patients in securing medical coverage by screening refer patients and coordinating the application process through successful approval.
  • Retain proper certifications for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, first aid, driver's license and insurance.

Behavior interventionist vs youth advocate skills

Common behavior interventionist skills
  • Applied Behavior Analysis, 19%
  • Autism, 18%
  • Behavior Analysis, 9%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 8%
  • ABA, 7%
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder, 5%
Common youth advocate skills
  • Mental Health, 10%
  • Social Work, 9%
  • Foster Care, 8%
  • Community Resources, 7%
  • Youth Development, 7%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%

Browse community and social services jobs