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Behavior interventionist vs youth worker

The differences between behavior interventionists and youth workers 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 worker takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a behavior interventionist has an average salary of $38,908, which is higher than the $32,242 average annual salary of a youth worker.

The top three skills for a behavior interventionist include applied behavior analysis, autism and behavior analysis. The most important skills for a youth worker are direct supervision, CPR, and crisis intervention.

Behavior interventionist vs youth worker overview

Behavior InterventionistYouth Worker
Yearly salary$38,908$32,242
Hourly rate$18.71$15.50
Growth rate14%9%
Number of jobs70,11587,360
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
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 worker do?

Youth workers specialize in handling and providing support to young individuals with behavioral difficulties. They are primarily responsible for devising recreational projects, handling the budget, producing progress reports, managing intervention programs, and counseling troubled youth while keeping their information confidential. There may be instances where one must also search for opportunities and apply for funding or sponsorship. Furthermore, as a youth worker, it is vital to assess an individual's condition to determine their needs and ensure that they will receive the proper treatment.

Behavior interventionist vs youth worker salary

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

Behavior InterventionistYouth Worker
Average salary$38,908$32,242
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $25,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYFreehold, NJ
Highest paying stateAlaskaNew Jersey
Best paying companyCrescent City SchoolsSalt Lake County
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between behavior interventionist and youth worker education

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

Behavior InterventionistYouth Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 53%
Most common majorPsychologyCriminal Justice
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversitySUNY at Albany

Behavior interventionist vs youth worker demographics

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

Behavior InterventionistYouth Worker
Average age3942
Gender ratioMale, 27.5% Female, 72.5%Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4%
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 worker 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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Youth worker example responsibilities.

  • Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent compliance.
  • Certify in CPR, and basic first aid.
  • Demonstrate patience, compassion, and understanding while helping with homework.
  • Stay current with require safety certifications including CPR, first aid, and fire protection.
  • Conduct research, create newsletters and PowerPoint presentations.
  • Provide supervision and supportive rehabilitation for detain youths in a maximum security prison.
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Behavior interventionist vs youth worker 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 worker skills
  • Direct Supervision, 12%
  • CPR, 11%
  • Crisis Intervention, 10%
  • at-Risk Youth, 8%
  • Youth Development, 6%
  • Role Model, 5%

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