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Behavioral specialist vs habilitation specialist

The differences between behavioral specialists and habilitation 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 behavioral specialist, becoming a habilitation specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a behavioral specialist has an average salary of $42,029, which is higher than the $34,597 average annual salary of a habilitation specialist.

The top three skills for a behavioral specialist include mental health, autism and applied behavior analysis. The most important skills for a habilitation specialist are developmental disabilities, CPR, and behavioral issues.

Behavioral specialist vs habilitation specialist overview

Behavioral SpecialistHabilitation Specialist
Yearly salary$42,029$34,597
Hourly rate$20.21$16.63
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs74,96882,124
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age3943
Years of experience612

Behavioral specialist vs habilitation specialist salary

Behavioral specialists and habilitation specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavioral SpecialistHabilitation Specialist
Average salary$42,029$34,597
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $61,000Between $27,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityAnchorage, AKSpokane, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companyBarbarianNew York State Restaurant Association
Best paying industryProfessionalNon Profits

Differences between behavioral specialist and habilitation specialist education

There are a few differences between a behavioral specialist and a habilitation specialist in terms of educational background:

Behavioral SpecialistHabilitation Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Behavioral specialist vs habilitation specialist demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral specialists' and habilitation specialists' demographics:

Behavioral SpecialistHabilitation Specialist
Average age3943
Gender ratioMale, 33.3% Female, 66.7%Male, 28.2% Female, 71.8%
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, 11.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%
LGBT Percentage12%11%

Differences between behavioral specialist and habilitation specialist duties and responsibilities

Behavioral specialist example responsibilities.

  • Observe patients and strategically prepare and manage clinical analysis of individuals and their progress in conjunction with formulate behavior goals.
  • Implement a CPR training program for 20 staff serving 50 clients with mental illness.
  • Guide student achievement according to district's math content standards, utilizing identify needs information.
  • Assist children with autism or other developmental disabilities with activities and therapeutic socialization to improve social skills and academic performance.
  • Attend ETR meetings and provide input on students.
  • Sanitize toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
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Habilitation specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide client with care, assist with performing ADL's, hygiene, medication, meal preparation, cleaning, transport.
  • Assist patients with medication management, monitor blood sugars and accompany client to medical appointments.
  • Provide direct supervision, observation, security and rehabilitation of delinquent adolescent females from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Complete training in first aid and CPR.
  • Assist the ISP team in creating new outcomes for consumer training/ISP.
  • Construct and maintain budget following NYS guidelines including purchase orders, funds distribution, and financial records.
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Behavioral specialist vs habilitation specialist skills

Common behavioral specialist skills
  • Mental Health, 10%
  • Autism, 10%
  • Applied Behavior Analysis, 7%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Social Work, 6%
Common habilitation specialist skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 18%
  • CPR, 9%
  • Behavioral Issues, 8%
  • Intellectual Disabilities, 7%
  • Community Integration, 6%
  • OPWDD, 5%

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