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Job outlook for behavioral specialists in the United States
Behavioral specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected behavioral specialist job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for behavioral specialists are projected over the next decade.
Behavioral specialist salaries have increased 10% for behavioral specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 19,756 behavioral specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 74,968 active behavioral specialist job openings in the US.
The average behavioral specialist salary is $42,029.
Are behavioral specialist jobs in demand?
Behavioral specialist job and salary trends over time
Behavioral specialist jobs over time
Behavioral specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19,756 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 19,613 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 19,612 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 18,698 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 17,533 | 0.01% |
Average behavioral specialist salary over time
Behavioral specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,029 | $20.21 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $40,755 | $19.59 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $39,781 | $19.13 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $38,808 | $18.66 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $38,065 | $18.30 | +2.7% |
Behavioral specialist jobs by state
Most common states for behavioral specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,073 | 30% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 160 | 23% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 299 | 22% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 165 | 22% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,078 | 18% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 330 | 17% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 182 | 17% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 502 | 16% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 165 | 16% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 100 | 16% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,893 | 15% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,078 | 15% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 140 | 15% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 111 | 15% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 803 | 14% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 193 | 14% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 126 | 14% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 83 | 14% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 730 | 13% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 557 | 13% |
Most common cities for behavioral specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winter Park | 2 | 7% | $35,949 |
| 2 | Alameda | 3 | 4% | $50,324 |
| 3 | Appleton | 3 | 4% | $39,501 |
| 4 | Santa Clara | 3 | 2% | $50,035 |
| 5 | Apopka | 1 | 2% | $35,979 |
| 6 | Billerica | 1 | 2% | $41,962 |
| 7 | Bowie | 1 | 2% | $51,158 |
| 8 | Bethlehem | 1 | 1% | $48,341 |
| 9 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0% | $48,827 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $37,998 |
| 11 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $43,822 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $51,104 |
Behavioral Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of behavioral specialist experts
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Tiffin University
Morningside College
Loyola University Chicago
University of the Incarnate Word
Montana State University
Bethel University
Kent State University
Maryville University
University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
East Tennessee State University
University of Oregon
Miami Dade College
Thresholds
California State University - Fresno
The University of Findlay
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
What will help Behavioral Specialists increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Behavioral Specialists?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Counseling & Criminal JusticeTiffin University
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Specialists?
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.: The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and needs all across the world. People need social interaction for well-being. The pandemic has contributed to increases in mental health and addictive disorders. Knowledge, training, treatment for psychological well-being has become even more critical as a personal and professional required skill across all fields.
Being able to understand and adapt to the limits of distance work will also be a lasting impact.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Behavioral Specialists?
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.: Clinical practice license/certifications are often critical for marketability and employment. At Tiffin University we provide a training track for Psychology students to get a Chemical Dependency License to practice with an undergraduate degree. There is a nationwide shortage for licensed addiction specialists. The demand for licensed counselors in this area has increased greater than the supply.
These students are very often among the first of our graduates to get hired. Opportunities are only increasing as the The American Rescue Plan Act will provide $4 billion for substance use disorder and mental health services.
We also provide close advising and assist students to attend graduate school to obtain additional clinical licenses in the fields of psychology, counseling and social work.
What will help Behavioral Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.: Mixing unusual majors and minors-to stand out in the crowd often can help student marketability. For example I recently have been working with a psychology student to establish a business minor. This can prepare the student work in human resource management as well as the human service field.
Obtaining an advanced graduate degree often helps.
Stacie Hays
Associate Vice President of Career Services & Professional DevelopmentMorningside College
Career Services Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Stacie Hays: I think one of the biggest trends we will see is an increase and continuation for remote work or work from home opportunities. Specifically, I think the pandemic has allowed employers to really see and understand that you don't need someone in the office to succeed with work tasks. I think this will cause employers to increase their searches for the right candidate, not only the local candidate, or one that is willing to relocate. This opens up opportunities in a way that perhaps we have not seen before.
What skills stand out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Stacie Hays: Definitely being adaptable or flexible is going to continue to be one of the most desired skills that employers will be looking for. In our current professional environment, it is so important to be nimble and able to change focus quickly to capitalize on opportunities. I also believe the ability to prove to employers that one can self-initiate on tasks will be paramount. Employers in general are looking for more evidence that links employees to specific experiences that illustrate their skills and abilities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Behavioral Specialists to find work opportunities?
Stacie Hays: I'm a huge proponent of utilizing labor market research in searching for jobs. One site I'm particularly fond of is Careeronestop. Here you can search for occupations, get a report, and learn more about job demand. You can also see each state's job demand for certain occupations, which makes it easy to see what state's would have more need for students with those specific majors. I'm also a fan of searching for your local state's workforce development system, as well as chamber of commerce sites or LinkedIn to determine what employers are part of that community's economy. Overall, I recommend using lots of job search websites and then going back to your favorites when you start job searching in earnest.
Sheryl Covitt
Adjunct Faculty in the School of EducationLoyola University Chicago
School of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Sheryl Covitt: -Diversity in skills: virtual, hybrid, in-person
-Flexibility with assignments: being able to teach multiple groups/topics in a variety of settings
-Use of technology
What skills stand out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Sheryl Covitt: I make sure that the resumes candidates share with me are clearly and concisely written and make a positive impression quickly, as this is the first document an interviewer will read. The description of each of their school-based experiences should include action words that describe what they did and with whom. Using key words such as progress monitoring, cultural/racial diversity, differentiation, working with families, relationship building, use of technology (this is a big one!), and collaboration will (hopefully) encourage the interviewer to explore that further with the candidate during the interview. I also let them know that resumes should include skills and accomplishments that are relevant to schools' needs. This requires them to do his/her research about the school district prior to submitting a resume to that school and before going in for the interview.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Behavioral Specialists to find work opportunities?
Sheryl Covitt: I can't speak to locations outside the Chicagoland area but I can surmise that in communities around the country, urban, suburban and rural, there is a huge need for teachers especially as there has been a documented increase in the number of teachers retiring due to the pandemic and/or are of Baby Boomer age. Per the literature, there is an increased need for teachers in special education which includes pre-K, inclusion and lo-incidence, English as a Second Language, and specialty areas in both elementary and high school.
In Chicago, the need for teachers is city-wide-not just in the high-need areas. Chicago Public Schools has The Early Offer Program which provides student teaching candidates a chance to interview with a member of the CPS teacher recruitment staff well in advance of the traditional hiring season. If they think the candidate is a good fit, they will extend a guaranteed offer to teach in CPS, and then work with them throughout the spring and summer to meet principals and find a teaching position that is an ideal fit for you. As I understand the caveat with this program, it's that they seek to place candidates in schools in high need areas of the city and this may dissuade candidates from pursuing this option.
There ARE teaching jobs available and some of variables that candidates need to seriously consider before accepting a position are:
-salary
-benefits
-professional development
-supervision/mentoring
-the financial stability of the district and the past trends when balancing budgets
-viability of the content area in terms of district need.
Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and ChairUniversity of the Incarnate Word
Department of Psychology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Specialists?
Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz Ph.D.: No one will forget this pandemic because of the major behavioral changes it has required of us (e.g., masking, washing hands thoroughly and frequently, avoiding crowds, keeping 6-8 ft of distance from others), the tragic loss of life, and the negative effect on the economy. Because of the effect on the economy, many graduates may have some more difficulty than usual in finding employment. However, this may be a good time to pursue graduate studies!
Recent graduates might work in volunteer positions with nonprofits until they can land a good entry-level position. Volunteers can make important new connections, develop new skills, and sometimes even be hired into the organization they're assisting or into a partner organization. There are even opportunities to volunteer to assist organizations "online": Most social service organizations are delivering services through online meetings. We were fortunate to have the internet (something that didn't exist when I was looking for my first job), because it will be an important resource for new graduates. The pandemic will produce a generation of graduates that are more comfortable with speaking and interacting through online meetings.
What type of skills will young Behavioral Specialists need?
Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz Ph.D.: My colleagues and I have noticed that students are not able to communicate as well as previous generations. While many are reading a lot on social media, they are not reading the kind of nonfiction and fiction that will develop their writing and speaking skills. Graduates can be competitive if they have strong reading skills, the capacity to innovate as part of problem solving, if they can speak and communicate effectively, work well with others, and take the initiative to improve their workplace, company product or processes. Manager and administrators want individuals who are enthusiastic about being a team player.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz Ph.D.: A good cover letter! Unfortunately, many applicants forget the importance of submitting a cover letter for the resume and HR usually skims a cover letter to see if the applicant's skills match the skills described in the job advertisement. Use the language of the job description to describe skills you may bring to the work! Beyond this, applicants can impress those hiring with an internship or research assistantship where the student has worked for two or more semesters, with skills in a second language and culture OR being very "fluent" in technology, with a substantial study-abroad experience, and/or some sort of research product (e.g., a poster, a paper accepted to a journal).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Specialists?
Edward Dunbar: Yes. Prior to this pandemic our graduates had little to no training in telehealth (distance-based counseling), and there was a steep learning curve for people who graduated and entered the field prior to the pandemic. For our current students, we have been able to assist them with developing the skills for multiple modes of counseling (telehealth, in person counseling, etc.). Additionally, the increase in mental health issues, addiction issues, domestic violence, and unemployment will affect our graduating students for years. They will need to be well-versed in treating higher acuity issues and helping clients from low SES. The pandemic has also highlighted the social systems and systemic injustice/racism which has made our students look more closely at the role of power/privilege and oppression in addictions and mental health counseling.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Edward Dunbar: Crisis counseling, suicide prevention training, and case management
What type of skills will young Behavioral Specialists need?
Dr. Amy Evans: Graduates in counseling will find experience with telemental health as well as diversity as highly important for counselors entering the field. If an individual does not have specific experience working with those different than them, showing additional training in diversity and multicultural competence shows the desire to learn!
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Dr. Amy Evans: What tends to stand out for applicants is often a variety of experiences. Showing one's experience with both group and individual counseling as well as any crisis intervention work helps to highlight skills the counselor may have developed. Volunteer experience that shows the passion a counselor might have for advocacy is also helpful. Carefully crafted resumes that show one's fit for the particular job is always important!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Andrew Wiley Ph.D.: Before the pandemic, the number of students who needed special education was already on the rise. There is no question that the pandemic will increase that number even further. This pandemic has had a negative impact on the learning and development of millions of kids. Reversing the damage will require an influx of dedicated and skilled specialists on a national scale.
Also, there was an acute shortage of licensed special education teachers before the pandemic. Now, the demand for qualified special educators will be greater than ever before. In addition to offering an incredible range of career opportunities, special education offers a unique opportunity to make a tremendous difference for children and their families. This is true now more than ever before.
What skills stand out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Dr. Andrew Wiley Ph.D.: Graduates from the special education program at Kent State demonstrate adaptive expertise. The "expertise" is in specially designed instruction and interventions in academics, life skills, social skills, communication - whatever the special educational needs of students with disabilities may be. The "adaptive" refers to the ability to collaborate with other professionals to solve problems. What stands out on resumes is expert training in both research-based special education practices and the ability to function within a team. Kent State's special education program provides both.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Behavioral Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Andrew Wiley Ph.D.: There is a demand for fully credentialled special educators in every part of the country. The demand is highest in both rural and urban areas, but suburban districts also need special educators. Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are all good places for a career in special education because of the particularly high salary compared to cost of living. But again, there are many special education careers to choose from anywhere in the United States. The demand continues to grow.
What skills stand out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Michael Kiener Ph.D.: Regardless if you are counseling in person or virtually effective professionals will need to develop empathetic therapeutic relationships with their clients. Rehabilitation counselors that have experience working with post-traumatic stress and other forms of trauma will be highly valuable. The increased use of working remotely will require individuals to develop new technology skills and rehabilitation counselors who can work independently will be successful. Finally, volunteering, participation in professional organizations, and internships will help make individuals stand out when applying for jobs.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Behavioral Specialists to find work opportunities?
Michael Kiener Ph.D.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there is a need for over 12,000 more rehabilitation counselors nationwide and the growth in the profession is faster than the average of all occupations. The pandemic will only add to this demand. Rehabilitation counselors have the unique scope of practice to provide both mental health and vocational counseling. Areas of the country that experienced high unemployment rates could benefit from rehabilitation counselors helping displaced workers find new employment or transition to new careers. Moreover, rehabilitation counselors could provide mental health counseling to front line workers who have been managing the pandemic since March.
Daniel Hall Ph.D.
Program Director, Assistant Professor of Counselor EducationUniversity of Lynchburg
College of Education, Leadership Studies, & Counseling
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Specialists?
Daniel Hall Ph.D.: I do believe there will be an enduring impact from the coronavirus - not just on graduates, but on the mental health profession. Graduates will have personal experience with many of the stressors that might bring clients in for counseling services. So, it is my hope that all practitioners moving forward will have increased empathy and understanding that will contribute to their efficacy with clients across a spectrum of concerns.
As a profession, mental health counselors will need to be sure that they have engaged in appropriate self-care to mitigate any of the psychological effects of the pandemic they may be experiencing themselves. And, finally, there has been a huge expansion in the teletronic delivery of mental health services during Covid times. Even as face-to-face counseling becomes more widely available and returns as a viable and available option, electronic services have earned an acceptance that did not exist prior to the pandemic, and that delivery model will continue to be far more prevalent than it was before.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Daniel Hall Ph.D.: Specificity is an essential highlight that stands out on a resume - particularly as it relates to experience in the field. That means enough detail to clearly articulate professional skills. So, for example, not just a mention of facilitating small groups, but rather the topic of the group, the theoretical approach, etc. And, perhaps more importantly, outcomes. Applicants will really stand out if they can reference engagement in evidence-based best practices and then have data that demonstrates the success they have had in application and facilitation of those practices.
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.
Professor of Counselor Education and the Director of the Center for Family StudiesUniversity of Lynchburg
College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling
What type of skills will young Behavioral Specialists need?
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.: As I just mentioned, counselors will now be expected to have skills specific to online delivery of services. The ethical challenge will be that this skill set should be founded upon solid, professional training in teletherapy, not just offering services without related pedagogy, experience, and supervision. Also, because counseling practice will have undergone this "sea change" everyone in the profession will need increased measures of two qualities that were always inherent in the professional practice: flexibility and the ability to cooperate and collaborate both within an agency and across a service community.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.: Specificity is an essential highlight that stands out on a resume - particularly as it relates to experience in the field. That means enough detail to clearly articulate professional skills. So, for example, not just a mention of facilitating small groups, but rather the topic of the group, the theoretical approach, etc. And, perhaps more importantly, outcomes. Applicants will really stand out if they can reference engagement in evidence-based best practices and then have data that demonstrates the success they have had in application and facilitation of those practices.
Kim Jones Ph.D.
Professor, Chair of Clinical ConcentrationUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock
School of Social Work
What skills stand out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Kim Jones Ph.D.: The necessary skills for today's market include the ability to implement evidence-informed mental health approaches, the ability to display empathy, knowledge of crisis intervention models, organizational skills, good work ethic, both verbal and written communication skills, cultural competence, and the ability to adapt to changing technology.
Jamie Brown Ph.D.
ProfessorEast Tennessee State University
Department of Counseling and Human Services
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Specialists?
Jamie Brown Ph.D.: We know that many of our graduates are drawn to the field of Human Services due to the issues they have faced in their own lives. We have seen an uptick in students sharing the fact they have struggled with Adverse Childhood Experiences during our remote teaching and advising. We need to be aware of Trauma-Informed teaching and outreach as a program and as a university.
What type of skills will young Behavioral Specialists need?
Jamie Brown Ph.D.: Students need training in Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma-Informed Care, Active and Compassionate Listening, and the abilities to support and advocate for people that do not share your life experience and perspective.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Jamie Brown Ph.D.: Community involvement and activism can set a potential candidate apart from other applicants.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Julie Alonzo Ph.D.: With so much uncertainty about the future, many school districts and institutes of higher education imposed hiring freezes in the spring of 2020 and started the 2020-2021 academic year without the influx of new hires that we would typically see at the start of a new school year. The approval of vaccines with demonstrated efficacy against COVID-19 should, hopefully, prompt a return to a more normal job market in the coming spring. The job market will likely be quite competitive, with new graduates vying for open positions with those who were not offered positions in education last spring.
Given the challenges that schools have faced during the pandemic, I believe we will see an increasing need for culturally-competent, highly-skilled educators who can think critically and allocate limited resources creatively. Schools across the country are likely to struggle with budget shortfalls, as high unemployment rates reduce states' tax bases and as other high-priority needs compete for the limited money available. Thus, finding jobs might be more challenging than in the past.
In terms of the skills that will be needed to be competitive in the job market, the pandemic and resulting move to remote instruction for many in education will increase the demand for educators with expertise in developing literacy and numeracy, particularly in the early grades (K-5). Those with an understanding of how to use student performance data to screen for students at risk, to identify their areas of need, to provide instructional supports to meet those needs, and to monitor the progress being made so that instruction can be adjusted on a regular basis will be in high demand.
In addition, disparities in access to educational technology and the resulting disproportionality in "learning loss" as a result of the move to remote instruction for students from different demographic backgrounds will increase the demand for educators who have experience working with students from low-income families and those experiencing homelessness, as well as demand for educators who have demonstrated their ability to work effectively with students from different ethnicities.
With the continued focus on increasing the diversity of the educator workforce to better match demographics in the United States, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Southeast Asian educators will continue to be in high demand.
What Behavioral Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Julie Alonzo Ph.D.: Cultural competency, knowledge of social emotional learning, and familiarity with the tenets of Response to Intervention (RTI) are all skills that will help enhance educators' competitiveness. If a graduate needs to take a gap year, there are many ways to ensure that they continue to develop these skills. They might serve as a mentor to an at-risk student (many schools have active mentor programs), teach in an after-school tutoring program (these can be set up for remote or in-person instruction), or work on improving their knowledge of the different languages spoken by families in the community where they are hoping to work. Enhancing one's knowledge of anti-racism teaching practices will help make a graduate more effective as an educator as well as more competitive in the job market.
What general advice would you give to a Behavioral Specialist?
Dr. Julie Alonzo Ph.D.: Most of the students in our Educational Leadership program at the University of Oregon are full-time educators already, and they enter our program to enhance their expertise and earn a doctorate while continuing to teach or work in school administration. For these students, graduation often provides the opportunity to take on new leadership responsibilities in their schools or districts. The advice I give to them is to remain in contact with their colleagues from the program, to remain actively engaged in learning and supporting one another, and to seek ways to support others in their schools and districts who demonstrate an interest in developing their leadership skills.
For people graduating with degrees in Educational Leadership who are just starting their careers in education, I advise taking the time to think critically about new initiatives that come their way and to seek input from experienced educators about the viability of ideas before they rush to adopt or promote them. Sometimes an idea might be appealing on paper yet be fraught with challenges in terms of implementation.
As educational leaders, it is important to be able to understand both the strengths and the limitations of the research based on which "evidence-based practices" are promoted.
Dr. Thomas Uhle
Teacher Education ProgramMiami Dade College
School of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Thomas Uhle: From an educational perspective, many schools are in desperate need of teachers, especially those trained to work with students with exceptionalities and with English-language learners. In Spring 2020, the stress of a seemingly instant system-wide school shutdown was more than many teachers could bear. Some who were on the brink of retirement decided to end their careers earlier than planned rather than to endure the new, somewhat chaotic, entirely remote workplace they were in.
Moving forward, the job market will favor teachers who show that they are flexible, adaptable, and competent to work from several platforms, face-to-face and remote. One thing we have learned during this pandemic is that many services can be provided using technology, so the job market could reflect this as well. For children with disabilities, some supplemental services such as counseling and behavioral therapy could still be offered, uninterrupted, when classroom instruction has gone remote. The job description for teachers and service providers will change to reflect the necessity to be flexible.
What skills stand out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Dr. Thomas Uhle: An outstanding resume would show evidence of ongoing professional development and membership in professional organizations. It is important that teachers remain current on topics such as educational technology, exceptional student education, and educational neuroscience. Additionally, having certifications and qualifications in multiple areas is beneficial. In the Exceptional Student Education K-12 Bachelor's Program at Miami Dade College, for example, our graduates exit our program having passed their State Professional Exam, their ESE K-12 State Certification, a Reading endorsement, and a TESOL endorsement. They attend professional development programs and are encouraged to join professional organizations during their program. A resume that shows that level of experience in the field looks quite impressive, even for a recent graduate.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Behavioral Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Thomas Uhle: Especially due to the pandemic, there is a teacher shortage in many areas of the country. Work opportunities are available for qualified graduates. At Miami Dade College, we work very closely with Miami Dade County Public Schools to ensure that our graduates are able to secure a position upon graduation. Larger cities tend to have larger school districts and therefore a wider range of positions available. Having a background in Exceptional Student Education should increase the likelihood of finding a job no matter where the graduate wants to go.
What general advice would you give to a Behavioral Specialist?
Chris Noone: The need for dedicated, compassionate social work and mental health professionals has never been greater. There is a significant increase in mental health problems worldwide, including PTSD, due to the pandemic. Social work and mental health staff have stepped up and are making a difference with sophisticated, evidence-based approaches, such as providing trauma-informed care. They quickly adapted to doing virtual teletherapy sessions and outdoor/walking visits with social distancing. The good news is they have more tools available in their toolkits, such as apps they can use with clients to help coach: meditation, breathing exercises, goal visualization, etc. Their work is more than essential right now and in the long-term.
Lynette Bartucci
Lynette Bartucci, M.S., CRC, APCC#7835 Clinics Director / Adjunct FacultyCalifornia State University - Fresno
Clinical Rehab Mental Health Counseling Program: CSU, Fresno Foundation- Ticket to Work Employment Network
What general advice would you give to a Behavioral Specialist?
Lynette Bartucci: General advice includes keeping an open mind and open options for a secondary career change, if needed. At one point, everyone believed that the medical profession was a secure employment field to be in. If this pandemic continues, will we continue to see the trend for medical work? Always seek a job you are passionate about and have something secondary on the side that you also thoroughly enjoy.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Specialist resumes?
Dr. Robin Walters: In our field, several things stand out for social workers - first of all, it is essential to have volunteer experience. This indicates that you are willing to go above and beyond in your service to others. This is the hallmark of our profession, and we all are motivated to do this without reward and recognition. Field experience is also essential - our program here requires over 500 hours of field experience during a student's four years with us. This is far beyond our accrediting body needs; however, we see great value in having this as a goal. They have to experience two different placement types; this allows them to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. All of this adds to the value of their degree at the University of Findlay and prepares them for what is beyond the general expectation to have experience going into the field.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Specialists?
Dr. Robin Walters: The graduates have had to learn how to adapt and grow in an environment that has been very unsure and uncomfortable. One of the positives of this is that we have had to model flexibility and a positive outlook, it has been challenging, yet we have had to adjust to survive. These are relatable and transferable skills that are required in the workforce, particularly in the field of social work. One of the difficulties has been learning to be more self-sufficient, ask for help when they are struggling, and in general, trying to balance school in this new environment - again, all of this will be beneficial to them as they move into the professional realm of things.
What type of skills will young Behavioral Specialists need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.