Behavior Specialist vs. Behavior Analyst: What Are the Differences?

A career in behavior analysis can be both challenging and rewarding. Two common positions in this field are that of a behavior specialist and a behavior analyst. Though these roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a behavior specialist and a behavior analyst, and we provide additional information about working in behavior analysis.

What is a Behavior Specialist?

A Behavior Specialist is a professional who helps people change their behavior. They work with individuals, families, groups, and organizations to help them understand why they behave the way they do and to develop new, more effective ways of behaving. Behavior Specialists use a variety of techniques, including counseling, coaching, and training, to help their clients reach their goals. They may also provide educational workshops and seminars.

What is a Behavior Analyst?

A Behavior Analyst is a professional who applies the science of behavior to help people change their behavior. Behavior Analysts work with individuals, families, and organizations to help them understand and change problem behaviors. They use a variety of techniques, including positive reinforcement, to help people learn new, more effective ways of behaving. Behavior Analysts also conduct research to increase our understanding of behavior and to develop new and more effective ways of changing behavior.

Behavior Specialist vs. Behavior Analyst

Here are the main differences between a behavior specialist and a behavior analyst.

Job Duties

Behavior specialists fulfill a more direct and immediate role in helping individuals function within society. They often work with children who have developmental disabilities or are experiencing emotional issues that affect their behavior. Behavior specialists may develop treatment plans for these individuals, which can include behavioral goals, and then implement those plans by instructing the individual on how to behave appropriately.

In contrast, behavior analysts typically work within educational settings, such as schools, to help improve the overall effectiveness of learning environments. These professionals may assess a school’s student population to determine if there is a widespread behavioral issue among students or if certain individuals need additional support to succeed. Behavior analysts can also assist with creating new policies and procedures related to behavior management.

Job Requirements

Behavior specialists and behavior analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or another related field. However, some entry-level positions may only require an associate degree. To become a certified behavior analyst, professionals must have a graduate degree and pass the Behavior Analyst Certification (BCBA) exam from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). They can maintain their certification by updating their status every two years and paying board fees.

Work Environment

Behavior analysts typically work in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or mental health facility. They may also work for private companies that provide services to individuals with disabilities. Behavior analysts often spend their days working alone and observing the behavior of patients or clients. This can be emotionally taxing because they’re often exposed to people who are experiencing emotional distress or behavioral issues.

Behavior specialists usually work in schools, hospitals or other public institutions. They may also work for government agencies or non-profit organizations. The environment is more social than that of a behavior analyst, but it’s still important for them to maintain professional boundaries with students, patients or clients.

Skills

Both behavior specialists and behavior analysts use their observational skills to assess an individual’s problem behaviors. They also use these skills to develop a hypothesis about the function of the behavior and design an intervention plan.

Behavior specialists typically work with individuals who have developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder. They use their knowledge of human development and psychology to understand why an individual is engaging in problem behavior and to design an intervention that will address the root cause of the behavior. Behavior analysts often work with individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. In addition to using their knowledge of human development and psychology, they also use their knowledge of learning theory to understand why an individual is engaging in problem behavior and to design an intervention that will address the root cause of the behavior.

Both behavior specialists and behavior analysts use data collection and analysis skills to track the progress of the individual they are working with. They use this information to make modifications to the intervention plan as needed. Both behavior specialists and behavior analysts need to be able to effectively communicate with the individuals they are working with, as well as their families and other professionals on the individual’s treatment team.

Salary

Behavior specialists earn an average salary of $53,119 per year, while behavior analysts earn an average salary of $71,614 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the state in which you work, the size of the company you work for and your level of experience.