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Behavior Management Jobs

Behavior management jobs are some of the most complex, but most rewarding jobs in the fields of mental health or the educational system. Practitioners attempt to mold undesirable behaviors into those that are more acceptable within society. They do this by teaching various behavior management techniques. Behavior molding can be accomplished with or without the aid of psychotropic medications depending on the child's diagnosis.

  1. Information Gathering

    • Interview the child's parents to gather as much information about the child as possible. What are her bad behavior triggers? Is her unacceptable behavior the same across all environments? The interview process is the first step in forming a general picture of the child's lifestyle. There may be problems in the home, at school, such as bullying, or mental health issues that need to be addressed. The primary goal of a behavioral management job is to gather information in order to develop a treatment plan.

    Individualized Program

    • Develop an individual program that addresses the needs of that particular child. Behavior management jobs recognize that there is not a one-size-fits-all method of addressing behavioral issues. This can be as simple as setting one goal a month and finding a way to work toward that goal. The purpose is to help youngsters make positive choices in lieu of present decisions that are destructive.

    Release of Information

    • Obtain a release of information from educators and other professionals that work with the child on a regular basis. It is important to work together with those who have a significant influence in the child's life. The release of information allows all parties to be on the same page when it comes to the child's care, and protects the rights of those involved in the child's behavioral action plan.

    Developing Rapport

    • Develop rapport with the child in order to obtain a broader picture of his behavioral triggers. Ask questions and engage him in age-appropriate games to assist in developing trust. Practitioners often share information about themselves in the hopes that the child feels comfortable doing the same. Behavior management jobs require workers to develop an emotional connection, and easily engage with younger children and teenagers.

    Reward Systems

    • Create a behavioral reward system with the help of the parents and the child. The reward method encourages desired behaviors, while at the same time it seeks to extinguish undesirable behaviors. Punishment tends to cause behavioral deterioration and slows the growth process, and may even cause the child to revert to old behaviors. By rewarding only desirable behaviors, the old undesirable behaviors eventually fade away and are extinguished. Behavior management jobs teach lifelong adaptive skills to children and teenagers who might otherwise have difficulty living in society as adults. Not only are these jobs necessary for society, but they are highly rewarding careers for those who choose them.

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