Positive Behavior Support
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a person-centered approach used to help people with disabilities or behavioral challenges. Instead of focusing on punishment, it looks at why challenging behaviors happen and creates supportive solutions. Think of it like being a detective who finds out what triggers difficult behaviors, then working with the person and their support network to create better ways to handle situations. It's similar to person-centered planning or applied behavior analysis, but with more emphasis on respect, dignity, and understanding the whole person's needs.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Positive Behavior Support strategies for 12 clients, resulting in 60% reduction in challenging behaviors
Trained staff members in PBS techniques and crisis prevention
Developed individualized Positive Behavioral Support plans for adults with intellectual disabilities
Led Positive Behavior Support assessments and created support strategies for residential care facilities
Typical job title: "Behavior Support Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Behavior Support Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and implement a PBS program across multiple sites?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in program development, staff training, creating consistent documentation systems, measuring outcomes, and adapting strategies based on data. Should emphasize importance of stakeholder engagement and maintaining quality across locations.
Q: Describe a challenging case where PBS wasn't initially successful and how you modified the approach.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, flexibility in approach, and how they use data and observation to modify strategies. Should show understanding of complex cases and ability to lead teams through challenges.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you conduct a functional behavior assessment?
Expected Answer: Should explain process of observing behavior patterns, gathering information from caregivers, identifying triggers, and documenting frequency and intensity of behaviors. Should mention importance of involving all stakeholders.
Q: What strategies do you use to ensure family/caregiver buy-in for PBS plans?
Expected Answer: Should discuss communication techniques, training methods, involving families in planning, and making plans practical for home implementation. Should emphasize importance of regular feedback and support.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the key principles of Positive Behavior Support?
Expected Answer: Should mention person-centered approach, focus on understanding behavior causes, teaching new skills, and creating supportive environments. Should demonstrate basic understanding of positive reinforcement.
Q: How do you document behavioral incidents and progress?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic documentation methods, including recording frequency, duration, and intensity of behaviors, noting triggers, and tracking intervention effectiveness. Should understand importance of accurate record-keeping.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic behavior documentation
- Implementation of existing support plans
- Direct support work
- Basic crisis prevention techniques
Mid (2-5 years)
- Functional behavior assessments
- Development of support plans
- Staff training
- Family/caregiver coaching
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and oversight
- Complex case management
- Quality assurance monitoring
- Team leadership and supervision
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience working with people with disabilities
- Focuses only on punishment or consequences
- Lack of documentation experience
- No knowledge of disability rights or person-centered approaches
- Unable to describe de-escalation techniques
Related Terms
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